Travel

Do I need a visa for Ukraine?

Published 29 October 2026 · facts checked against the primary sources on 2026-10-29 · Ukraine For ALL, Kyiv

The answer depends on the passport you travel on, so the first step is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs table of entry regimes by nationality. Holders of refugee travel documents and stateless persons always need a visa. The visa itself is governed by the Rules for issuing visas, approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 118 of 1 March 2017.

Which passports enter Ukraine without a visa?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs table gives the regime for ordinary passports. A selection:

The visa-free regime covers private and tourist trips. The Ministry notes that study, work and other activity usually require an appropriate visa, and a stay over 90 days needs a type D visa.

Who needs a visa, and who can use the e-Visa?

The e-Visa is a single or double entry visa for up to 30 days, for business, private visits, tourism, medical treatment, culture, science, education and sport, or foreign media work (Resolution No. 118, para. 33). It is filed on evisa.mfa.gov.ua. The Ministry asks for a photo, the passport, a health insurance policy with EUR 30,000 cover, proof of funds and a document showing the purpose of the visit. Processing takes three working days, or one working day for urgent processing at double the fee (Resolution No. 118, paras. 35–36).

Which visa type fits your trip?

A type D visa is the start of the residence route. It needs a document behind it, such as a work permit, an immigration permit, an invitation to study or proof of marriage to a Ukrainian citizen, and the residence permit itself comes later from the State Migration Service.

What does a visa application need?

Paragraph 5 of the Rules lists the common set for B, C and D visas:

1. A passport valid for at least three months after the planned departure from Ukraine, with at least two blank pages, issued no more than 10 years ago.
2. The completed and signed application form, registered online at visa.mfa.gov.ua.
3. One colour photo, 35 × 45 mm.
4. Biometric data: fingerprints of all ten fingers and a facial image. Children under 12, holders of diplomatic or service passports and humanitarian cases may be exempt.
5. A valid medical insurance policy with cover of at least EUR 30,000.
6. Proof of sufficient funds for the stay and the return, under CMU Resolution No. 884.
7. Proof that the consular fee has been paid.

For a C visa, add a document showing the purpose: an invitation from a Ukrainian company on its letterhead with its registry number, a notarised invitation from a Ukrainian citizen or resident foreigner, a tour programme with bookings, a hospital invitation, or proof of being the spouse, parent or child of a Ukrainian citizen (para. 7). Applications go to the embassy or visa centre no earlier than three months before the trip (para. 8-1).

How long does it take, and what does it cost?

Some nationalities pay a different fee on the reciprocity principle, and children under six pay nothing (paras. 26–27). The fee is kept if the visa is refused (para. 31). The Rules also allow visas at the border in narrow cases such as urgent medical treatment or a close relative's funeral (para. 20). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs runs those visa desks at Boryspil and Odesa airports, and Ukrainian airspace is closed.

Why are visas refused, and can you appeal?

The common grounds in paragraph 28 of the Rules and Article 11 of Law No. 3773-VI are a false or forged document, missing medical insurance, no proof of sufficient funds, no evidence of the purpose of the trip, doubts that the applicant will leave before the visa expires, a refusal to give biometric data, and a record in the database of persons barred from entry. An appeal letter goes to the same embassy or consulate within 60 working days of the refusal, and the second review takes up to 10 working days (para. 30). A second refusal cannot be appealed again by letter.

Where people get stuck

1. Using the visa-free regime for work. Visa-free entry is for private and tourist trips. Employment needs a work permit and a type D visa.
2. A passport that expires too soon. For a visa it must stay valid three months beyond the departure date.
3. Booking travel before the e-Visa arrives. Processing takes three working days, and the e-Visa covers up to 30 days.
4. Counting on a visa at the airport. Airport visa counters handle emergencies only, and Ukrainian airspace is closed.
5. An invitation without the details the consulate needs. A company letter must carry its registry number, date, signature and the guest's passport data.

FAQ

Do US citizens need a visa for Ukraine?

US citizens enter Ukraine without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. A longer stay, or work or study, needs a type D visa obtained before travel.

Can I get a Ukrainian e-Visa?

The e-Visa is open to about 45 nationalities, including India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Mexico, which are marked "visa, including e-Visa" in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs table. It costs USD 20 for a single entry and is processed in three working days.

Do Pakistani and Bangladeshi citizens need a visa for Ukraine?

Yes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs table marks both as visa countries without the e-Visa option, so the application goes to a Ukrainian embassy, consulate or visa centre with the documents listed above.

How much is a Ukrainian visa?

The basic consular fee is USD 65 at an embassy or consulate, doubled for urgent processing. The e-Visa costs USD 20 for a single entry and USD 30 for a double entry.

Can I convert a tourist visa into residence in Ukraine?

A residence permit starts with a type D visa issued on a ground such as work, study or family, and the permit itself is issued by the State Migration Service. Short-term C visas and visa-free entry give only up to 90 days in 180.