ukraine visa guide

Editorial Team | 2026-02-14

Comprehensive Guide to Ukraine Visa Requirements 2025-2026

Navigating the legal requirements for entering Ukraine requires a clear understanding of current immigration laws, especially as the country maintains specific security protocols through 2025 and 2026. While Ukraine remains open to foreign visitors, the intersection of visa regulations and martial law necessitates thorough preparation. This guide outlines the essential procedures for obtaining entry permits, understanding visa-free regimes, and meeting mandatory insurance obligations.

Entry Status and General Regulations

Ukraine's border remains functional for land travel via neighboring European Union countries and Moldova. Airspace remains closed to civilian flights, meaning all visitors enter through land checkpoints. Foreigners must possess a valid passport, a valid visa (unless a visa-free regime applies), proof of financial sufficiency, and a compliant insurance policy. For detailed updates on the current landscape, visitors should consult the Ukraine visa guide provided by Innovative Insurance Capital Ukraine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the State Border Guard Service are the primary authorities governing entry. Despite the ongoing conflict, the visa issuance process is standardized, though processing times can vary based on the applicant's country of origin and the specific consulate's workload.

Visa-Free Entry Regimes

Ukraine maintains visa-free agreements with numerous countries, allowing citizens to enter for short-term stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). This regime typically applies to tourism, business meetings, or private visits.

Eligible Countries for Visa-Free Entry

European Union: Citizens of all EU member states, including Germany, Poland, and France, enjoy visa-free access.
North America: Citizens of the United States and Canada.
United Kingdom: Citizens of the United Kingdom benefit from reciprocal visa-free arrangements.
Other Regions: Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and several South American nations.

The 90/180 rule is strictly enforced. Foreigners must track their stay duration to avoid fines or entry bans upon departure. If a stay exceeds 90 days, a temporary residence permit or a long-term visa is required.

Types of Ukrainian Visas

For individuals not covered by visa-free agreements, or those planning stays exceeding the 90-day limit, the MFA issues three primary visa categories.

Transit Visa (Type B)

Type B visas are issued for transit through Ukraine to a third country. The maximum period for each transit is five days. Applicants must provide evidence of their onward journey, such as tickets or a visa for the destination country.

Short-Term Visa (Type C)

The Type C visa is the most common permit for visitors from countries without visa-free agreements. It allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Common purposes include:

Tourism and leisure.
Business trips and negotiations.
Private invitations from Ukrainian citizens.
Medical treatment.
Media assignments.

Long-Term Visa (Type D)

Type D visas are mandatory for foreigners intending to apply for a temporary residence permit. This visa allows entry for a stay exceeding 90 days. It is typically granted for:

Employment or work permits.
Study and enrollment in higher education institutions.
Family reunification (marriage to a Ukrainian citizen).
Work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or branches of foreign companies.

The Ukraine e-Visa System

The e-Visa is a streamlined digital permit available to citizens of 52 specific countries. It covers purposes such as business, tourism, private visits, medical treatment, and cultural/scientific activities. The e-Visa process is entirely online, eliminating the need to visit a consulate.

Advantages of the e-Visa

Accessibility: Documents are uploaded via a dedicated MFA web portal.
Speed: Standard processing usually takes 1 to 3 business days.
Convenience: The visa is sent as a PDF via email, which the traveler prints and presents at the border.

Applicants must provide a digital photo, a copy of their passport, proof of health insurance, and evidence of financial means. The e-Visa is generally issued for single or double entry with a 30-day validity period.

Mandatory Insurance Requirements for 2025-2026

Under Ukrainian law, specifically the Law on Tourism and the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers, every foreign visitor must hold a valid health insurance policy. For the 2025-2026 period, this requirement has become more stringent due to the security situation.

Minimum Coverage Standards

The policy must be issued by an insurance company registered in Ukraine or a foreign insurer with a representative office/partnership in Ukraine. The minimum coverage amount is typically €30,000. The policy must cover:

Emergency medical assistance.
Inpatient and outpatient treatment.
Repatriation of remains.

War Risk Coverage

Standard travel insurance policies from international providers often contain "war exclusion" clauses, rendering them invalid in Ukraine. To ensure entry and personal safety, visitors are advised to obtain specialized insurance that includes war risk coverage. Innovative Insurance Capital Ukraine provides policies that specifically address these risks, ensuring compliance with border guard requirements and providing actual medical protection in the current environment.

Financial Sufficiency Requirements

Foreigners entering Ukraine must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover their stay and return journey. Border guards may request proof of these funds at the point of entry.

Calculation Formula

The required amount is calculated based on the subsistence level established by the Ukrainian government. As of 2025, the formula generally requires visitors to have 20 times the monthly subsistence level, divided by 30, then multiplied by the number of days of stay plus five additional days. In practical terms, this often equates to approximately $400-$600 for a short stay, though the exact figure fluctuates with economic adjustments.

Acceptable Proof of Funds

Cash in Ukrainian Hryvnia or major convertible currencies (USD, EUR).
Bank statements showing sufficient balances.
Credit cards with recent transaction history.
A notarized letter of guarantee from a host in Ukraine.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

For those requiring a traditional sticker visa (Type C or D), the process follows a specific sequence through the Ukrainian diplomatic mission or an authorized Visa Processing Center (VFS Global).

1. Online Registration

All applicants must register their application on the MFA website. This portal generates a visa application form that must be printed and signed.

2. Document Preparation

The standard document package includes:

A passport valid for at least three months after the intended departure from Ukraine, with at least two blank pages.
The printed and signed application form.
One passport-sized photograph (35x45 mm).
Proof of health insurance (compliant with Ukrainian standards).
Proof of financial means.
Receipt for the payment of the consular fee.
Supporting documents (invitation letter, work permit, or enrollment letter).

3. Consular Fees

The standard consular fee for a Ukrainian visa is $65. Expedited processing doubles this fee. Fees may vary based on reciprocal agreements between Ukraine and the applicant's home country.

Entry Procedures Under Martial Law

Entering Ukraine in 2025 and 2026 involves security measures that were not present in previous years. Foreigners should be prepared for more detailed questioning at the border.

Security Interviews

Border officials may ask about the purpose of the visit, the planned itinerary, and contacts within Ukraine. It is essential to provide consistent and honest answers. Having printed copies of hotel bookings or invitations is highly recommended.

Prohibited Items and Zones

Travelers must adhere to strict customs regulations regarding the import of drones, thermal imaging equipment, and certain types of radio electronics, which may be restricted under martial law. Additionally, certain regions near the front lines or borders with Russia and Belarus are restricted zones. Foreigners should avoid these areas unless they have specific military or government authorization.

Extending a Stay in Ukraine

If a foreigner needs to extend their stay beyond the limits of their visa or visa-free period, they must apply to the State Migration Service (SMS). Extensions are only granted under specific circumstances, such as:

Force majeure (illness or inability to travel).
The need to finalize a residence permit application.
Representing a foreign media outlet or humanitarian mission.

Applications for extension must be submitted no later than three business days before the current stay expires. Failure to do so results in "overstay" status, which carries financial penalties and potential deportation.

Summary for International Travelers

Ukraine remains accessible for legitimate travel, business, and humanitarian efforts. However, the regulatory environment in 2025-2026 requires meticulous attention to detail. Ensuring you have the correct visa category, verified financial proof, and a specialized insurance policy is the foundation of a successful trip. For a complete breakdown of documentation for specific nationalities, refer to the Ukraine visa guide to ensure your entry is compliant with the latest legislative updates.

By coordinating with professional insurance providers and adhering to the guidelines set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visitors can navigate the entry process efficiently and focus on their objectives within the country.