U.S. citizens need a Ukraine visa if they intend to stay over 90 days and the reason for their visit is for private travel, business or tourism. Anyone who is planning to work, study or establish permanent residency must also apply for a visa, regardless of the length of stay. Also, don't put off applying for a visa to Ukraine until the day you arrive. The Ukraine government does not issue visas at ports of entry or borders.
Ukraine is a country in the midst of turbulent economic and political change as it transitions from being a part of the Soviet Union to a free market. This turbulence also applies to tourism. When you visit Ukraine, you will notice that not all parts of the country have tourist services. The U.S. Department of State also recommends all U.S. citizens register with the U.S. Embassy or the consulate on the Department of State website in order to receive updates regarding security and travel issues.
You'll need a passport good for at least 6 months from the date you arrive, with at least one blank page. You must complete a visa application, which you can download from the Embassy of Ukraine web site. Have a new passport photograph taken as you'll be required to submit one with your application. U.S. citizens must show proof of medical coverage when they travel to Ukraine. Tourist visa applications also require a letter of invitation from either an American or Ukrainian tourist agency or a reservation confirmation from the hotel where you'll be staying.
You can submit your application in person at the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington DC or any of the Consulate General of Ukraine offices located throughout the U.S. Each of these offices service a area of states in the U.S. They are located in New York NY, San Francisco CA and Chicago IL. These offices accept visa applications between 9:00am to 12:00pm weekdays.
You may also mail in your visa application by Express Mail to a consular office. Be sure to include a prepaid, self-addressed envelope. Processing time itself is relatively short but the Embassy of Ukraine advises to visitors to start the application process at least a month before their planned date of departure.
Visa fees must be paid via money order made out to the Embassy of Ukraine. Cash or credit cards are not accepted. The application fee is currently $131 for nine business-day processing.
Get a visa for Ukraine the quick and easy way.
When you receive your visa, check the date carefully. The U.S. Department of State notes that many Americans aren't aware that Ukraine displays dates as day-month-year instead of month-day-year. If you arrive before the start day of your visa, you will not be allowed to enter the country.
A Ukraine visa is a valuable document for those who plan to spend several months exploring this dynamic and colorful country.
Visit often to learn more information from our updated Ukraine Visa.
