How to Enter Ukraine in 2024: Guidelines for Foreigners During Wartime

In 2022, Ukraine implemented a legal regime of martial law. This has raised questions among many foreigners about the current conditions for entering Ukraine and the necessary documents. In this article, we will cover the key aspects of the entry procedure, including the required documents, the visa application process, potential reasons for entry denial, and tips for ensuring personal safety while in the country.

With over 15 years of successful experience, we have gained extensive expertise in migration law. We know how to provide accurate answers to all your questions and act effectively in each unique case. Our qualified lawyers are ready to provide professional consultations and a personalized approach to each client.

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What documents are needed to enter Ukraine during wartime?

The foremost consideration is identifying the documents that facilitate the smooth entry of foreigners into Ukraine.

1.      Possession of a valid passport. It's important that the passport remains valid for the entire duration of your stay in Ukraine. If your passport has less than 3 months of validity remaining and you plan to visit Ukraine during this period, it's advisable to obtain a new passport from your country to avoid potential issues upon entry and exit. Note that citizens of Turkey and Georgia have exceptions and may enter Ukraine with an internal passport (ID card).

2.      Foreigners shall possess an entry visa. It's worth noting that not all foreigners are required to obtain one. Some countries have a visa-free regime, allowing entry for up to 90 days within a 180-day period (primarily European countries), while others have a visa-free regime, allowing entry for up to 30 days within a 60-day period (for example, Bosnia and Herzegovina). However, citizens of most countries must acquire a visa from a Ukrainian consulate before entering Ukraine.

3.      Confirmation of the intended purpose of the planned stay. To substantiate the purpose of travel, individuals may use documents confirming their intentions for tourism, education, internships, employment, or medical treatment. It is also advisable to provide evidence of return to one's home country or onward travel to another country, along with confirmation of accommodation booking in Ukraine.

4.      At the border, authorities are entitled to verify whether you have enough financial means to cover your intended stay in Ukraine. Therefore, we recommend having a recent bank statement or the required amount in cash. The necessary financial support depends on the duration of your stay and is calculated based on the current dollar exchange rate. If you find it challenging to determine this on your own, our lawyers can assist you during the consultation.

When it comes to documents required for entry into Ukraine, certain countries have specific provisions due to Ukraine's participation in international agreements. Recently, a citizen of Georgia approached us, intending to visit Ukraine for work purposes for a few days, and was curious about the entry process. We promptly informed him about the peculiarities applicable to Georgian citizens. They are allowed to cross the Ukrainian border using their ID card, which serves as a substitute for a passport. However, this does not preclude entry with a passport.

Additionally, there is a visa-free regime between Ukraine and Georgia, granting Georgians the right to enter Ukraine without a visa. However, this applies only to cases where the purpose of travel is tourism, visiting relatives, or other short-term trips. If a Georgian citizen intends to work in a Ukrainian company or study in Ukraine, they do not require a long-term D-type visa for these purposes. Nevertheless, considering the situation in Ukraine, it was necessary to compile a list of documents to present at the border for seamless passage:

• Confirmation of the purpose of travel, such as a properly issued invitation.
• Proof of financial means.
• Medical insurance policy.

This was provided by our team of professionals.

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Documents for Entry into Ukraine: Visa

For citizens of most countries worldwide (excluding EU member states, the USA, Canada, and others), a visa (type C) is required even for short-term stays in Ukraine. To obtain this visa, one must assemble the necessary documents and submit them to the Ukrainian consulate in the foreigner's country of residence. However, for long-term stays, such as obtaining residency documents (temporary residence permit), a type D visa (long-term) is necessary. There are exceptions to this rule; for example, citizens of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Uzbekistan, and several others do not require a type D visa.

One of our recent clients was a citizen of the USA who intended to work for a Ukrainian public organization and, based on this, obtain a temporary residence permit in Ukraine. After receiving approval for employment in Ukraine, the task of obtaining a type D visa for entry into our country arose. We took on the responsibility of preparing all the necessary documents for entry into Ukraine, including translating the foreigner's passport and obtaining medical insurance, and ensured their delivery abroad.

Additionally, our lawyers ensured the registration of the electronic cabinet and completed the visa application form. Consequently, our client only needed to submit the obtained documents to the Ukrainian consulate and await a decision. Within 5 days, he received the desired stamp in his passport and entered Ukraine without any issues. Thanks to a complete and properly prepared package of documents, both for the consulate and the border service, our specialists help clients avoid problems even during times of martial law.

Who Might Face Entry Denial in Ukraine?

An important consideration is the absence of a decision prohibiting entry into Ukraine for a foreigner. Typically, in such cases, an inquiry is made to the competent authorities to clarify the existence of a ban. Ukraine may refuse entry to:

• Individuals visiting Crimea after its occupation, as well as those in territories occupied in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions and other occupied territories.
• Other individuals posing a threat to national security who have not passed the Security Service of Ukraine check.
• Individuals attempting to enter Ukraine using forged documents.
• Or individuals who have violated the rules while at the checkpoint.

This is not an exhaustive list of reasons. There are other possible grounds where there's a risk of being denied entry into Ukraine. It's important to understand that the country is under martial law conditions, so national security is paramount.

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Security Measures in Ukraine During Wartime

Given the current state of martial law in Ukraine, specific security measures must be adhered to.

1. Firstly, a curfew is enforced from midnight until 5:00 a.m., though these hours may vary depending on the region and other factors. During this period, it is prohibited to be outdoors, including for foreigners. The only exception is the announcement of air raid sirens.
2. Secondly, despite the active military conflict being concentrated in eastern and southern regions, every area faces potential threats. This is primarily due to ongoing missile attacks originating from Russia.
3. Thirdly, numerous checkpoints have been established across the country in the interest of national security. These checkpoints are authorized to halt vehicles and verify the documents of all passengers, as well as inspect the vehicles themselves.

Therefore, we advise foreigners to prioritize their safety and remain vigilant regarding air raid signals. It's also crucial for them to familiarize themselves with maps indicating the nearest shelters in their area.

If an unfortunate situation occurs where a foreigner loses their passport within Ukraine due to shelling, they should promptly contact the National Police to obtain the necessary certificate confirming this fact. Subsequently, armed with this certificate, they should approach their country's consular office in Ukraine to obtain a new passport document or a repatriation certificate. In such a scenario, departure from Ukraine will be facilitated without the need for a visa.

To streamline the document preparation and application process for entry into Ukraine, our company offers the following services:

• Analyzing your situation, we provide consultation on the necessary documents.
• Alerting you to potential risks, we assess your chances of obtaining a visa based on your unique circumstances.
• Recommend the most suitable visa type for your situation.
• Preparing and submitting a comprehensive package of documents for the visa application.
• Assisting in registering an electronic account and completing the online visa application form.
• Monitoring appointment availability at nearby consulates for document submission to obtain the visa.

Don't waste time on complex formalities – get in touch with us now, and we'll ensure you receive the highest level of support and service for entering Ukraine. Our goal is to make the entire process as comfortable and safe as possible for you!