What to Do If You Are Banned from Entering Ukraine

Every day, foreigners cross Ukraine’s border, but many do not realize that even minor violations of the rules of stay, or other grounds, can result in a ban on entry. Such a ban makes further travel to Ukraine impossible and may also damage your reputation or create obstacles in accessing other services.

Our immigration lawyer often receives questions such as: What should I do if I receive a ban at the border or during the visa process? Another common question is: What is the difference between a refusal of entry and an entry ban?

This article explains why a person may be banned from entering Ukraine, how to check if an entry ban has been issued, and what steps to take to lift the ban. We also outline why it is crucial to seek professional legal assistance from an immigration lawyer in such situations.

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Denial of Entry vs Entry Ban to Ukraine: What’s the Difference?

It is important to understand the difference between being denied entry to Ukraine and being banned from entering the country. This distinction is crucial, as it determines how soon a foreign national can return to Ukraine and whether there will be long-term consequences.

Entry denial typically happens right at the border, for instance, if a foreign national cannot prove sufficient funds for their stay in Ukraine, fails to clearly state the purpose of the visit, or does not meet other entry requirements. In these situations, the issue can be resolved. Once the reason for the denial is addressed, the person may enter Ukraine at any time.

A decision to ban entry into Ukraine is a more serious measure. It is issued separately by a competent authority for a defined period. If the person violates this decision, the ban can be extended to 10 years. This period is added to any remaining time from the previous ban.

In both cases, a stamp is placed in the foreign national’s passport indicating the decision. However, the consequences are different. That’s why it is important to understand exactly what kind of restriction has been imposed.

Next, we will explain why an entry ban might be issued and what actions to take if it happens.

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What Are the Reasons for a Ban on Entering Ukraine?

There can be various reasons for a ban on entry, but they all come down to one thing: a violation of established rules or the creation of a potential threat. As a result, the foreign national is not allowed to enter Ukraine.

Based on our experience, the most common reasons for a foreign national being banned from entering Ukraine include:

1.      Violation of immigration laws:

• overstaying the permitted period of stay;
• working without proper authorization;
• residing in the country without valid documents.

2.      Outstanding debts, unresolved deportation orders, or other unmet financial obligations. This often includes unpaid fines for traffic violations (such as speeding or illegal parking) and other administrative offenses, as well as open enforcement proceedings.

3.      Providing false information or forged documents, for example, during the visa application process or at the border. It’s also worth noting that foreigners are required to comply with all customs regulations, health and safety standards, and follow the lawful instructions of customs and border officers. Violations of these rules often lead to entry denial and, in some cases, a multi-year entry ban.

4.      A threat to national security, the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens and residents, or the presence of information about unlawful entry into temporarily occupied territories may also lead to a ban.

The full list of grounds for denying entry to Ukraine is set out in Article 13 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons.”

How to Find Out if You Are Banned from Entering Ukraine

There are several ways to learn whether you are banned from entering Ukraine:

• At the border crossing point, when an individual is denied entry and informed of the reason.
• Through an official request to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS). If needed, you may also contact the specific authority that issued the ban, such as the Migration Service, National Police, or Security Service of Ukraine.

In most cases, checking for an entry ban through an official request takes no more than 30 calendar days.

Often, foreigners learn about the ban only when attempting to cross the border or while submitting documents for a visa or residence permit.

There’s another important detail many overlook: your name might appear in the Unified Debtors Register maintained by the Ministry of Justice. It’s essential to check this register on the official website. If your data is listed, you need to find out the reason for the debt and take steps either to settle it or challenge it through legal channels. But why does this happen?

It’s not uncommon for foreigners to pay a fine, only to find that the enforcement officer failed to close the case or remove their name from the registry in time. However, for future entry into Ukraine, what matters is that your data is officially removed from the register. In such cases, we strongly advise against waiting. This is exactly when legal assistance is not just helpful, but essential.

In short, finding out about an entry ban is not as difficult as it may seem. But what matters more is responding in time and resolving the issue properly to ensure you can enter Ukraine without obstacles.

What to Do if You Are Banned from Entering Ukraine

First of all, do not panic. An entry ban is not a final sentence. But it is essential to act wisely and on time. You should always follow this step-by-step approach:

1. Find out the reason.

Calmly determine the reason and legal basis for the entry ban. Request an official decision on the entry ban and, if possible, other documents supporting the grounds for this decision. This is important for your next steps.

2. Assess the legality of the ban.

Sometimes an entry ban is based on formal or even unlawful grounds. You should analyze the situation and assess whether the decision to ban entry was legal. At this stage, it is advisable to involve a professional immigration lawyer and obtain a qualified opinion on whether the ban can be lifted and what the best course of action would be.

3. Decide on a strategy

Each case is unique, and it is important to select the most appropriate course of action. For some clients, speed is the priority, so they prefer not to wait for lengthy appeals over fines. In other cases, it is essential to defend their position, seek a fair resolution, or take steps to reduce excessive penalties.

Appealing a Ban: Two Options

A ban on entry into Ukraine can be appealed either through administrative or judicial procedures. If the deadline for administrative appeal has not yet passed, it is necessary to submit a petition to the authority that issued the entry ban, requesting its cancellation. This is usually the State Border Guard Service or the State Migration Service.

If the administrative appeal is denied or the deadline has expired, the remaining option is to file a lawsuit in court.

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What Documents Are Needed to Appeal an Entry Ban?

The required documents depend on the chosen method of appeal, as well as the reasons and grounds for the entry ban decision. In many cases, foreign nationals only have their passport. However, this is not an issue for our legal team, as we handle the collection and preparation of all necessary documents. For example, we help determine which authority issued the entry ban, obtain a copy of the decision (if needed), and clarify the reason for the ban on entering Ukraine.

At this stage, it is crucial to identify all relevant circumstances and support them with proper documentation:

• the time period, exact location, and conditions under which the foreign national stayed in Ukraine, whether temporarily or permanently;
• documents confirming the legality of the stay (such as visas, residence permits, invitations, etc.);
• proof of family ties or employment, if the foreign national has relatives or a job in Ukraine.

A thorough and comprehensive collection of evidence significantly increases the chances of successfully overturning a migration decision and legalizing one’s stay in Ukraine without unnecessary complications.

How Long Does It Take to Review an Appeal, and What If the Appeal Is Denied?

A petition submitted to the authority that issued the entry ban is reviewed administratively within 30 calendar days. Judicial proceedings may take longer, from several months or more, depending on the specifics of the case and the judge assigned to it.

In case the appeal is denied, the foreign national has the right to apply to the appellate court or wait until the entry ban expires. This does not exclude the possibility of submitting a new appeal if new evidence emerges or circumstances change.

Why It’s Important to Consult a Migration Lawyer

The process of appealing an entry ban is complex and highly bureaucratic. An improperly prepared application or lack of supporting evidence can lead to an automatic denial. Without professional legal assistance, the risk of losing both time and the chance of a successful outcome is too high.

In this situation, an experienced migration lawyer is your key advantage and reliable support when facing an entry ban to Ukraine. They ensure that your actions are well thought out and your rights are protected.

By contacting the team at Pravova Dopomoga Law Firm, you will receive:

• full support in collecting the necessary set of documents;
• deadline monitoring;
• legal case analysis – using practical experience in migration law, a specialist will identify the best options for resolving the issue;
• professional preparation of a petition or legal claim;
• representation of your interests before government bodies and in court.

We have more than 10 years of knowledge and experience in this field, which significantly increases the chances of successfully lifting an entry ban to Ukraine. Our track record includes dozens of overturned bans and many stories of people regaining the legal right to enter the country.

If you or your loved ones have been denied entry, don’t wait. Trust the matter to those who know how to solve complex issues with clarity.