Kyiv Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, welcomes international visitors with relatively straightforward entry requirements for many nationalities. Ukraine offers visa-free entry to citizens of over 60 countries, including most European nations, the United States, Canada, and many others, making it an accessible destination for tourism, business, and cultural visits. However, due to the ongoing security situation in Ukraine since February 2022, travelers must carefully check current travel advisories and entry conditions before planning their trip. The immigration process at Kyiv's Boryspil International Airport (KBP) and other entry points follows standard European procedures, though travelers should be prepared for enhanced security measures and potential delays. All visitors must have a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and documentation supporting the purpose of their visit. Ukraine's entry requirements can vary based on nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay, so advance preparation is essential. Before traveling to Kyiv, it is crucial to verify current entry requirements with official Ukrainian government sources and your own country's foreign affairs department. The security situation may affect entry procedures, available services, and travel advisories. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance, emergency contacts, and contingency plans in place.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Ukraine's visa policy allows visa-free entry for citizens of many countries for short-term stays. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

Citizens of these countries can enter Ukraine without a visa for tourism, business, or family visits

Includes

All European Union member states United States Canada United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Israel Brazil Argentina Mexico Switzerland Norway Iceland Singapore Hong Kong SAR Macao SAR

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. The 90-day limit applies to the total days spent in Ukraine within a 180-day period. Overstaying can result in fines and entry bans.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

Up to 30 days (single or multiple entry options available)

Citizens of certain countries can apply for an electronic visa online for tourism, business, or humanitarian purposes

Includes

India China Indonesia Morocco Saudi Arabia Kuwait Oman Bahrain Turkey (for certain purposes) Philippines Egypt Tunisia Jordan

How to Apply: Apply online through the official Ukrainian e-Visa portal (evisa.mfa.gov.ua). Processing typically takes 9 business days. Applicants must upload required documents including passport copy, photo, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation.
Cost: Approximately $85 USD for single entry, $135 USD for multiple entry (fees subject to change)

E-Visa must be printed and presented upon arrival. Ensure all documents are in order before applying. Some nationalities may have suspended e-Visa services due to current circumstances.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type (typically 30-90 days for tourist visas)

Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry or e-Visa must apply for a traditional visa at a Ukrainian embassy or consulate

How to Apply: Apply in person or by mail at the nearest Ukrainian embassy or consulate. Required documents typically include completed application form, passport, photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial statements, and invitation letter (if applicable). Processing time is usually 10-30 days.

Visa requirements and availability may be affected by diplomatic relations and current security situation. Contact the Ukrainian embassy well in advance of planned travel. Some consular services may be limited or relocated due to ongoing circumstances.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Kyiv's airports or land border crossings, travelers will proceed through immigration and customs control. Be prepared for thorough security checks and have all required documentation readily available.

Document Preparation

Before approaching immigration, ensure you have your passport, visa (if required), completed arrival card (if provided), proof of accommodation, return ticket, and travel insurance readily accessible.

Immigration Control

Present your passport and any required visa to the border guard. They will verify your documents, check your passport validity, and may ask questions about your visit. Your passport will be stamped with entry date.

Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the designated carousel. Check that all bags have arrived and report any missing items to the airline's baggage service immediately.

Customs Declaration

Proceed through customs control. Use the 'Nothing to Declare' (green channel) if you have no restricted items, or the 'Goods to Declare' (red channel) if you're carrying items requiring declaration. Be prepared for random baggage inspections.

Exit to Arrivals

After clearing customs, proceed to the arrivals hall where you can access transportation, currency exchange, and other services.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ukraine. Must have at least two blank pages for stamps.

Visa (if required)

Printed e-Visa or visa sticker in passport for nationalities requiring pre-authorization. Ensure it matches your travel dates.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host. Immigration may request this to verify purpose and duration of stay.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof that you plan to leave Ukraine within the permitted timeframe. Can be flight, bus, or train ticket.

Travel Insurance

Proof of valid travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation. Minimum coverage of €30,000 is recommended, though not always mandatory for visa-free travelers.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence of financial means to support yourself during your stay (cash, credit cards, bank statements). Immigration may request this.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching immigration to speed up the process

Be honest and concise when answering immigration questions. Provide additional documentation if requested without argument

Keep digital and physical copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) in separate locations

Arrive at the airport with extra time as security procedures may be more thorough than usual

Have contact information for your accommodation and local contacts readily available

Familiarize yourself with current security protocols and restricted areas before traveling

Consider registering with your embassy upon arrival for safety updates and assistance if needed

Keep some local currency (Ukrainian Hryvnia) for immediate expenses, though major airports have ATMs and exchange services

Customs & Duty-Free

Ukraine's customs regulations allow travelers to bring in personal items and reasonable quantities of goods for personal use duty-free. All travelers must comply with customs declarations for items exceeding duty-free allowances or restricted goods.

Alcohol

Up to 2 liters of alcoholic beverages (any type) or up to 5 liters of beer

Must be 18 years or older. Alcohol must be for personal consumption only.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250 grams of tobacco products

Must be 18 years or older. Combinations of tobacco products are allowed up to equivalent amounts.

Currency

Foreign currency up to €10,000 (or equivalent) does not require declaration. Amounts exceeding this must be declared.

No limit on Ukrainian Hryvnia that can be brought in. Declaration is mandatory for amounts over €10,000. Keep declaration form if you plan to take currency out.

Gifts/Goods

Personal goods and gifts with total value up to €500 for air travelers or €200 for land border crossings

Goods exceeding this value are subject to customs duty. Must be for personal use, not commercial purposes.

Perfume

Up to 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette

For personal use only.

Prohibited Items

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances - strict penalties including imprisonment
Weapons and ammunition (without proper permits and prior authorization)
Explosives and flammable materials
Counterfeit currency and securities
Pornographic materials
Items that violate intellectual property rights (counterfeit goods)
Materials promoting violence, terrorism, or hatred
Certain plants and plant products without phytosanitary certificates
Endangered species and products derived from them (CITES regulations)

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - must have prescription and medical documentation; should be in original packaging with labels
Cultural artifacts and antiques - require special export permits from Ministry of Culture
Professional photography/video equipment - may require declaration and temporary import documentation
Drones and UAVs - severely restricted; special permits required and may be prohibited in many areas due to security situation
Radio transmitters and certain telecommunications equipment - may require permits
Live animals and pets - require veterinary certificates, vaccination records, and microchip identification
Large amounts of cash or valuables - must be declared if exceeding limits
Certain foods and agricultural products - may require phytosanitary certificates

Health Requirements

Ukraine does not have mandatory vaccination requirements for most travelers, but health precautions are recommended. Medical facilities in Kyiv may be limited due to the current situation, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential.

Required Vaccinations

No vaccinations are mandatory for entry to Ukraine for most travelers
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required only if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, polio) should be up to date
Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers
Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical treatment
Rabies - consider for travelers who may have contact with animals or engage in outdoor activities
Typhoid - recommended for travelers eating outside major restaurants and hotels
Measles - ensure vaccination is current due to periodic outbreaks
COVID-19 - stay current with recommended vaccinations

Health Insurance

Comprehensive travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended and may be required for visa applications. Ensure coverage includes emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation. Medical facilities in Ukraine may require upfront payment, and insurance should cover costs that can be reimbursed. Given the current security situation, verify that your insurance covers travel to Ukraine and includes emergency evacuation. Minimum coverage of €30,000 is recommended.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 entry requirements have been largely lifted, but this can change. Check current health protocols before traveling, including any testing or vaccination requirements. Monitor official Ukrainian government health advisories and your home country's travel health notices. Be aware that healthcare services may be limited in some areas due to the ongoing situation. Bring adequate supplies of any prescription medications as they may not be readily available. Consider the security situation's impact on healthcare access when planning your trip.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Kyiv

Many embassies have relocated or adjusted services. Check your government's travel advisory website for current contact information and services. Register with your embassy upon arrival for safety updates.

Immigration Authority

State Migration Service of Ukraine - dmsu.gov.ua

For visa applications, extensions, and official immigration information. E-Visa portal: evisa.mfa.gov.ua

Emergency Services

Emergency services number: 112 (universal emergency number)

Police: 102, Ambulance: 103, Fire: 101. English may be limited; having a translator app or local contact can be helpful.

Customs Information

State Customs Service of Ukraine - customs.gov.ua

For customs regulations, duty-free allowances, and import/export restrictions

Airport Information

Boryspil International Airport (KBP) - kbp.aero

Main international airport serving Kyiv. Check current operational status before travel.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own valid passport. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s), including permission to travel, travel dates, and accompanying adult details. This letter should be in English and Ukrainian if possible. Birth certificates may be requested. For children traveling alone or with one parent, additional documentation proving relationship may be required. Ukrainian authorities are particularly vigilant about child trafficking, so ensure all documentation is in order.

Traveling with Pets

Pets entering Ukraine require: valid veterinary health certificate issued within 5 days of travel; proof of rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months prior; microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785 compliant); treatment for parasites (dogs only) administered 1-5 days before entry. EU pet passports are accepted. Maximum of 2 pets per person for non-commercial purposes. Airlines have additional requirements for pet transport. Some breeds may be restricted. Quarantine is not required if documentation is complete.

Extended Stays

Visitors wishing to stay beyond the visa-free 90-day period must apply for a temporary residence permit or appropriate visa extension before the permitted stay expires. Applications are made through the State Migration Service. Requirements include proof of accommodation, financial means, purpose of stay (work, study, family reunification), and may require background checks. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and entry bans. For work or study, appropriate permits must be obtained. Processing can take several weeks, so apply well in advance.

Business Travelers

Business visitors should carry invitation letters from Ukrainian companies, proof of business registration, and documentation of business purpose. While many nationalities can enter visa-free for business meetings, working in Ukraine requires a work permit and appropriate visa. Business travelers may need to register with local authorities for stays exceeding certain periods. Keep all business documentation accessible for immigration and customs.

Transit Passengers

Passengers transiting through Ukraine without leaving the airport international zone typically do not need a visa for stays under 24 hours. However, if you need to collect baggage, change airports, or stay overnight, normal entry requirements apply. Verify transit visa requirements based on your nationality. Keep boarding passes and onward tickets accessible.

Dual Nationals

Travelers holding dual nationality including Ukrainian citizenship must enter and exit Ukraine using their Ukrainian passport. Ukraine does not recognize dual citizenship officially, which may affect consular assistance. If you have Ukrainian heritage or previous Ukrainian citizenship, consult with Ukrainian authorities about entry requirements.