Kiev Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Kyiv (Kiev), the capital of Ukraine, welcomes international travelers through several entry points including Boryspil International Airport (KBP) and Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany). Ukraine has relatively open entry requirements for many nationalities, with visa-free access granted to citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, and many other countries for short-term stays. However, due to the ongoing conflict situation in Ukraine since February 2022, travelers must exercise extreme caution and check current security advisories before planning any travel to Kyiv or anywhere in Ukraine. The immigration process in Kyiv is generally straightforward for eligible travelers. Upon arrival, you'll proceed through passport control where border guards will verify your travel documents, check your passport validity, and may ask about the purpose and duration of your visit. Most visitors entering for tourism or business purposes will find the process relatively quick, though wait times can vary depending on flight arrivals. It's essential to have all required documentation readily available, including proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds for your stay. Before traveling to Kyiv, be aware that entry requirements can change rapidly, especially in light of security situations and health regulations. Always verify current requirements with the Ukrainian embassy or consulate in your country and register with your own government's travel advisory service. Ensure your passport has at least six months validity beyond your intended stay, and familiarize yourself with Ukrainian customs regulations to avoid any complications at the border.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Ukraine offers visa-free entry to 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 visits, or family visits

Includes

All EU member states United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Israel Brazil Argentina Mexico Switzerland Norway Iceland

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. The 90-day period is cumulative within 180 days. You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds, accommodation, and return tickets.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

Single entry for up to 30 days or multiple entry for up to 30 days per visit

Citizens of eligible countries can apply for an electronic visa online

Includes

India China Indonesia Saudi Arabia Thailand Philippines Morocco Kuwait Bahrain Oman

How to Apply: Apply online through the official Ukrainian e-Visa portal (evisa.mfa.gov.ua). Processing typically takes 9 calendar days but can be expedited. You'll need a valid passport, digital photo, and travel insurance.
Cost: Approximately $85 USD for standard processing, $105 USD for expedited processing

E-visa must be printed and presented upon arrival. Ensure you apply well in advance of your travel dates. Travel insurance covering the entire stay is mandatory.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type (tourist, business, student, etc.) - typically 30 to 90 days

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: Contact the nearest Ukrainian embassy or consulate to submit your application in person. Required documents typically include completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, and invitation letter if applicable. Processing time is usually 10-15 business days.

Requirements vary by nationality and visa type. Some nationalities may require an official invitation from a Ukrainian host or organization. Always apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Kyiv's airports or other entry points, you'll go through immigration and customs control. The process is generally efficient, though language barriers may occasionally occur as not all officers speak fluent English.

Arrival and Disembarkation

After landing, follow signs to passport control (Паспортний контроль). Keep your passport and any required documents accessible.

Passport Control/Immigration

Present your passport and any visa documents to the border guard. They will verify your documents, may ask questions about your visit, and stamp your passport with an entry stamp. Keep this stamp as you'll need it for registration and exit.

Baggage Claim

Proceed to baggage claim to collect your luggage. Check monitors for your flight number and corresponding carousel.

Customs Declaration

If you have items to declare, proceed through the red channel and complete a customs declaration form. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Officers may conduct random checks.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, you'll enter the public arrivals area where you can arrange transportation, exchange currency, or meet contacts.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ukraine. Ensure it has blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

Visa or e-Visa (if required)

Printed copy of your e-visa or visa sticker in passport, depending on your nationality.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, invitation letter from host, or rental agreement. May be requested by immigration officers.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof that you will leave Ukraine within the permitted timeframe. Can be flight confirmation or other transport booking.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay (approximately €50-100 per day).

Travel Insurance

Required for e-visa holders, recommended for all travelers. Should cover medical expenses and repatriation.

Migration Card (if applicable)

May be issued on arrival for certain nationalities. Keep it safe as you'll need to return it upon departure.

Tips for Smooth Entry

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

Learn a few basic Ukrainian or Russian phrases - immigration officers appreciate the effort, though many speak English.

Keep the entry stamp in your passport intact and legible - you'll need it to exit the country and for any registration requirements.

If staying more than 30 days, you may need to register with local migration authorities. Your hotel typically handles this, but check requirements.

Keep digital and physical copies of all important documents separate from the originals in case of loss or theft.

Exchange only small amounts of currency at the airport as rates are typically better in the city. ATMs are widely available.

Download offline maps and translation apps before arrival as airport WiFi may be limited.

Be prepared for additional security checks and questions given the current security situation in Ukraine.

Customs & Duty-Free

Ukrainian customs regulations allow travelers to bring in reasonable quantities of personal items duty-free. Declare all required items honestly to avoid penalties, fines, or confiscation.

Alcohol

Up to 2 liters of alcoholic beverages (regardless of type)

Must be 18 years or older. Amounts exceeding this limit are subject to duty.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco products

Must be 18 years or older. Exceeding these limits requires payment of customs duty.

Currency

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

Ukrainian hryvnia can be imported/exported up to 300,000 UAH. Declare all amounts exceeding limits on arrival. Failure to declare can result in confiscation.

Gifts/Goods

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

Goods exceeding this value are subject to customs duty. Items must be for personal use, not for 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 - strictly prohibited with severe penalties
Weapons and ammunition - without proper permits and documentation
Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants (CITES restrictions apply)
Counterfeit goods - fake branded items, pirated media
Pornographic materials - particularly those involving minors
Materials promoting violence, terrorism, or extremism
Certain medications - particularly those containing controlled substances without proper prescriptions
Radioactive materials - without special authorization

Restricted Items

Medications - prescription drugs should be accompanied by a doctor's prescription and kept in original packaging. Carry only amounts needed for your stay.
Cultural artifacts and antiques - require special export permits. Do not attempt to take historical items out of Ukraine without proper documentation.
Professional photography/video equipment - may require declaration and temporary import documentation for expensive equipment.
Drones and radio equipment - subject to restrictions and may require permits from relevant authorities.
Large amounts of cash - amounts exceeding €10,000 must be declared on both entry and exit.
Plants and food products - may require phytosanitary certificates. Meat and dairy products are generally restricted.
Pets - require veterinary health certificates, rabies vaccination records, and microchip identification.

Health Requirements

Ukraine does not currently require specific vaccinations for most travelers, though health recommendations vary based on your origin country and activities planned.

Required Vaccinations

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

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - ensure you're up to date on routine vaccines including MMR, DPT, chickenpox, polio, and yearly flu shot
Hepatitis A - recommended for most travelers as contamination can occur through food or water
Hepatitis B - recommended for those who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
Rabies - consider if you'll be working with animals or spending extensive time in rural areas
Measles - ensure immunity as outbreaks have occurred in Ukraine
Tick-borne encephalitis - recommended if visiting forested areas during warmer months
COVID-19 - stay updated with current vaccination and testing requirements

Health Insurance

While not always mandatory for visa-free travelers, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended and required for e-visa applicants. Your insurance should cover medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency medical evacuation. Medical facilities in Kyiv are adequate but may not meet Western standards, and many require payment upfront. Ensure your policy covers the current security situation if applicable. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers readily available.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 requirements have been largely relaxed, but verify current testing, vaccination, or quarantine requirements before travel as these can change rapidly. Check the Ukrainian Ministry of Health website and your departure country's requirements for return travel. Given the ongoing conflict, ensure your insurance covers emergency evacuation and that you're aware of any health risks related to the security situation. Register with your embassy upon arrival and maintain awareness of current health and safety advisories.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Kyiv for assistance with lost passports, emergencies, or citizen services

Register with your embassy upon arrival. Check your government's travel advisory website for current warnings and contact information. Most embassies are located in the Pechersk or Shevchenkivskyi districts of Kyiv.

State Migration Service of Ukraine

Official website: dmsu.gov.ua - For visa information, registration requirements, and migration services

For e-visa applications: evisa.mfa.gov.ua. Contact local migration offices for registration if staying longer than 30 days.

Emergency Services

Dial 112 for all emergencies (police, ambulance, fire brigade)

Single emergency number 112 works from any phone. Individual services: Police 102, Ambulance 103, Fire 101. English may be limited; having a translation app or Ukrainian speaker help is advisable.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Website: mfa.gov.ua - Official information on visas, entry requirements, and consular services

Consular Department: +380 44 238 1804. Check for current travel advisories and security updates.

Airport Information

Boryspil International Airport (KBP): +380 44 393 4343, website: kbp.aero

Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany/IEV): +380 44 392 2210. Check airport websites for current operational status.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (some countries allow children on parent's passport - check with Ukrainian authorities if this is acceptable). If a child is traveling with only one parent or with someone other than their parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) in English and Ukrainian/Russian. This should include permission for the child to travel, travel dates, and contact information. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. For unaccompanied minors, airlines have specific requirements and the child may need special documentation and escort services. Adoption papers should be carried if traveling with adopted children.

Traveling with Pets

Pets entering Ukraine require: (1) Microchip implanted before rabies vaccination, (2) Valid rabies vaccination certificate - must be administered at least 30 days before travel but no more than 12 months prior, (3) International veterinary health certificate (Form 5a for EU) issued within 5 days of travel, (4) EU pet passport if arriving from EU countries, (5) Some pets may require blood titer tests for rabies antibodies. Dogs and cats are typically limited to 2 animals per person. Certain breeds may be restricted. Contact the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection for current requirements. Airlines have their own pet policies regarding carrier dimensions and cabin vs. cargo travel.

Extended Stays

If staying in Ukraine longer than 90 days (for visa-free travelers) or beyond your visa validity, you must apply for a temporary residence permit. This requires registering with the State Migration Service and providing justification (work, study, family reunification, etc.). For stays exceeding 30 days, you must register your place of residence with local migration authorities - hotels typically do this automatically, but private accommodation hosts must register guests. Overstaying your permitted time can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans. If you need to extend your stay, apply before your current authorization expires. Work or study in Ukraine requires specific permits and visas obtained before arrival.

Business Travelers

Business visitors entering visa-free can conduct meetings, attend conferences, and negotiate contracts but cannot receive payment from Ukrainian sources or engage in direct employment. For business activities, carry invitation letters from Ukrainian companies, conference registration, or proof of business meetings. If you plan to work in Ukraine, you need a work permit and appropriate visa obtained before arrival. Business visa requirements vary by nationality - consult the Ukrainian embassy. Keep all business documentation organized as immigration may ask detailed questions about your business purpose.

Dual Nationals

Ukraine recognizes dual citizenship in limited circumstances. If you hold both Ukrainian and another citizenship, you must enter and exit Ukraine using your Ukrainian passport. Using a foreign passport when you're also a Ukrainian citizen can cause complications. Male Ukrainian citizens aged 18-60 may face military service obligations and travel restrictions during martial law. If you have any Ukrainian citizenship claim (through parents, birth, etc.), consult the Ukrainian embassy before travel as this may affect your entry/exit rights.

Journalists and Media

Foreign journalists should obtain accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine before arrival when possible. During the current security situation, special press credentials and permissions may be required to work in certain areas. Contact the Ukrainian embassy and relevant Ukrainian authorities before traveling for media purposes. Carry press credentials, assignment letters, and ensure you understand restrictions on photography and reporting in sensitive areas. Unauthorized journalism activities can result in detention or deportation.