Home › Entry Requirements
Kiev Entry Requirements

Kiev Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Important Notice Entry requirements can change at any time. Always verify current requirements with official government sources before traveling.
Every foreign traveller arriving in Kiev needs a passport that stays valid for at least three months past the planned departure date. At Boryspil International Airport or the capital's rail terminals, immigration follows a two-step drill: border police first scan the passport and entry papers, then customs staff may rifle through bags. Lines peak between 10:00 and 14:00 on flights from Istanbul, Warsaw and Frankfurt. After 20:00 the hall empties fast. Keep your boarding pass and Kiev hotel confirmation within reach until you clear the terminal, officers occasionally demand to see them.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Visa-Free Entry
90 days within any 180-day period

Entry stamp issued on arrival, no fee.

Includes
United States Canada United Kingdom Japan South Korea All Schengen member states Brazil Argentina Chile Israel UAE Panama Bosnia and Herzegovina Montenegro Serbia Turkey Monaco Andorra Vatican Iceland Norway Switzerland Liechtenstein

The 90-day allowance covers the whole of Ukraine. You can re-enter only after spending enough days outside the country.

Electronic Visa (eVisa)
30 days

Single-entry business, private or tourist eVisa issued online.

Includes
Australia New Zealand Bahrain Kuwait Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia Mexico Singapore North Macedonia Albania
How to Apply: File the application through the MFA Ukraine eVisa portal. Upload a photo, passport copy and proof of health insurance. A decision in 3 working days is typical.
Cost: USD 20 processing fee plus USD 9 service charge. Pay by card online.

Print the eVisa PDF; mobile screenshots are not accepted at Kiev control desks.

Visa Required
Type C short-stay visa: up to 30 days per entry; multiple-entry possible.

Apply at an Ukrainian embassy/consulate before travel.

How to Apply: Book an appointment, hand over an invitation or hotel voucher, show proof of funds and travel insurance. Processing usually takes 10 calendar days, 5 days for express service where available.

Holders of Indian, Chinese, South African, Filipino, Thai, Vietnamese, Egyptian, Moroccan, Ghanaian, Nigerian and most other African and Asian passports fall in this category.

Arrival Process

After landing in Kiev, follow the yellow "Arrivals, Immigration" signs.

1
Document Check
The officer scans the passport and, if you have one, the visa or eVisa print-out; he will ask the purpose of the trip and your first address in Kiev.
2
Migration Card (if needed)
Citizens of visa-required countries may receive a small white migration card. Keep it until you leave.
3
Baggage Claim & Customs
Grab your bags, then step into the green lane if you have nothing to declare, or the red lane if you do. Random X-ray checks happen.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport
Must be valid 3 months beyond departure date and issued within the last 10 years for biometric passports.
Visa / eVisa / Proof of visa-free eligibility
Carry printed eVisa. Officers will not look it up online.
Travel health insurance
Minimum coverage €30,000 for medical and repatriation. Paper or PDF accepted.
Proof of accommodation
Hotel voucher, Airbnb booking or private invitation letter with address in Kiev.
Return or onward ticket
Officers occasionally ask to see exit transport booking.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Fill out the customs declaration form on the plane if you carry cash over €10,000; it speeds up the red channel.
Keep some Ukrainian hryvnia or a bank card ready for the airport express train to Kiev city centre. The currency exchange desk is after customs.
Photograph your passport data page and visa on your phone as a backup in case documents are misplaced while exploring Kiev nightlife or restaurants.

Customs & Duty-Free

Ukrainian customs apply the EU-model green/red system at Kiev entry points.

Alcohol
1 litre of spirits over 22% OR 2 litres of fortified wine up to 22%; plus 4 litres of still wine. Plus 16 litres of beer.
Only for persons aged 18 or older.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g smoking tobacco
Age 18+; quantities are cumulative, not alternative.
Currency
Up to €10,000 equivalent in any currency may be imported without written declaration.
Larger sums must be declared on form F-05; keep the stamped copy for exit.
Gifts/Goods
Personal goods up to €500 value and weighing under 50kg are free of duty.
Laptops, cameras and phones are counted separately if clearly used.

Prohibited Items

  • Military-style uniforms or body armour without permit, considered paramilitary gear.
  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances except with Ministry of Health licence.
  • Printed or recorded material promoting war, racism or separatism.

Restricted Items

  • Medication containing narcotic components, carry doctor's letter and translation.
  • Cultural artefacts older than 50 years, need export certificate even if purchased in Kiev souvenir shops.

Health Requirements

No COVID-19 tests or vaccination certificates are required to enter Kiev as of May 2025.

Required Vaccinations

  • None for entry

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Tetanus-diphtheria
  • Tick-borne encephalitis if planning rural hikes outside Kiev
  • Seasonal influenza

Health Insurance

Travel medical insurance covering COVID-19 and emergency evacuation is mandatory for visa-free and eVisa visitors. Officers may request the policy number at border control.

Current Health Requirements: Check the State Border Guard Service and Ministry of Health websites within 10 days of departure. Rules can change rapidly.

Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.

Get a Quote from World Nomads
Read our complete Kiev Travel Insurance Guide →

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate
Find your country's embassy or consulate
Check your government's travel advisory website
Immigration Authority
State Migration Service of Ukraine, dmsu.gov.ua
For visa applications and official information
Emergency
Emergency services number
Dial 102 for police, 103 for ambulance, 101 for fire in Kiev

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

If the child is not accompanied by both parents, carry notarised travel consent translated into Ukrainian. Birth certificate copy is recommended.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs and cats need an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days old but not outdated, and an EU or Ukrainian veterinary certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. Present documents to the State Veterinary Inspector at Boryspil.

Extended Stays

Apply in Kiev at the State Migration Service for a temporary residence permit if you intend to stay longer than 90 days in any 180-day period. Tourist visas cannot be extended in-country.

Know What to Pack

Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.

View Kiev Packing List →

Ready to plan your trip to Kiev?

Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.

Top Things to Do

Curated attractions, tours, and experiences in Kiev.

Browse activities →

Where to Stay

Best neighbourhoods and hotels for every budget.

Find hotels →

What to Pack

Climate-specific gear and essentials for Kiev.

See packing list →

Continue Planning Your Trip

Health & Safety

Stay safe while traveling for Kiev

Stay Connected

Internet and phone options for Kiev

Packing List

What to bring on your trip for Kiev

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Kiev