Ukraine Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport (family passports are not accepted for entry). Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents must carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s), translated into Ukrainian or English. The letter should include: parent's contact information, duration and purpose of travel, accompanying adult's information, and parent's signature certified by a notary. If one parent has sole custody, bring court documents proving this. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship. Divorced parents should carry custody agreements. These requirements are strictly enforced at Ukrainian borders. Adoption papers should be carried for adopted children.

Pets entering Ukraine must have: (1) ISO-compliant microchip implanted and readable; (2) Valid rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before travel but within validity period (usually 1-3 years); (3) International veterinary certificate (Form 5a or equivalent) issued by licensed vet within 5 days of travel; (4) Veterinary passport with complete vaccination history; (5) Health certificate confirming the animal is healthy and free from infectious diseases. Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, and leptospirosis. Pets from high-risk rabies countries may require rabies antibody titer test. Certain breeds may face restrictions. Pets must be declared at customs. Airlines have additional requirements for pet transport. Consider that veterinary services may be limited in some areas due to current conditions.

To stay beyond the visa-free 90-day period or visa validity, you must apply for a visa extension or temporary residence permit. Applications must be submitted to the State Migration Service before your current authorization expires. Required documents typically include: valid passport, current visa/entry stamp, proof of financial means, accommodation proof, health insurance, and justification for extension (employment, study, family reunion, etc.). Processing takes 15-30 days. Overstaying without authorization results in fines (approximately 500-1,000 UAH per day), deportation, and entry bans of 1-5 years. If staying in private accommodation for more than 30 days, you may need to register with local migration authorities. Work, study, and family reunification require specific visa types and permits obtained through proper channels. Current security conditions may affect the ability to extend stays or move between regions.

Business visitors entering visa-free or with business visas should carry: invitation letter from Ukrainian company or organization, business registration documents, proof of business relationship, and conference/meeting documentation if applicable. Business activities permitted under tourist/business visas are limited to meetings, negotiations, and conferences. Actual employment requires a work permit and appropriate visa. Keep detailed records of business activities. Multiple short business trips may raise questions about whether you need a work permit.

Ukraine does not recognize dual citizenship for Ukrainian nationals. If you hold Ukrainian citizenship along with another nationality, you must enter and exit Ukraine using your Ukrainian passport. Foreign passport holders who are also Ukrainian citizens may face complications at the border. Men aged 18-60 with Ukrainian citizenship may be subject to military service obligations and travel restrictions during martial law. Consult with Ukrainian authorities before travel if you hold or may be eligible for Ukrainian citizenship.

Foreign journalists should obtain media accreditation from the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before arrival. Professional media equipment must be declared at customs. Filming and photography restrictions apply in certain areas, particularly near military installations, borders, and security-sensitive locations. Violations can result in detention, equipment confiscation, and deportation. Press credentials should be carried at all times. Current security conditions impose additional restrictions on media activities in certain regions.

Passengers transiting through Ukraine without leaving the international transit area typically do not need a visa if continuing their journey within 24 hours. However, if you need to collect luggage, change airports, or stay overnight, entry requirements apply. Some nationalities may require a transit visa even for airside transit. Verify requirements based on your nationality and specific transit circumstances. Due to current conditions, some transit routes may be unavailable or restricted.