Ukraine Tourist Visa for Indian - Definitive Guide

Whenever someone is willing to travel to Ukraine for tourism and leisure activities, a tourist visa for Ukraine is issued in their name. It is also called as Type C. There are several advantages to a Ukraine tourist visa for Indian travellers. On this permit, the holder can not only benefit sightseeing and other tourist activities but can also visit their friends and family members living in the country. The validity of the visa is for 180 days, although the permitted stay on one visit is of 90 days. It can be single-entry, double-entry or even a multiple-entry type. You also must note that a tourist visa for Ukraine from India does not guarantee you an entry in the country. If there are any issues found with the permit or yourself, the border control has the power to stop you from stepping into the country.

Before applying for the permit, you need to make sure that you are eligible for the issuance of the same. You can do this by checking the eligibility criteria for the tourist type. Also, in order to apply for a tourist permit to Ukraine, you will have to apply to the Visa Application Centre (VAC). The procedure for Ukraine tourist visa application is as follows:

1. Visit the official VAC website and choose the tourist type.
2. Fill out the Ukraine tourist visa application form. The form must be typed; handwritten forms are not accepted.
3. You can then collect the documents as per the provided checklist.
4. Submit the documents to the respective branch of the VAC.
5. Your form and the documents will then be verified.
6. After the verification is complete, you will be informed if there are other requirements as well.
7. You can then pay the required fee and the processing will begin.

At the time of filling out the application form, you need to make sure to fill out the correct information and it must match the documentary proof that you are providing. In case you find any difficulties, you can acquire professional assistance. If there is any kind of information that is found to be false or is unverifiable, there are chances that Ukraine tourist visa application may get rejected. In such cases, your future application may get rejected based on your previous visa rejection. Therefore, it is convenient to appoint professionals so that there are fewer chances of errors.

At the time of applying for the visa, you must first check if you match the eligibility criteria for the application. There are certain factors that decide whether you are eligible for the application of the visa. Some of the parameters are given as follows:

• You must have proof of confirmed visit

• Pre-bookings of the round trip must be done.
• You must visit for tourism only and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.
• You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Ukraine.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide relevant documentary proof.
• You must meet the character requirements

• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Ukraine.
• You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds
• You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Ukraine.
• Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are different kinds of documents required as per the type of permit. Some of the common tourist visa requirements for Ukraine are given as follows:

• An original passport that is valid for at least 6 months ahead of the date of travel.
• Coloured photographs as per the photo specifications
• A cover letter with all the required details
• Travel Itinerary
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Income Tax Returns proof
• Medical Insurance
• Travel Insurance
• Proof of accommodation - invitation letter, hotel reservation, etc.
• Proof of purpose of visit - invitation letter, exhibition or conference pass, etc.
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statement or any other equivalent document.

The Ukraine tourist visa cost varies depending on several factors such as - whether the permit is single-entry or multiple-entry, the purpose of the visit, service fee and other charges. It can also vary as per the exchange rate of the currency at the time of application. The fee is to be paid at the time of submission of the application form and the required documents. It can be paid by cash or using a debit or a credit card and it is to be paid to the visa application centre.

• Two copies must be provided
• Photo size: 35mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame.
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white or any other light colour.
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

In order to issue a tourist permit for Ukraine, you will have to apply to the respective VAC. You will need to have all the requirements and the documents must be verifiable. At times, the process may seem complicated and the formalities involved can seem difficult to be carried out on your own. In such cases, professional consultation can be considered from the visa agencies. This will allow you to have your documents handled professionally and the procedure may even be quicker than the normal process. This way, the chances of visa rejection also get nullified.

The processing time required for the issuance of a tourist visa for Ukraine is about 17 to 19 days. The time will still vary depending on certain factors like the workload at the embassy office, the staff availability, whether the permit is a single-entry type or multiple-entry type of if documents are incomplete and the rest of the documents are yet to be submitted and others. The time increases and decreases affected by these parameters.

After the submission of the documents, 

• The VAC will verify your form and your documents which will then be forwarded to the embassy for the processing. 
• If there are any additional documents required, you will be informed accordingly.
• You can submit the documents personally, or you can hand over your documents to a representative.
• There may be additional documents required if your representative is submitting the application form and the documents.
• In the meantime, you can even check the status of your permit.
• If a personal interview is requested by the embassy, you can apply online from the Ukranian Embassy Website.

To check the status of your tourist visa for Ukraine, you can do it online by visiting the website of the visa application centre and entering your reference number and your date of birth. This is how you can track your application online. To check the status offline, you can contact the VAC on the provided contact number.

Once you have received your tourist permit, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind. Some of the pointers are given as follows:

• Before you travel

• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Ukraine within the validity of your visa.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border
• Get your documents checked and your passport verified by the Border Control.
• Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Ukraine

• Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do unpaid volunteer work.
• The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
• Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for visa extension in time.
• If you have a change of plans and you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension or a different kind of visa at least one month prior to the expiry.