Ukraine Visit Visa - Definitive Guide

When a foreign visitor has short term plans to visit Ukraine, a visit visa to Ukraine is issued for the individual. There are multiple benefits to this permit. The holder is allowed to visit friends and family members in the country as well as tour Ukraine at the same time. A Ukraine visit visa from India can also be issued for those Indians who have plans to visit the country. The validity and the duration of stay are quite similar to the tourist permit. The validity of the visa is for 180 days, although the permitted stay on one visit is of 90 days. This may vary from case to case. The permit can be single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry type.

The application for a Ukraine visit visa is to be made to the assigned visa application centre (VAC). Although, before that you need to make sure that you are an eligible candidate for the same. The process to get a visit visa for Ukraine is given as as follows:

• Visit the official VAC website and choose the tourist type.
• Fill out the tourist visa application form. The form must be typed; handwritten forms are not accepted.
• You can then collect the documents as per the provided checklist.
• Submit the documents to the respective branch of the VAC.
• Your form and the documents will then be verified.
• After the verification is complete, you will be informed if there are other requirements as well.
• 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 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.

There is a process that you need to carry out before applying for the visa. You need to check for the eligibility criteria and make sure that you have all the requirements that are needed for the application process. 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 possess proof of purpose of visit

• If you are visiting your acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from the resident in Ukraine.
• You must visit for tourism only, or visiting acquaintances 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 a 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 that are required for procuring a visit visa for Ukraine from India. The common Ukraine visit visa requirements are 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.

• 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.
• Both the ears must be visible.
• Teeth should not be shown.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

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. The fees for Ukraine visit visa can vary 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 processing time required to get a visit visa for Ukraine is dependent on several factors. These include the workload at the VAC, holidays apart from the weekends, and others. A Ukraine visit visa is issued within 17 to 19 days. Sometimes, it may take longer or even lesser depending on the case and the current situation at the VAC.

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 visit 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.

After the submission of the documents and the application form, the embassy will process the application. You can then collect your visa or get it delivered by the VAC. When you have the permit, there are a few things that you need to note. Some of the pointers are 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.