Visas to Ukraine: Application procedure. Grounds for refusal. The appeal of a refusal decision

The most common questions of foreigners and stateless persons planning their visit to Ukraine:

What is a visa?

A visa is a permit issued by an authorized body of Ukraine in the form prescribed by law, necessary for entry into the territory of Ukraine or for transit through its territory and stay in the territory of Ukraine for the relevant period.

Does everyone need a visa?

The need to obtain a visa depends on:

The goals of your stay in Ukraine (short-term or long-term);
Citizenship of your country (whether an international agreement on visa-free regime has been signed with the country of your citizenship)

In general, if you do not plan to live in Ukraine for more than 90 days and a visa-free agreement has been signed with the country of your citizenship, you do not need to apply for a visa.

The regime of entry of foreigners to Ukraine by state can be viewed at this link:

https://mfa.gov.ua/consul/foreigners/entry-and-stay/rezhim-vyizdu-inozemciv-do-ukrayini-za-derzhavami

How to get a visa?

In order to get a visa, you need to do the following:

Determine what type of visa you need according to the purpose of your trip, for example, tourist, work, study, transit, etc.;
Prepare a package of documents corresponding to the type of visa you have chosen;
After preparing the necessary documents, you must submit them to the relevant consular office of Ukraine or the Ukrainian Embassy in the country of your stay.
Obtain a visa to Ukraine or a decision to refuse a visa.

What documents are needed to obtain a visa?

The main list of documents is as follows:

Passport of a foreigner planning a visit to Ukraine;
A completed and signed visa application form;
Color photo card size 35×45 millimeters;
A valid health insurance policy for the entire duration of the visa;
Biometric data, which includes prints of 10 fingers of both hands.
A bank statement or other documents confirming the availability of sufficient financial support for the period of the planned stay;
Receipt for payment of the consular fee.

Also, depending on the type of visa, other documents confirming the purpose of stay in Ukraine are added to this list.

Terms of obtaining a visa

as a matter of urgency – up to five working days from the date of receipt of the necessary documents. Urgent issuance of a visa is carried out at the request of a foreigner or a stateless person and within the time limits determined by the foreign diplomatic institution of Ukraine;
in the usual manner – up to 10 working days from the date of receipt of the necessary documents, unless otherwise stipulated by international treaties of Ukraine. The specified term can be extended up to 30 working days if additional checks are necessary.

What is the difference between a short-term visa and a long-term one?

Both short-term and long-term visas are issued for 90 days. However, the difference between them is that a long-term visa gives a foreigner the opportunity to obtain a residence permit in the territory of Ukraine.

How do I know which visa I need?

Each case is individual, so for your peace of mind, we recommend that you consult with a migration lawyer who will provide you with a full and comprehensive analysis directly of your situation.

I was refused a visa, what should I do?

In the case of a negative decision on the issuance of a visa, you have the right to appeal. For this, it is necessary to submit an appeal within 2 months from the date of the contested decision.

Can I be denied a visa?

According to the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons”, a foreigner or a stateless person may be refused a visa for the following reasons:

threats to the national security of the state or protection of public order;
stay in the database of persons who, according to the legislation of Ukraine, are not allowed to enter Ukraine or whose right to leave Ukraine is temporarily restricted;
submission of an invalid passport document or a passport document belonging to another person;
submission of knowingly false information or forged other documents;
absence of a valid health insurance policy, provided it is possible to issue it in the territory of the country in which the corresponding visa application is submitted;
lack of sufficient financial support for the period of the planned stay and for returning to the country of origin;
lack of evidence confirming the purpose of the planned stay;
lack of documents that make it possible to establish the applicant’s intention to leave the territory of Ukraine before the visa expires;
refusal of the applicant to submit his biometric data for their fixation, unless otherwise provided by the legislation or international treaties of Ukraine;
the applicant’s request to terminate consideration of the visa application.