Ukraine offers a tourist visa through its e-Visa system, available to citizens of 45 countries for stays of up to 30 days. The e-Visa costs $20 for single-entry or $30 for double-entry, with standard processing in 3 business days. Citizens of over 80 countries, including the United States, Canada, and EU member states, do not need a visa at all for short tourist visits.
Ukraine reopened its borders to tourists and resumed issuing e-Visas on February 19, 2025, after the system was suspended in 2022 due to the Russian invasion. Whether you need a tourist visa depends on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and how long you plan to stay. This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a Ukraine tourist visa in 2026.
Who Needs a Tourist Visa for Ukraine?
Ukraine maintains a generous visa-free policy for citizens of more than 80 countries. If you hold a passport from one of these nations, you can enter Ukraine as a tourist without any visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Visa-free for 90 days – Citizens of these major countries do not need a tourist visa:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| North America | United States, Canada |
| European Union | All 27 EU member states |
| Other Europe | United Kingdom (until January 2027), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein |
| Asia-Pacific | Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei |
| Middle East | Israel, Turkey, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia |
| Latin America | Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia |
Visa-free for shorter periods applies to a few additional countries:
| Duration | Countries |
|---|---|
| 30 days | Hong Kong, Mauritius |
| 14 days | North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
If your country is not on any visa-free list, you will need either an e-Visa or a traditional visa obtained through a Ukrainian embassy or consulate. Check the current requirements at our Ukraine eVisa Requirements page for the most up-to-date information.
Ukraine e-Visa for Tourists
The Ukraine e-Visa is the primary option for tourists from countries that are not visa-exempt. It was designed to simplify the application process, allowing travelers to apply entirely online without visiting an embassy.
Eligible Countries for Tourist e-Visa
Citizens of 45 countries can apply for a Ukraine e-Visa. The list includes nations from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Some of the eligible countries include:
| Region | Eligible Countries |
|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand |
| South Asia | India, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
| East Asia | China |
| Africa | Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria |
| Middle East | Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon |
| Americas | Mexico, Peru |
The e-Visa covers several travel purposes, including tourism, business visits, medical treatment, cultural activities, sports events, and journalistic assignments.
e-Visa Types and Categories
Ukraine issues e-Visas under six categories:
| Category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Tourism | Sightseeing, vacation, cultural exploration |
| Business | Meetings, conferences, commercial activities |
| Medical | Medical treatment and healthcare visits |
| Cultural | Cultural events, exhibitions, performances |
| Sports | Sporting events and competitions |
| Journalistic | Media coverage and press activities |
For tourist purposes, select the “Tourism” category when applying. The e-Visa is issued as either a single-entry or double-entry document, both valid for 30 days from the date of entry.
Ukraine Tourist Visa Requirements
To apply for a Ukraine tourist e-Visa, you need the following documents:
Mandatory documents:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity from your planned entry date
- A recent passport-size digital photograph (color, white background)
- A completed online application form
- Proof of travel medical insurance covering Ukraine for the duration of your stay
- Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements or equivalent)
- Hotel reservation or accommodation confirmation
- Round-trip flight booking or travel itinerary
Additional supporting documents:
- Travel itinerary detailing your planned activities in Ukraine
- Invitation letter from a Ukrainian tour operator (if applicable)
- Proof of employment or income in your home country
The passport photograph must meet specific requirements: taken within the last 6 months, showing a full face with a neutral expression, against a plain white background, and in JPEG format with a minimum resolution of 600×600 pixels.
For a complete overview of Ukraine’s visa system, see our Ukraine eVisa Complete Guide. For a complete checklist of fees, visit our detailed Ukraine eVisa Fee and Costs guide.
How to Apply for a Ukraine Tourist Visa Online
The application process for a Ukraine tourist e-Visa is straightforward and can be completed in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 1: Visit the official portal
Go to the Ukrainian government’s e-Visa portal at visa.mfa.gov.ua. Create an account using a valid email address.
Step 2: Fill out the application form
Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. This includes your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and planned dates of travel.
Step 3: Upload required documents
Upload your passport scan, passport photograph, travel insurance proof, accommodation booking, and financial documentation. All files should be in PDF or JPEG format and under 2MB each.
Step 4: Pay the visa fee
Pay the e-Visa fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee depends on the processing speed and entry type you choose.
Step 5: Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 3 business days. If you need the visa faster, select urgent processing for a decision within 1 business day.
Step 6: Receive your e-Visa
Once approved, you will receive the e-Visa by email as a PDF document. Print a copy to carry with your passport during travel.
Ukraine Tourist Visa Fees
The cost of a Ukraine tourist e-Visa depends on the type of entry and processing speed:
| Visa Type | Standard Processing (3 days) | Urgent Processing (1 day) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | $20 USD | $40 USD |
| Double-entry | $30 USD | $60 USD |
The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Payment is made online during the application process via credit or debit card. There are no additional service charges or hidden fees when applying through the official Ukrainian government portal.
Ukraine Tourist Visa Processing Time
Standard e-Visa processing takes 3 business days from the date of application submission. Urgent processing reduces this to 1 business day but costs double the standard fee.
Processing times may be longer during peak travel seasons or if additional documentation is requested. It is recommended to apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel date to allow for any unexpected delays.
Factors that can affect processing time:
- Incomplete or incorrect application forms
- Poor quality document scans or photographs
- High application volume during holiday periods
- Additional security checks for certain nationalities
Traveling to Ukraine as a Tourist in 2026
Ukraine remains a fascinating destination with rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. While the ongoing conflict has affected some regions, many parts of the country are safe and welcoming to tourists.
Key travel considerations:
- Some eastern and southern regions remain affected by conflict – check travel advisories before planning your route
- Western Ukraine (Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Uzhhorod) and central regions (Kyiv, Odesa) are generally considered safe for tourism
- Air travel operates through several airports, with Lviv and Kyiv Boryspil being the main international gateways
- Travel insurance is mandatory for e-Visa holders and strongly recommended for all visitors
- The Ukrainian currency is the hryvnia (UAH); ATMs and card payments are widely available in cities
