Ukraine – Visa Issuance Rules Amended
Effective April 16, 2017, Resolution No. 118 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine introduced online visa applications, simplifies the requirements for visa invitation letters, reduces the time allowed for consulates to process and issue a visa and reduces the consular visa application fee, amongst other changes.
Online Visa Option
Foreign nationals will be able to apply online for a 30-day single-entry visa for business or tourism online.
Visa Invitation Letters
These no longer have to be obtained from the State Migration Service, but instead can be provided by the host company on company letterhead, or by a natural person (must be notarized).
Reduced Visa Issuance Period
For standard applications, the consulates will have to issue the visa within ten days of the application submission. For urgent applications, the issuance period will be five days. Previously, visas were issued within 15 days.
Reduced Visa Fees
The Resolution introduces a new flat fee of 65 USD for any kind of consular visa, regardless of the number of entries. Previously, the fee for single-entry visas was 85 USD, while double-entry visas cost 130 USD and multiple-entry visas cost 200 USD.
Visa on Arrival
The visa on arrival program has been extended to more nationalities, and will be available for business as well as tourism for stays of up to 15 days, for a fee of 150 USD.
The list of qualifying nationalities are listed below:
Australia
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
China (PRC)
Dominica (the Commonwealth)
El Salvador
Guatemala
Grenada
Honduras
India
Indonesia
Kuwait
Malaysia
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia (FSM)
New Zealand
Oman
Palau
Peru
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Samoa
Seychelles
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Singapore
Timor Leshte
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
United Arab Emirates
Vanua
Other changes that have occurred are the long-term (type D) visas can be issued as a multiple entry visa for 90 days. Previously, such visas were issued only for a single entry allowing the holder for up to 45 days. Short-term (type C) visas can now be obtained by foreign nationals upon submission of title documents to real estate located in Ukraine.