How Long Can Foreigners Stay in Ukraine Without a Visa: Overstay Fines & Extensions

If you are planning a trip or a long-term stay in Ukraine, it is worth investigating how long you are allowed to legally stay in the country without a visa. It is important to know not only about the time limits, but also about the consequences of violating them, as well as the possibility of extending your stay legally. Learn more about visa-free rules, penalties for overstaying and the procedure for extending your stay in Ukraine

Legal assistance on migration issues for foreigners

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Ukraine has a fairly liberal entry regime for many countries. However, this does not mean that a foreigner can stay in the country without restrictions. Many people ask: how long is it allowed to stay without a visa? What if you plan to stay longer? What are the consequences if you break the rules? In this guide, we will reveal the answers to these questions and share practical advice.

Find out how to avoid risks and make your trip to Ukraine as safe as possible in 2025 here.

Visa-free regime: how long can foreigners stay in Ukraine without a visa?

In 2025, Ukraine will have a visa-free regime with 148 countries, including most of the European Union, the United States, Canada, Japan, Turkey, Georgia, Kuwait, Uruguay and many others.

The Ukraine visa-free stay rules stipulate that citizens of these countries may enter Ukraine without a visa, subject to a limit on the length of stay of no more than 90 days within each 180-day period.

Read more about the documents required for foreigners to stay in Ukraine during the war here.

90 180 rule Ukraine: what does it mean?

The visa-free regime allows you to stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that you can stay for no more than 90 days in any 180-day period, counted from the current day backwards.

The countdown starts from the first day you enter Ukraine. After 90 days, you must leave the country or take care of a legal extension of your stay.

The rules for entering Ukraine by car with foreign licence plates and whether you need a Green Card to enter Ukraine can be found here.

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Ukraine overstay penalty

For exceeding the permitted period of stay, a foreigner may be subject to an Ukraine visa overstay fine in the amount of 100 to 300 tax-free minimums. The amount depends on the number of days of overstay and the existence of previous violations.

Possible consequences of violating the terms of permitted stay in Ukraine:

- First offence: fine or warning.

- Repeated violation: fine + possible ban on entry to Ukraine for up to 3 years.

- Serious consequences: deportation, refusal of visas in the future, problems at the border.

It is worth remembering that even if the fine is paid, this does not guarantee an unimpeded return to Ukraine in the future. A history of violating deadlines can have a negative impact on obtaining new visas, residence permits or even entry permits.

We explain whether it is necessary to leave Ukraine to obtain a long-term visa type D for a residence permit by following the link.

How to extend stay in Ukraine?

Yes, it is possible if you have the appropriate grounds:

- medical treatment;

- childbirth;

- caring for a sick family member;

- forced stay in Ukraine due to emergency circumstances;

- inheritance registration;

- grounds for obtaining a permanent or temporary residence permit;

- applying for an immigration permit;

- applying for Ukrainian citizenship;

- other circumstances that make it impossible for a foreigner or stateless person to leave Ukraine.

How can I extend my stay in Ukraine?

1. Collect the necessary documents.

2. Apply to the territorial body or subdivision of the State Migration Service of Ukraine at the place of residence.

3. Submit an application and the required documents.

Documents required to extend the period of stay on the territory of Ukraine:

- Application for extension of the period of stay in the territory of Ukraine, which is formed when submitting documents in electronic form.

- Documents confirming the existence of grounds for further stay on the territory of Ukraine.

- Valid passport document of the foreigner (or passport documents - in case the foreigner has simultaneous citizenship of several states or a document certifying a stateless person).

- Passport of the host party (individual) or representative of the host party (legal entity).

- Documents confirming the availability of sufficient financial security to cover the costs associated with the stay of a foreigner or stateless person in Ukraine, or relevant guarantees from the host party.

- A document confirming the payment of the administrative fee or a document on exemption from its payment.

The decision is made within three business days. If the application is rejected, it can be appealed administratively or in court. You should act in advance - submitting an application on the last day of your stay significantly reduces the chances of a positive decision.

If you have any doubts about your grounds for extending your stay or it is difficult to collect all the necessary documents, it is better not to take risks and contact experienced migration lawyers. This will help you avoid mistakes that can lead to fines or refusal.

Specialists will help you to properly prepare the documents, submit your application and protect your rights in case of refusal. This is especially important if you are applying in the last days of your stay - every detail can make a difference.

When is a visa to Ukraine required?

Foreigners who are citizens of countries that are not on the visa-free list must obtain a visa before entering Ukraine. In addition, a visa is required even for citizens of visa-free countries if they plan to stay for more than 90 days or intend to work, study, conduct business or obtain a residence permit.

Ukrainian legislation provides for several types of visas, depending on the purpose of the visit:

- Short-term visa type C. It is intended for trips lasting up to 90 days. It is most often issued for tourist, business, private or medical purposes. The visa can be single, double or multiple entry, depending on the applicant's request.

- Long-term visa type D. It is required for foreigners planning a long-term stay or immigration to Ukraine. It is issued for a period of up to 90 days, but after entry, its holder is obliged to apply to the migration service for a temporary or permanent residence permit.

The subcategories of long-term visas include work visas (for official employment), study visas (for students of Ukrainian institutions), and family visas (for reunification with relatives or spouses). There are also humanitarian visas, religious, cultural, etc.

You can find out how to choose the right type of visa D for a long-term entry to Ukraine here.

What documents are required for a visa to Ukraine?

The set of documents required to obtain a visa depends on the type and purpose of the trip, but there is a certain basic set that will be required in most cases:

- A valid passport with at least one blank page, which will be valid for the entire period of stay in Ukraine.

- A document confirming the purpose of the visit. This can be a notarised invitation, a travel voucher, a certificate from the place of study, a work contract, an invitation from a host organisation or institution.

- Proof of financial solvency. This can be a bank statement, ATM receipt or other document proving the availability of funds (at least $45 per day of stay).

- A health insurance policy that covers emergency care, treatment, and repatriation. Read here who needs insurance to enter Ukraine and what rules apply in 2025.

- A completed application form and photographs of the prescribed form.

In case of applying for a long-term visa, you must also provide a certificate of no criminal record, and in some cases, copies of contracts, work permits or other specific documents.

Read here to find out how much it costs to obtain a residence permit in Ukraine and whether it is possible to apply for it remotely.

Who can apply for an e-visa to Ukraine?

Certain countries, currently 43 of them, are eligible to obtain a Ukrainian visa in the e-visa format. This is a convenient online service that allows you to avoid applying to consulates.

An e-visa can be issued for business, tourism, private purposes, as well as for medical treatment, participation in cultural, sports or educational events.

Documents are submitted remotely through the MFA platform, after which the applicant receives a visa by email in PDF format.

The application process takes from one to three business days, depending on the chosen mode, and costs from USD 20 to 30. In case of urgency, the cost doubles.

The main things you should know about living in Ukraine are described here.

If you are planning to stay in Ukraine, have questions about documents or have already encountered difficulties extending your stay, you should not take any risks.

Visit Ukraine migration lawyers specialise in immigration and legalisation of stay for foreigners. They will help you understand the complex nuances of the law, collect a full package of documents, and avoid mistakes that can lead to fines or refusal.

Book a consultation with Visit Ukraine lawyers and get high-quality legal assistance!

Just a reminder. To plan a trip to Ukraine, a foreigner needs to resolve a large number of issues related to entry and stay in the country. Read here about the peculiarities of travelling to Ukraine in 2025 and what is important to consider before planning a trip.

Photo: Freepik

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