VISA AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS TRAVELING TO OR STAYING IN UKRAINE

VISAS: Depending on the length and purpose of travel, U.S. citizens may or may not be required to get a Ukrainian visa prior to coming to Ukraine. U.S. citizens are exempt from the requirement to have a Ukrainian visa as long as the duration of their stay in Ukraine does not exceed 90 days and the purpose of their travel is tourism. U.S. citizens whose planned stay in Ukraine exceeds 90 days, and so consequently bears the characteristics of a long-term stay, must have visas authorizing their entry into Ukraine. If the purpose of their visit is not tourism, an appropriate visa type must be obtained. U.S. citizens may apply for all types of visas through Ukrainian Embassies and Consulates overseas. A list of required documents for the visa application will be determined based on the purpose and length of travel on a case-by-case basis. Contact details for Ukrainian Embassies and Consulates are available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine website. All foreigners entering or staying in Ukraine must be registered with Ukrainian authorities.

REGISTRATION: American Citizens traveling to or staying in Ukraine are reminded of the changes to the Ukrainian Immigration Law introduced by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine #917 from July 11, 2007. This Decree changes the registration procedures for short-term stays. The registration for short-term visits of up to 90 days is completed at the border by the customs offices. Such registration is valid for a period of 90 days over each period of 180 days. In other words, one may come to Ukraine for a short visit of a tourist nature for a cumulative period of 90 days within consecutive 180 days without a visa. The calculation of the 90 day period begins from the date of first entry on the territory of Ukraine.

The initial registration for both short and long-term visits to Ukraine, with or without a visa, is accomplished at the border when entering Ukraine. Future extensions for stays exceeding 90 days are completed through the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Office of Citizenship, Immigration and Registration. This office is also known as an "OVIR" office. Most cities will have several OVIR offices. Applications for extension of registration should be submitted at least three days before the current registration expires.

For more details regarding Ukrainian visas and registration procedures, American Citizens are advised to contact the Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate abroad or the nearest OVIR office inside Ukraine.