Ukraine visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Ukraine

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Ukrainian Visa.

  • A duly filled and printed electronic visa application form.
  • A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Ukraine.   
  • A digital passport photo which would be uploaded during the application process. 
  • Applicant's valid e-mail address(the Ukrainian e-Visa will be sent in PDF format).
  • Scan of passport page(for electronic visa).
  • A document confirming hotel reservation or payment for accommodation and dining in Ukraine.
  • A document showing an agreement for tourist services.
  • Proof of financial capability of the applicant to pay or travel and cover expenses during travel.
  • A letter of guarantee from an inviting party(in a case where the applicant was invited to Ukraine).
  • A valid travel insurance with your full name and a coverage of at least 30000 Euro or its equivalent in other currency.
  • A fixed return ticket to the state of nationality or to the state of permanent residence.

Ukraine Visa for South Africans

Facts about Ukraine

Ukraine is best known for its history, monuments, festivals and delicious cuisine. There are also a number of mountain ranges which are very good for skiing, hiking, fishing, and hunting. A very popular destination for tourists is the Black Sea. Tourists in the country like to take tours on ships from the Dnieper River to the Black Sea.

Tourism in Ukraine has taken a downturn recently because of the war in the country. Although in recent times, tourism has picked up, the number of visitors in the country was about 14.5 million in 2017. This shows that despite the war, it is still a top destination among tourists.

Smoking of tobacco and consumption of alcohol is highly prohibited in public places.

Random passport checks can be carried on foreigners so it is advisable that you carry your passport along with you everywhere for identification purposes.

Types of Ukraine Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 10 working days 90 days
Business visa 10 working days 90 days
Transit visa 10 working days 5 days
Journalist visa 10 working days More than 90 days
Student visa 10 working days More than 90 days
Work visa 10 working days More than 90 days
Official visa 10 working days more than 90 days

General Requirements for Ukraine Visa

  • A duly filled and printed electronic visa application form.
  • A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Ukraine.   
  • A digital passport photo which would be uploaded during the application process. 
  • Applicant's valid e-mail address(the Ukrainian e-Visa will be sent in PDF format).
  • Scan of passport page(for electronic visa).
  • A document confirming hotel reservation or payment for accommodation and dining in Ukraine.
  • A document showing an agreement for tourist services.
  • Proof of financial capability of the applicant to pay or travel and cover expenses during travel.
  • A letter of guarantee from an inviting party(in a case where the applicant was invited to Ukraine).
  • A valid travel insurance with your full name and a coverage of at least 30000 Euro or its equivalent in other currency.
  • A fixed return ticket to the state of nationality or to the state of permanent residence.
Ukraine Tourist visa Ukraine Business visa Ukraine Transit visa Ukraine Journalist visa Ukraine Student visa Ukraine Work visa Ukraine Official visa

Ukraine Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Ukrainian Tourist visa is issued to applicants who want to go to Ukraine for sight-seeing, tourism, family visitation and leisure. 
  • The type C visa is issued to tourists going to Ukraine. It is valid for 90 days but can be extended.  
  • The Ukrainian Tourist Visa allows applicants apply electronically without having to go to the embassy or consulate. The process of filling the application takes just a few minutes.
  • Applicants are required to give some  basic information such as your name, national address and date of birth when applying for the Ukraine visa. 
  • Applicants are to send legitimate email addresses for the embassy to send the e-Visas.
  • The normal visa can be gotten but it is advised to get the e-Visa as it saves time and helps avoid the stress of going to the embassy. 
  • It is essential to complete all the sections of the Ukraine tourist visa application form accurately.
  • Payment for the electronic visa will also be done online.
  • Applicants must also pay attention to passport details they would be submitting along with their forms.
    • An original passport with an empty extra page is to be scanned and uploaded.
    • A digital passport-sized photo should be submitted.
    • Passport must have been issued not later than 10 years from the application.
  • Travelers should print a copy of their Ukrainian visa to present at the Ukrainian border along with their passport.
  • Note that according to Ukraine’s visa rules, foreigners are to apply for their Ukrainian visa not earlier than 3 months before the intended date of entry to Ukraine.
  • For minors,the e-Visa application shall be submitted by a parent or legal guardian. A separate e-Visa application needs to be submitted for each person.
  • The original birth certificate of  minors  must be provided to validate the age of the said minor.
  • Upon arrival and departure, you will be asked to present your e-Visa, along with all the documents specified above. You must keep a copy of the e-Visa with you for the duration of your trip.

Ukraine Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows its holders to visit the country for business activities.
  • People with this visa can attend business meetings and sign business contracts . You can also attend conferences, seminars or job interviews.
  • Applicants are not allowed to be enrolled in any of the institutions of learning in the country.
  • The receipt of paid visa application fee is required.
  • An invitation letter from the company you are meeting in Ukraine is needed. The letter should include the purpose and duration of the visit.
  • There should be a proof that the reason of your visit is solely for business.
  • If you are traveling with a minor, a letter of consent from both the applicant’s parents is needed.
  • A return flight ticket to South Africa is needed.
  • Travelers on this visa are prohibited from taking up paid employment in the country.
  • It is processed for a period of 10 working days and ceases to be valid after 90 days.

Ukraine Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to persons who want to transit through Ukraine.
  • Applicants of this visa type intend to take a connecting flight or join a ship from Ukraine to their destination.
  • You are required to have the flight ticket and visa to your destination country.
  • Minors should have the original copy of their birth certificate with them so as to present them at the embassy.
  • Diagnosis from your local physician showing that you are in good health is required.
  • The duration of the transit is not more than 5 days.
  • Seamen can also apply for a transit visa but would need a seaman passbook.

Ukraine Journalist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to journalists.
  • People who apply for this visa are on visits to the country to cover a media event or write a story in the country.
  • A letter of invitation from a media house registered in Ukraine requesting a media staff is required.
  • They may also want to tour the country for a story.
  • If you are a non-South African, a South African resident permit is needed.
  • You must be able to afford a daily amount of $50 while in the country.
  • You should have a return ticket to South Africa.
  • You must be willing to abide by all Ukrainian rules and regulations while in the country.
  • You are expected to exit the country when the visa expires.

Ukraine Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • People who have been enrolled into one institution or the other in Ukraine would need this visa type.
  • If the student’s program is not up after the 180-day validity, then the visa can be renewed.
  • A letter from the institution in which the student has been admitted to confirming enrollment should be presented.
  • Proof of accommodation and sustenance for the duration of study is required.
  • Students in Ukraine are not allowed to work while they are studying.
  • Certificates and transcripts of previously attended schools should be submitted. You are required to have two translated copies of these documents.
  • All applicants of this visa should undergo HIV/AIDS test.
  • Applicants should be ready to abide by the laid down rules in the country.
  • You are expected to leave the country at the end of your study.
  • The visa takes a period of 10 working days for processing.

Ukraine Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is the visa type for people who intend to take up a paid employment in the country.
  • Applicants of this visa type need to obtain a work permit in the country.
  • A letter of invitation from the employer in Ukraine is required to apply for this visa.
  • Proof of paid visa application fees is required.
  • You are not allowed to study with visa type.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • If you are a minor, the original copy of your birth certificate is required.
  • You are required to undergo HIV/AIDS test.
  • It takes 10 working days to be processed.

Ukraine Official Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for those on Diplomatic missions in the country.
  • This is also for government officials.
  • People that apply for this visa type usually do so with the aim of fostering and developing working relationships.
  • A letter from the country’s government should be presented.
  • If you are traveling with your spouse and children, you are required to show a document backing up your claim that they are members of your family.
  • Minors should ensure they have the original copy of their birth certificates.
  • Diplomats are requested to show that they have sufficient funds for their stay in the country.
  • It takes 10 working days for the visa to be processed.

Ukraine Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

1906.00 (UAH)

Business visa

1906.00 (UAH)

Transit visa

1906.00 (UAH)

Journalist visa

1906.00 (UAH)

Student visa

1906.00 (UAH)

Work visa

1906.00 (UAH)

Official visa

1906.00 (UAH)

Ukraine Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

398 Marais St, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa

https://rsa.mfa.gov.ua

emb_za@mfa.gov.ua

(00 2712) 460 19 43

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reapply for a Ukraine visa if my application is rejected?

Yes, you can reapply for a visa and even challenge your visa refusal.

Is it safe to travel to Ukraine?

Ukraine is a safe country, unless you venture into the war zone. This is the far east part of the country.

Is Ukraine an expensive travel destination?

Ukraine is one of the cheapest travel destinations in Europe. Commodities in Ukraine are also very affordable.

What currency can be brought to Ukraine?

It is advisable to bring either US dollars or Euros to exchange into the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) upon arrival.  The exchange kiosks in the city typically take U.S. dollars and Euros.

How popular is tourism in Ukraine?

Tourism in Ukraine has been on the rise over the past few years, but the country is still not known for a very high number of tourists. Neighboring countries have at least four times the number of tourist that come to Ukraine yearly.