A foreigner may not be allowed to enter the territory of Ukraine and a previously obtained visa may be canceled. Find out what to do in such cases, how to appeal the ban, and why you may be denied entry to Ukraine

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A thorough check of foreigners' documents has always been part of crossing the Ukrainian border. However, the full-scale war has led to increased scrutiny of everyone who wants to visit Ukraine.

Despite the martial law, foreign nationals come to Ukraine for various purposes: business trips, education, or tourism. However, the Migration Service of Ukraine may refuse entry to a foreigner. Read on to find out what may be the grounds for an entry ban and where foreigners can get legal advice on migration issues.

General rules for foreigners entering Ukraine

The rules for crossing the border are regulated by the Law of Ukraine "On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons" and the Verkhovna Rada resolution on the rules for the entry of foreigners and stateless persons into Ukraine.

According to these regulations, employees of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine are authorized to grant permission for a foreigner to cross the state border.

To enter, a foreigner must have a valid passport and visa (if required by law). We also recommend that you prepare a confirmation of the purpose of your stay and sufficient money to cover your expenses. 

Please note! As of July 1, all covid restrictions and quarantine measures have been lifted in Ukraine. A PCR test and proof of vaccination are no longer required to enter the country. Read more about the abolition of covid restrictions here.

However, Ukraine is not open to everyone. Indeed, there is an exhaustive list of grounds on which a foreigner will not be allowed to enter Ukraine.

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Who will not be allowed to enter Ukraine?

The decision to ban entry can be made directly at the checkpoint. As stated in the Law "On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons," the following persons will be refused entry to Ukraine:

● Those who may threaten the security of Ukraine;

● with a forged or damaged passport or visa

● who violated the legislation of Ukraine during their previous stay in the country

● who may be carriers of an infectious disease identified by the relevant health care authority;

● without sufficient financial support for staying in Ukraine.

For a full list of factors that affect the entry into the country, please read here.

We would like to add that after receiving a refusal, the Border Guard Service may cancel the visa and will also put a mark on the entry ban for a certain period of time.

In June, the Verkhovna Rada proposed to tighten entry rules for foreigners. Read more about what may change here.

Received a ban on entry to Ukraine: what to do?

The main rule is to politely ask the border guard to issue a decision to refuse to cross the border with a specific reason. Such a decision is necessary to appeal the ban.

Tip: do not argue or violate the rules of behavior at the border crossing point. If the behavior does not satisfy the employee of the checkpoint, the person may be brought to administrative responsibility.  

You can appeal against the entry ban. Submit an application to the regional office of the State Border Guard Service or to the court. After the decision is made, the foreigner will be able to either come to Ukraine or remain "non-entry" for the appropriate period of time.

Please note that filing an appeal against the ban does not cancel the ban.

Those persons who are not allowed to enter Ukraine must immediately return to the country of origin. If this is not possible, foreigners may stay at the checkpoint until they have the opportunity to return.

Remember that an attempt to illegally cross the border will result in either forced return to the country of previous residence or criminal liability. 

The law provides for certain situations when a foreigner cannot be expelled from Ukraine. Persons facing danger, the death penalty, torture, imprisonment, etc. are not subject to forced return.

If you are facing migration problems or need expert advice before coming to Ukraine, get a legal consultation. Read more about the services you can get here.

We remind you! Traveling to Ukraine, and especially moving to Ukraine, is primarily associated with a large number of issues. Read all about the rules, documents, prohibitions and restrictions, as well as tourism and life in Ukraine for foreigners in our previous article.

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