New rules governing the entry and duration of stay in Ukraine by foreigners and stateless persons have been introduced by the Cabinet of Ministers .

The rules, which came into force on May 15, include:

  • limiting short-term stays to 90 days within the 180-day period from the date of first entry for citizens of visa-free countries and citizens of WTO member countries (ending their privileged 180-day stay regime)
  • limiting stays by citizens of other countries to the duration of their visas, but no more than 90 days within the 180-day period from the date of first entry
  • requiring citizens of various countries in Central and Eastern Asia, Africa and South America, including some CIS countries (as listed in an Annex to the Resolution), to provide confirmation of their financial capacity to cover their stay. This requirement will be controlled by the border officers through sample checks conducted during an interview at the point of entry

Foreign citizens wishing to extend the period of stay and avoid a fine for overstaying (of up to UAH 680), must submit a written application, together with a statement from their host, to their local division of the State Department of Immigration, Citizenship, and Registration of Natural Persons (DDGIRFO) at least 3 business days before the end of the 90-day period.

Law: Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No 445 "On Amendments to the Rules on Entry, Exit and Transit through the Territory of Ukraine for Foreigners and Individuals without Citizenship" dated 6 May 2009.

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The original publication date for this article was 20/05/2009.