
Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Donetsk, Ukraine
1. Ukrainian Visa for Short-Term Stay
Required for most foreign nationals visiting Donetsk for less than 90 days. Application can be done online or at the Ukrainian embassy.
- Processing Time: Varies based on application method and embassy workload, but can take up to a month.
- Document Requirements: Includes passport, travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and invitation letter if applicable.
- Validity Period: Once issued, the visa is valid for 90 days, but only allows a stay of up to 30 days.
2. Ukrainian E-Visa
For select nationalities, an e-visa is available for stays of up to 30 days. Application is entirely online.
- Application Fee: Slightly higher than traditional visa application fee.
- Ease of Application: The entire process is done online, making it more convenient for applicants.
- Validity Period: Once issued, the e-visa is valid for 30 days from arrival date.
3. Donetsk Regional Visa Regime
For some foreign nationals, a special regime allows stays of up to 180 days in the Donetsk region. Requires registration at local authorities.
- Registration Requirement: Regular visits to local authorities are necessary to maintain compliance.
- Validity Period: Allows stays of up to 180 days in the Donetsk region, but does not allow travel elsewhere in Ukraine.
- Eligibility: Only available to certain nationalities and requires an invitation letter from a Ukrainian resident or organization.
4. Ukrainian Border Regime for Foreign Media
Allows foreign media workers to enter and stay in Ukraine without a visa for up to 90 days at a time.
- Accreditation: Requires accreditation from the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy.
- Supporting Documents: Includes proof of employment, equipment list, and a letter from the media organization.
- Renewal: Can be renewed once for another 90 days, but requires re-application and approval.
5. Donetsk Airport Transit Visa
For passengers transiting through Donetsk International Airport, a transit visa may be required depending on nationality and destination.
- Duration of Stay: Typically valid for up to 5 days, but can vary based on specific circumstances.
- Document Requirements: Includes a valid visa for the final destination, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds.
- Transit Time Limitations: Limited to time spent in airport facilities, not the city itself.
6. Ukrainian Work Permit
Required for foreigners seeking employment in Donetsk. Application process involves both the employer and employee.
- Employer Responsibility: The employer must prove they cannot find a suitable Ukrainian worker.
- Quota System: Some professions have quotas, limiting the number of foreign workers allowed.
- Work Permit Validity: Typically valid for one year, but can be renewed.
7. Ukrainian Business Visa
For foreigners visiting Donetsk for business purposes. Application process involves invitation from a Ukrainian company.
- Invitation Letter: Requires an official invitation letter from the inviting Ukrainian organization.
- Validity Period: Allows stays of up to 30 days, but can be extended once for another 30 days.
- Document Requirements: Includes proof of sufficient funds and travel insurance.
8. Donetsk Regional Pass
Allows free movement within the Donetsk region for a year. Can be obtained at regional authorities.
- Eligibility: Available to foreigners with permanent residence or work permit in Ukraine.
- Validity Period: Valid for one year from the date of issue.
- Benefits: Allows free travel on local public transportation and some discounts at certain businesses.
9. Ukrainian Long-Term Residency Permit
For foreigners seeking to reside in Donetsk for more than a year. Application process involves proving ties to Ukraine.
- Ties to Ukraine: Requires proof of property ownership, employment, or family relations in Ukraine.
- Validity Period: Typically valid for one year, but can be renewed.
- Work Permit: A separate work permit is required to legally work in Ukraine.
10. Ukrainian Family Reunification Visa
For foreign spouses or minor children of Ukrainian citizens or permanent residents seeking to live in Donetsk.
- Application Process: Involves both the applicant and sponsor, with documents such as marriage or birth certificates.
- Validity Period: Allows permanent residence in Ukraine, with no specific expiration date.
- Work Permit: A separate work permit is required to legally work in Ukraine.
11. Ukrainian Student Visa
For foreign students attending an educational institution in Donetsk. Application process involves acceptance letter.
- Acceptance Letter: Requires an official acceptance letter from the educational institution.
- Validity Period: Allows stays of up to one year, with renewals as needed for the duration of studies.
- Health Insurance: Requires proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of stay.
12. Ukrainian Transit Visa
For passengers transiting through Ukraine en route to another destination. Application process involves proof of onward travel.
- Duration of Stay: Typically valid for up to 5 days, but can vary based on specific circumstances.
- Document Requirements: Includes a valid visa for the final destination, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds.
- Transit Time Limitations: Limited to time spent in airport facilities, not the city itself.
13. Ukrainian Tourist Visa
For foreigners visiting Donetsk for tourism purposes. Application process involves proof of travel arrangements.
- Document Requirements: Includes proof of travel arrangements, such as hotel bookings or invitation letters.
- Validity Period: Allows stays of up to 30 days, but can be extended once for another 30 days.
- Travel Insurance: Requires proof of travel insurance coverage for the duration of stay.
14. Ukrainian Humanitarian Visa
For foreigners seeking refuge or asylum in Donetsk. Application process involves documentation of persecution fears.
- Document Requirements: Includes evidence of persecution fears, such as police reports or medical documents.
- Validity Period: Allows stays in Ukraine while the application for refugee or asylum status is processed.
- Resettlement Process: If accepted, initiates a resettlement process to permanently move to Ukraine.
15. Donetsk Invitation Letter
Required for some visa applications. Proof of accommodation and financial means may also be necessary.
- Invitation Requirement: A valid invitation letter from a Ukrainian resident or organization is mandatory.
- Accommodation: Proof of accommodation arrangements, such as hotel bookings or a lease agreement.
- Financial Means: Demonstrates financial means to support oneself during the stay in Donetsk.