Ukraine entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
New Zealand passport holders can enter Ukraine without a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa-free arrangement is in effect for 2026 and covers most short-term visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Ukraine. Ukraine does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce their own rules — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Ukraine | Immigration officers at Kyiv Boryspil and Lviv airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure within the 90-day visa-free window. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officials may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host with their address is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Ukraine does not publish a fixed minimum amount, but carrying at least $50–$100 USD per day in cash, a credit card, or a bank statement helps avoid questions. ATMs are widely available in cities. | Recommended |
Passport Validity is Strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if it's close, renew before you fly.
Keep Digital Copies of Everything
Save screenshots of your passport, return ticket, and accommodation on your phone. If you lose your documents, these make replacement much easier.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Ukrainian Border
At any international airport (Kyiv Boryspil, Lviv, Odesa) or land border crossing, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present Documents to Officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity, blank page, and may ask about your trip purpose and accommodation.
3
Receive Entry Stamp
If everything is in order, the officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay period (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
4
Collect Baggage and Exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim (if applicable) and then customs. There are no additional visa-related steps.
Download Ukraine Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$65 USD (equivalent in UAH)
Apply at Ukrainian embassy/consulate before travel; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~$130 USD (equivalent in UAH)
Requires proof of multiple trips; good for frequent visitors.
Long-stay visa (Type D)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (equivalent in UAH)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (equivalent in UAH)
For those with a job offer from a Ukrainian employer. Requires work permit and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Type D)
Duration of studies (up to 1 year, renewable)
~$200 USD (equivalent in UAH)
For enrollment in a Ukrainian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (equivalent in UAH)
For those investing a significant amount (e.g., $100,000+) in the Ukrainian economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable; you must leave after 90 days. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at the border; maximum cap unknown. | ~$3–5 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Ukraine
No transit visa needed
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Ukrainian airports, provided they do not pass through immigration and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or change terminals requiring immigration, you may need a visa.
Transit hubsBoryspil International Airport (KBP) · Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany) (IEV) · Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport (LWO)
Health & vaccines for Ukraine
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas, especially in spring and summer; consider vaccination if hiking.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from stray animals; avoid contact and seek immediate medical care if bitten.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Tap water may not be safe; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Kyiv
State Migration Service of Ukraine – Kyiv Office
9, Volodymyrska Street, Kyiv
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring all original documents.
Lviv
State Migration Service – Lviv Regional Office
1, Hryhoriya Chuprynky Street, Lviv
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and registration for western Ukraine visitors.
Practical information for NZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalKyiv
LanguageUkrainian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 60 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUkrainian hryvnia (UAH)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 44.13 UAH
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not recommended for drinking; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Ukraine before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering.
You need to apply for a long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, or family reunification) at the Ukrainian embassy in Wellington or a consulate abroad before you travel. There is no option to switch from visa-free to a long-term visa once inside Ukraine.
For stays under 90 days, no registration is required. If you stay longer (with a visa), you must register within 30 days at the local migration office.
Yes. New Zealanders can cross at any official land border. The same visa-free rules apply. Expect longer queues at busy crossings like Medyka (Poland) or Chop (Hungary).
No, it's not a legal requirement for New Zealand passport holders. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs for uninsured travellers can be very high.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before travelling.
As of 2026, Ukraine has no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for entry. Check the Ukrainian Ministry of Health website for any last-minute changes.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.