E-visa implementation delayed

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The implementation of Ukraine’s e-visa program, which was announced in April, is experiencing delays.

What does the change mean? While Ukraine’s foreign ministry develops a procedure to issue e-visas, foreign travelers are advised to apply for visas at a consulate. Additionally, although the visas-on-arrival program was recently expanded to cover business travelers, these visas are not recommended for business trips due to the risk of delays or being denied a visa upon entry.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: E-visas and visas on arrival.
• Who is affected: Foreign business travelers and tourists.
• Impact on processing times: Until e-visas are available, travelers should factor in time for consular processing.
• Business impact: Although visas on arrival are an alternative for business travelers, employers and individuals should be aware that they often cause delays and are not always granted upon arrival.

Background: In April, Ukraine passed a regulation introducing e-visas available to business and tourist visitors for a single entry of up to 30 days. Although the program was to take immediate effect, authorities have not yet completed implementation procedures.

The regulation also added 20 countries to the visa-on-arrival program, now available to nationals of 33 countries, and allowed the use of visas on arrival for business purposes. Business travelers, however, should be aware that visas on arrival are not always granted and that they have several limitations, including that they are issued for a single entry of up to 15 days and do not cover work activities.

BAL Analysis: Travelers are not yet able to apply for e-visas, and business travelers should be aware of the risks and limitations of relying on visas on arrival.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Ukraine. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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