United States Visa RequirementsFor Ukraine passport holders
Ukrainian passport holders require a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa to enter the United States. The US Embassy in Kyiv continues to provide consular services. Ukrainians already in the US under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) have separate authorization. New visa applicants must apply through the standard B1/B2 process.
Ukraine passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply through the US Embassy in Kyiv (4 Igor Sikorsky Street, Kyiv) or at a US Embassy in a third country if living abroad. Complete DS-160 at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your interview at ais.usvisa-info.com. For current embassy operating hours and appointment availability in Kyiv, check ua.usembassy.gov. Those applying from Poland, Germany, or other countries where Ukrainians have relocated should apply at the local US Embassy.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online nonimmigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay in the US
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable machine-readable visa fee, paid before interview
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm) photo, white background, taken within 6 months
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled via the US Embassy appointment system (ais.usvisa-info.com)
Proof of financial means
Bank statements for the past 3 to 6 months, pay stubs, or tax returns
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property deeds, family ties, or other evidence of return
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended travel dates, purpose of visit, and accommodation details
Current Travel Situation
Ukraine to United States: What You Need to Know
Ukraine is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program, and Ukrainian citizens require a B1/B2 visa for tourism, business, and family visits to the United States. The United States has been one of Ukraine's strongest supporters since the Russian invasion in February 2022, providing military, economic, and humanitarian aid.
The US Embassy in Kyiv resumed full consular operations after a temporary relocation during the early months of the conflict. Ukrainians seeking visas should apply through the Kyiv Embassy when it is safe to do so. Those living in other countries may apply at a US Embassy in their country of residence or nearest post.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS): A large number of Ukrainians who arrived in the United States after February 24, 2022 were granted TPS, which provides work authorization and protection from deportation for a limited period. TPS is separate from the B1/B2 visa and does not require a visa application. TPS holders should track extension announcements from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). TPS does not lead to permanent residence on its own.
For Ukrainians applying for a standard B1/B2 visa from outside the US, the process follows the standard nonimmigrant procedure. Consular officers understand the context of the war and evaluate applications based on individual circumstances including ties to Ukraine or other countries.
How to Get There
Ukraine has limited direct flights to the US due to the ongoing conflict and associated airspace closures. Most routes connect through Warsaw (Chopin Airport), Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Vienna, or Istanbul. Polish carrier LOT, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines offer common connection points for Ukrainians traveling to the US. Travel time from Warsaw or Frankfurt to New York is approximately 9 to 11 hours.
Money & Banking
The United States uses the dollar (USD). ATMs are available throughout all US cities and many towns. Cards are widely accepted. For Ukrainians already living in the US under TPS or other status, major US banks offer accounts with standard identification. Daily costs in US cities average $130 to $250 USD. Tipping 18 to 20 percent in restaurants is standard.
Practical Tips
Bring documentation of your specific situation, including financial support, housing, employment, and ties to Ukraine or your current country of residence. For TPS holders already in the US, consult a licensed immigration attorney before traveling internationally, as TPS holders generally need advance parole to re-enter the US after travel abroad. Emergency number in the US: 911.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Ukrainians need a US visa despite the war?
Yes. Ukrainian citizens require a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa to enter the United States unless they have TPS, parole, or another form of US immigration authorization. The US Embassy in Kyiv continues to provide consular services. The war does not automatically waive visa requirements for standard tourist or business travel.
What is TPS and does it apply to Ukrainian citizens?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a US government designation that protects nationals of specific countries from deportation when those countries face unsafe conditions. Ukrainians who arrived in the US after February 24, 2022 have been eligible for TPS, which provides work authorization and protection from removal. TPS must be renewed periodically and is separate from a standard visa. Check USCIS (uscis.gov) for current TPS Ukraine status.
Is the US Embassy in Kyiv open and processing visa applications?
Yes. The US Embassy in Kyiv (4 Igor Sikorsky Street) resumed full consular operations after a brief relocation during the early stages of the conflict. Visa services, including B1/B2 applications, are being processed. Check ua.usembassy.gov for current operating hours and any temporary service changes due to security conditions.
Can Ukrainians displaced to Poland or Germany apply for a US visa there?
Yes. US visa applicants generally can apply at any US Embassy in their current country of legal residence. Ukrainians temporarily residing in Poland, Germany, or other countries may apply at the US Embassy in those countries. The appointment scheduling system at ais.usvisa-info.com allows selecting the embassy of your choice.
Can TPS holders travel outside the US and return?
Generally, TPS holders must obtain Advance Parole from USCIS before traveling outside the United States. Traveling without Advance Parole may result in loss of TPS protection and inability to re-enter the US. Consult a licensed immigration attorney before making any international travel plans if you hold TPS.
How long does the US visa process take for Ukrainians?
Processing time depends on the embassy location. At the Kyiv Embassy, interview appointments and processing times vary. After a successful interview, decisions are typically issued within 3 to 10 business days. The full timeline from application to visa in hand can range from a few weeks to several months depending on appointment availability.
Does the US give preference to Ukrainian visa applicants given the war?
The US has been supportive of Ukraine and has provided various forms of relief, including TPS and the Uniting for Ukraine parole program. However, standard B1/B2 visa applications are still evaluated on individual merits. The existence of the war may be relevant context (for example, when explaining why an applicant is currently abroad), but it does not substitute for meeting the standard eligibility requirements.