Ukraine entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
French passport holders can visit Ukraine for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from entry and carry a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Ukraine. No minimum validity period beyond your departure date is required by Ukrainian law, but airlines may enforce a 3-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Ukraine | Border officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines at departure may also check this before letting you board. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation, Airbnb reservation, or a letter from a host with their address and contact details works. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. A bank statement, credit card, or cash equivalent to roughly €50 per day is a safe benchmark. Having a card with a visible balance usually satisfies the check. | Recommended |
Entry rules can change quickly
Ukraine's entry requirements may change due to the ongoing war. Always check the latest travel advice from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service before you travel. Some regions may have additional restrictions.
Keep digital copies of your documents
Save photos of your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking on your phone and in cloud storage. If your documents are lost or stolen, these copies make replacement much easier.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ukrainian border control
At any airport (Kyiv Boryspil, Lviv, Odesa) or land border crossing, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport ready.
2
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket or accommodation confirmation. They'll stamp your passport with an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days.
3
Collect your luggage and proceed
After the stamp, you're free to go. No additional forms or fees. Head to baggage claim and then customs.
Download Ukraine Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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, extendable up to 180 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$65 USD (€60)
Requires invitation letter from Ukrainian host or hotel. Apply at Ukrainian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable up to 180 days total
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$130 USD (€120)
Allows multiple entries. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (Type D)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (€180)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (€180) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Ukraine. Requires employer to obtain a work permit. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (€180) + university fees
For enrolled students at Ukrainian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (€180) + minimum investment of ~$100,000 USD
For those investing in Ukrainian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFines are calculated per day overstay, with a maximum cap of ~$50 USD. Pay at immigration office before departure. | ~$3–5 USD per day (UAH 100–200) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if needed)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free is not used. Apply at Ukrainian embassy. | ~$65 USD (€60) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, if needed)Allows multiple entries within validity period. Requires invitation letter. | ~$130 USD (€120) |
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
France passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Ukraine, provided they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBoryspil International Airport (KBP) · Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport (LWO) · Odesa International Airport (ODS)
Health & vaccines for Ukraine
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas, especially in western Ukraine. Use insect repellent and consider vaccination.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Spread by ticks in rural areas. Check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea from contaminated food/water. Drink bottled or boiled water.
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 City Department)
9, Volodymyrska Street, Kyiv, 01001
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Lviv
State Migration Service of Ukraine (Lviv Regional Department)
12, Hryhorenka Street, Lviv, 79000
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions and registration for western Ukraine. Expect queues.
Practical information for FR 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 = 43.97 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 strictly 90 days within any 180-day period. You cannot extend it from within Ukraine. For longer stays, apply for a temporary residence permit at a Ukrainian immigration office before your 90 days are up — this requires a valid reason (work, study, family reunion) and supporting documents.
If you stay longer than 90 days, yes, you must register with the State Migration Service. For stays under 90 days, no registration is required. Hotels usually handle registration for their guests automatically.
You must leave before your passport expires. Ukrainian immigration will not let you exit with an expired passport. Contact the French embassy in Kyiv for an emergency passport if needed.
Yes, French citizens can enter Ukraine at any land border crossing. The same visa-free rules apply. Have your passport and return ticket ready. Border queues can be long, especially at popular crossings like Medyka-Shehyni (Poland) or Siret (Romania).
No, transit is covered under the same visa-free rules for stays up to 90 days. You can enter and leave Ukraine without a visa as long as you have a confirmed onward ticket.
No, entry is free. You don't pay anything at the border. If someone asks for money, it's a scam — report it to the French embassy.
Report the loss immediately to the local police and get a police report. Then contact the French embassy in Kyiv (or the honorary consulate in Lviv or Odesa) to apply for an emergency passport. You'll need a passport-sized photo and the police report. Processing takes 1-3 working days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.