Ukraine e-Visa service resumes

Ukraine has resumed its e-Visa service for travellers from 45 countries, including India, Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal. The General Department for Consular Services began accepting applications on February 19, 2025. This move is expected to facilitate travel for various purposes, including tourism, business, education, sports, cultural and scientific activities, journalism, and medical treatment.

According to the Ukrainian embassy, the e-Visa comes in two categories: a single-entry visa priced at $20 and a double-entry visa costing $30. Travelers who require urgent processing can opt for an expedited service by paying double the regular visa fee. The standard processing time is three working days, while urgent applications are processed within one day.

This decision to reinstate e-Visa services aligns with Ukraine’s broader efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with key partner nations, particularly India. Over the years, India and Ukraine have shared strong relations across multiple sectors, including trade, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, defense, education, and culture.

Ukraine has been a popular destination for Indian students, especially in the medical field. Several Ukrainian universities, including Taras Shevchenko National University and Kyiv Linguistic University, offer Hindi language courses, fostering cultural exchange between the two nations. Additionally, institutions like the Ukrainian Association of Ayurveda and Yoga have played a crucial role in promoting Indian traditional medicine and yoga in Ukraine through international congresses.

In a symbolic gesture of friendship, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled in Kyiv’s “Oasis of Peace” botanical garden in October 2020, marking the 150th anniversary of his birth. The statue represents Gandhi’s philosophy of peace and non-violence, strengthening the cultural ties between India and Ukraine.

With the reinstatement of e-Visa services, travel to Ukraine is expected to become more accessible, benefiting tourists, students, and business professionals alike.