UK Standard Visitor Visa for the citizens of Ukraine

If you're a Ukrainian citizen planning to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends, the UK Standard Visitor Visa is what you need. This complete guide will walk you through all the essential details, requirements, and procedures to get your visa successfully.

Rely on our handy online platform or the user-friendly iVisa app to get assistance from our iVisa Experts throughout the process, boosting your chances of visa approval.

Let's dive into the options for Ukrainians visiting the United Kingdom!

What is the UK Standard Visitor Visa?

The UK Standard Visitor Visa is designed for tourists traveling to the United Kingdom for tourism, business, and visiting family and friends. You must apply online and attend an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) or British Embassy in Kyiv, where you'll provide biometric information, submit your documents, and, if necessary, undergo an interview.

If all this seems overwhelming, don't worry! Count on our expert services to guide you through the application process and increase your chances of getting that visa approved.

Do Ukrainian citizens need a Standard Visitor Visa for the United Kingdom?

Yes, if you're a Ukrainian citizen, you'll need a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the United Kingdom for short stays. It allows travelers to embark on various activities in the United Kingdom: tourism, business, visiting loved ones, making stopovers, exchange programs, recreational courses, medical treatments, or volunteering.

The visa application center that processes visitor visa applications on behalf of the UK government reopened in January 2023. This means most Ukrainian passport holders can apply for this visa to visit the country.

Other UK Visas available for Ukrainian citizens

If you're a Ukrainian looking for other visas to the United Kingdom, for example, to join family members or live and work temporarily in the country, the following options are available:

• Ukraine Family Scheme: The Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme allows applicants to join family members or extend their stay in the United Kingdom. You can live, work, study in the UK, and access public funds under this Ukraine Scheme. Apply for this visa on our simple online platform.

This scheme enables you to stay in the UK if you're a Ukrainian family member of a British citizen, a person with permission to settle or EU-settled or pre-settled status, or a refugee in the United Kingdom.

• Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine): If you don't have family in the UK and want to live and work for up to three years, you can apply for the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme via the UK government website.

If your visa application is approved, you must travel to the VAC in Warsaw with a valid international passport to pick up your visa vignette to enter the country. Once you enter the UK, you'll get a biometric residence permit.

Benefits of a UK Standard Visitor Visa for Ukrainian citizens

The UK Standard Visitor Visa opens up many exciting opportunities for Ukrainian nationals in the UK! Here are some travel purposes this visa covers:

• Tourism and leisure: Experience the country's rich history, culture, and tourist attractions.

• Business opportunities: Attend business meetings and conferences or explore potential business ventures in the UK.

• Family and friends visits: Visit family members or friends residing in the UK, enjoying quality time together for a short period of time.

• Enroll in short courses: Enjoy a school exchange program or enroll in a course of up to 30 days, for example, a dance course or to study the English language.

• Seek healthcare: Use the extensive medical care facilities available in the UK.

• Volunteer work: Do volunteer activities for up to 30 days with a registered charity.

• Transit in the UK: Transit at UK airports without the need for additional transit visas.

Remember, you can't work or take long courses in the UK with a Standard Visitor Visa.

Benefits of applying for a UK Standard Visitor Visa with us

We offer some great perks if you choose to apply for the UK Standard Visitor Visa with us:

• Best chances of visa approval – Our experts will help you submit a flawless application, boosting your chances of getting your visa approved.

• Flexible form completion – No rush! Complete the visa application form at your own pace and take breaks whenever necessary.

• Guaranteed appointment scheduling – We'll get that visa appointment sorted without hassle.

• Expert agent support – If you have any questions or worries during the application process, our team of iVisa Experts is here to help you.

• Real-time order tracking – Easily keep track of your visa application through your iVisa account and stay updated at all times.

UK Visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens

The UK government requires some documents to prove your travel purpose and eligibility. When applying through us, we'll send you a tailored document list with everything you must bring to the visa appointment.

In the next sections, you'll find more info on the documents you need to prove your eligibility.

UK Visitor Visa: Eligibility criteria for Ukrainian citizens

As a Ukrainian citizen, you're eligible for the UK Standard Visitor Visa, but there are some additional requirements you must meet:

• Intention to leave the UK: You must show that you plan to leave the UK at the end of your visit.

• Financial capability: Prove that you can support yourself and anyone else you're responsible for during your trip. If someone else is funding your journey, you must provide evidence of their financial support.

• Return or onward journey: Show that you can pay for your return or onward trip from the UK.

• Short-term stay: Your visit should be short-term, and you can't live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits.

UK Standard Visitor Visa: Required documents for citizens from Ukraine

• Valid passport – Your valid Ukrainian international passport must have at least six months of validity left beyond your intended stay. Please note that applying with an expired Ukrainian international passport or refugee passport is impossible.

• Completed visa application form, which you'll get during the online process.

• Proof of finances – There's no specific amount, but you must indicate how much your trip will cost and provide bank statements and financial documents proving you can cover the expenses.

• Proof of residence (if applicable) – It could be a green card, a residence permit, or a visa sticker in your passport of the country you're residing in if you aren't applying from Ukraine.

• Travel itinerary – A detailed plan of your trip, including the purpose, travel dates, and planned activities in the United Kingdom.

• Accommodation details – Show proof of your accommodation arrangements in the UK, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host.

• Proof of employment (if applicable) – For employed applicants, a letter from their employer stating their position, salary, and approved leave for the travel period.

• Details of any criminal, civil, or immigration offenses you may have committed.

Remember, you might need additional documents depending on your situation.

How long can Ukrainian citizens stay in the UK with the Standard Visitor Visa?

As a Ukrainian citizen, the UK Visitor Visa lets you stay in the United Kingdom for up to 180 days in total per visit. This visa allows multiple entries and is valid for 180 days after issued.

However, the immigration officer will determine the actual duration of your stay based on your visit purpose and individual situation. For example, if you're seeking medical treatment, you may be allowed to stay in the country for up to 11 months.

Costs and processing times for the UK Standard Visitor Visa in Ukraine

When applying for the UK Standard Visitor Visa with our assistance, the total cost for citizens of Ukraine is USD $433.99. This includes our service fee of USD $306.99 and the government fee of USD $127.00.

However, please note that these costs may change over time. For the latest fees, start the application process.

The processing time involves two stages:

• iVisa processing time: This stage takes approximately 30 days, during which you'll complete your form, have it reviewed by our iVisa Experts, and we'll schedule a visa appointment in Kyiv.

• Government processing time: After the visa appointment, the government usually takes 1 to 3 weeks to process your visa application.

How to apply for the UK Standard Visitor Visa in Ukraine?

Applying for the United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa with our assistance is a breeze and involves three simple steps:

• Step 1: Provide your travel and basic contact details on our website or iVisa App. Double-check the details to avoid errors and pay the visa fees.

• Step 2: Complete the UK visa application form and upload the required documents. Our iVisa Experts will review your application and schedule a visa appointment.

• Step 3: Attend the visa appointment at the UK Visa Application Center (VAC) or UK Embassy to provide biometric data and undergo the interview. We'll help you find the nearest location, prepare for the interview, and provide tips for a successful appointment.

After your interview, the United Kingdom immigration authorities will need your passport to issue the approved UK Visitor Visa.

Tips for a successful UK Standard Visitor Visa application in Ukraine

Follow these tips to improve your chances of success:

• Complete and accurate information: Be careful while completing the visa form to ensure you provide all required information accurately and truthfully.

• Supporting documents: Submit all relevant documents to prove your trip's purpose and financial sufficiency.

• Travel itinerary: Present a comprehensive travel itinerary outlining the planned activities during your stay in the United Kingdom. Review everything before the interview to explain it confidently to the visa officer.

• Ties to Ukraine: Highlight ties to Ukraine, such as family, employment, or property, to demonstrate your intention to return after the visit.

• Seek professional guidance: Rely on our iVisa Experts' assistance to ensure all aspects of the application are properly addressed and increase your chances of visa approval.

Common reasons for UK Standard Visitor Visa refusals in Ukraine

• Insufficient financial proof: Failure to provide satisfactory evidence of sufficient funds to support your visit.

• Lack of genuine intentions: Not convincingly demonstrating the genuine purpose of the visit.

• Previous visa violations: A history of violating visa rules or overstaying in any country may negatively impact the UK Visitor Visa application.

• Criminal record: If you have a criminal record or previous convictions, you may face visa refusal, especially if your past offenses are severe or raise security concerns.

Where can I find more information about the UK Visitor Visa?

Do you have more questions or concerns regarding the Standard Visitor Visa or other UK visas and immigration details? Contact us via online chat or [email protected]. We're always available to help.