Understanding the Ukraine e-Visa processing time and fees is essential for planning your trip. The good news is that Ukraine’s electronic visa is one of the most affordable in the world, with standard fees starting at just $20 USD. This guide covers everything you need to know about costs, payment methods, processing speeds, and how to avoid common delays.
e-Visa Fee Structure
The Ukraine e-Visa fee depends on two factors: the number of entries (single or double) and the processing speed you choose (standard or urgent).
| Visa Type | Standard Processing (3 working days) | Urgent Processing (1 working day) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry e-Visa | $20 USD | $40 USD |
| Double-entry e-Visa | $30 USD | $60 USD |
The fee is paid online during the application process using a credit or debit card. The payment is processed securely through the MFA portal.
Single-Entry vs. Double-Entry
Choosing between a single-entry and double-entry visa depends on your travel plans:
- Single-entry ($20): Allows you to enter Ukraine once. Once you leave, the visa is used. This is suitable for most tourists and business travelers who plan a single visit.
- Double-entry ($30): Allows you to enter Ukraine twice within the visa validity period. This is useful if you plan to visit a neighboring country (such as Poland, Moldova, or Romania) and return to Ukraine during the same trip.
If you are unsure about your itinerary, the double-entry visa offers more flexibility for only $10 extra.
Processing Times Explained
Standard Processing — 3 Working Days
The standard processing time for a Ukraine e-Visa is 3 working days from the date of submission and payment. This is the default option chosen by most applicants and costs the base fee shown above.
Working days exclude weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and Ukrainian public holidays. For example, if you submit your application on a Thursday, you can expect to receive your visa by the following Tuesday at the latest.
Urgent Processing — 1 Working Day
For travelers who need their visa quickly, Ukraine offers an urgent processing option that delivers a decision within 1 working day. This costs double the standard fee — $40 for single-entry and $60 for double-entry.
Urgent processing is recommended if:
- Your trip is less than a week away
- You had a previous application denied and need to reapply quickly
- You have unexpected travel plans that require immediate visa approval
Payment Methods
The e-Visa fee is paid online through the MFA portal during the application process. Accepted payment methods include:
- Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, and other major credit cards
- Debit cards: Visa Debit, MasterCard Debit, and Maestro
The payment is processed in US dollars. If your card is denominated in another currency, your bank will convert the amount at the current exchange rate. Some banks may charge a small foreign transaction fee.
Is the Fee Refundable?
No, the e-Visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application. If your application is denied, you will not receive a refund. This is standard practice for visa fees worldwide.
To minimize the risk of rejection (and losing your fee), ensure that:
- All information on your application is accurate and matches your passport
- Your documents meet the specified requirements
- Your passport has at least 6 months of remaining validity
- You have provided proof of accommodation and sufficient funds
Factors That Can Delay Processing
While most applications are processed within the stated timeframes, certain factors can cause delays:
- Incomplete applications: Missing or unclear documents may require additional review
- High application volumes: During peak travel seasons, processing may take slightly longer
- Additional security checks: Some applications may be flagged for further verification
- Holidays: Ukrainian public holidays extend processing times
- Document issues: Blurry scans, expired documents, or mismatched information trigger manual review
Comparison with Traditional Visa Costs
The e-Visa offers significant advantages over the traditional consular visa process:
| Feature | e-Visa | Consular Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | $20–$60 USD | $65+ USD |
| Processing time | 1–3 working days | Up to 9 working days |
| Application method | 100% online | In-person at embassy |
| Appointment needed | No | Yes (in most cases) |
| Passport submission | No | Yes (original required) |
The e-Visa saves both time and money while offering a far more convenient application experience.
Tips for Saving Money on Your e-Visa
- Apply early: Choose standard processing unless you genuinely need the visa urgently. The $20 standard fee is very affordable.
- Get it right the first time: A rejected application means paying the fee again. Double-check all details before submitting.
- Choose the right type: If you only need to enter Ukraine once, save $10 by choosing single-entry over double-entry.
- Use a card with no foreign transaction fees: This avoids any additional charges from your bank.
Ukrainian Public Holidays (No Processing)
e-Visa applications are not processed on Ukrainian public holidays. Plan around these dates:
- January 1 — New Year’s Day
- January 7 — Orthodox Christmas
- March 8 — International Women’s Day
- Date varies — Easter (Orthodox)
- May 1 — Labor Day
- May 9 — Victory Day
- Date varies — Trinity (Pentecost)
- June 28 — Constitution Day
- August 24 — Independence Day
- October 14 — Defender of Ukraine Day
- December 25 — Catholic Christmas
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the e-Visa fee in a currency other than USD?
The fee is quoted and processed in US dollars. Your bank will convert the amount if your card is in a different currency. You have no control over the exchange rate used.
What if my payment fails during the application?
If the payment fails, your application will not be submitted. You can retry the payment or use a different card. No fee is charged for failed transactions.
Is there a group discount for multiple applications?
No, each application is processed individually with its own fee. There are no group discounts available for the e-Visa.
Can I upgrade from standard to urgent processing after submission?
Once an application is submitted, you cannot change the processing speed. If you need urgent processing, you would need to submit a new application with the urgent fee.
Ready to apply? Visit our step-by-step application guide or return to the complete e-Visa guide for an overview of the entire program.
