This guide covers UK visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens in 2026, including the tourist visa cost, grant rates, the special Ukraine Schemes, and how to apply. Ukrainians need a visa for any UK trip — there is no visa-free or ETA option for Ukrainian passport holders. The 6-month visitor visa costs $189, paid in US Dollars, and Ukrainians enjoy an excellent 93% visitor grant rate. Separately, the Homes for Ukraine scheme remains open for those displaced by the war, with no application fee.
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending March 2026. Fees from the Home Office visa fee calculator, 8 April 2026 schedule.
Ukrainians still need a visa for the UK — there is no visa-free route. The standard visitor visa costs $189 and carries a 93% grant rate. The war-related Ukraine Schemes have changed: the Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Extension Scheme are now closed to new applicants, but Homes for Ukraine remains open to those with a UK sponsor, and the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme lets those already here extend their stay.
UK Visa Requirements for Ukrainian Citizens 2026
Ukrainian passport holders need a visa for the UK, whatever the purpose. A common misconception is that Ukrainians have visa-free access — they do not, and the ETA does not apply to them. What Ukrainians do have is one of the highest grant rates of any nationality: 93% on the visitor route, across more than 51,000 applications a year. Separately, the war-related Ukraine Schemes provide fee-free routes, though these have narrowed since 2024.
Yes. Ukrainian citizens need a visa for the UK — there is no visa-free or ETA option. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs $189 and carries a 93% grant rate. Those displaced by the war may instead use the fee-free Homes for Ukraine scheme if they have a UK sponsor, while the Ukraine Family and Extension Schemes are now closed to new applicants.
| Visa Category | Applications | Grant Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor | 51,809 | 93% |
| Ukraine Schemes | 20,516 | 75% |
| Work | 1,209 | 98% |
| Study | 698 | 97% |
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending March 2026.
Ukraine's 93% visitor grant rate places it among the strongest visa-national markets, with work at 98% and study at 97%. Applicants from the wider region, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Turkey, follow the same VFS Global process. Our grant rate analysis sets these figures in context against other nationalities.
Ukraine Schemes: What's Still Open in 2026
Of the three original war schemes, only Homes for Ukraine remains open to new applicants — and only with a UK sponsor, now for 18 months rather than three years. The Ukraine Family Scheme closed in February 2024 and the Ukraine Extension Scheme in early 2025. Those already on a scheme use the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE) to extend. None lead to settlement.
The UK created three schemes after the 2022 invasion. Their status has since changed significantly, so it is important to apply to the right one. All carry no application fee and no Immigration Health Surcharge, but none counts towards indefinite leave to remain.
| Scheme | Status 2026 | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|
| Homes for Ukraine | Open | New arrivals with a UK sponsor (18-month grant) |
| Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) | Open | Those already on a Ukraine scheme, extending their stay |
| Ukraine Family Scheme | Closed Feb 2024 | No longer accepting new applications |
| Ukraine Extension Scheme | Closed 2025 | Replaced by UPE |
For new arrivals, the Homes for Ukraine scheme requires a named UK sponsor who can provide accommodation for at least six months. Those already in the UK on an earlier scheme should apply through the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme before their current permission expires; a second extension of 24 months opened in April 2026.
UK Visa Fees for Ukrainian Citizens 2026
Standard UK visa fees from Ukraine are charged in US Dollars and paid during the online application. The 8 April 2026 schedule raised most fees, with the 6-month visitor visa now $189. Work, study, and family visas also carry the Immigration Health Surcharge, paid separately in pounds sterling at £1,035 per year (£776 for students). The Ukraine Schemes remain free.
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Grant Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Homes for Ukraine | FREE | — |
| 6-month Visitor | $189 | 93% |
| 2-year Visitor | $710 | 93% |
| 5-year Visitor | $1,267 | 93% |
| 10-year Visitor | $1,583 | 93% |
| Student | $783 | 97% |
| Skilled Worker (≤3 years) | $1,149 | 98% |
| Spouse / Partner | $2,896 | 79% |
| Priority service | $702 | — |
UK Tourist Visa from Ukraine 2026
The 6-month UK tourist visa from Ukraine costs $189, with long-term options at $710 (2 years), $1,267 (5 years), and $1,583 (10 years). Each visit is capped at 180 days. With a 93% grant rate, Ukrainian visitor applicants have excellent approval prospects when finances and ties are well documented.
The Standard Visitor visa covers tourism, family visits, business, and short courses. Ukrainians succeed at a high rate, but documentation still matters — bank statements, employment evidence, and reasons to return. Those visiting relatives should review the documents a UK host provides, and frequent travellers may prefer a long-term visitor visa valid for up to ten years.
- Provide 6+ months of bank statements showing steady income.
- Include an employer letter confirming role, salary, and leave.
- Show property, business, or family ties where possible.
- Add any previous travel history demonstrating compliance.
- Give a clear itinerary, accommodation, and purpose of visit.
UK Student Visa from Ukraine 2026
The UK Student visa from Ukraine costs $783, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year of study. A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor is required, along with proof of English and maintenance funds. The Ukrainian student grant rate is high at 97%.
The UK Student visa needs a CAS, the English language requirement, and maintenance funds of £1,483 per month for London or £1,136 elsewhere. Graduates can then use the Graduate Route for two years of post-study work.
UK Work Visa from Ukraine 2026
The Skilled Worker visa from Ukraine costs $1,149 for up to 3 years, or $2,270 for longer. Applicants need a graduate-level job, a £41,700 minimum salary, and a sponsoring UK employer. Ukrainians already on a Ukraine scheme can work without a separate work visa. The Ukrainian work grant rate is excellent at 98%.
The Skilled Worker visa needs a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer and a salary meeting the going rate for the occupation. Those on a Ukraine scheme already have full work rights and can switch into the Skilled Worker route from inside the UK.
| Work Visa Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (≤3 years) | $1,149 |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | $2,270 |
| Health and Care Worker | $455 |
| Global Talent (with approval) | $288 |
UK Spouse & Family Visa from Ukraine 2026
The UK Spouse visa from Ukraine costs $2,896 and requires the UK sponsor to earn at least £29,000 a year. The initial visa runs for 33 months, with a pathway to settlement after five years. Many Ukrainians with UK family previously used the fee-free Family Scheme, but that route closed in 2024, so the standard spouse visa now applies.
The UK Spouse visa lets Ukrainians join a British or settled partner under Appendix FM, leading to settlement and citizenship over time. The sponsor must meet the £29,000 income requirement and prove a genuine relationship. Unlike the closed Family Scheme, this route carries the full fee and the health surcharge.
How to Apply for a UK Visa from Ukraine
Ukrainians apply online at gov.uk, pay in US Dollars, and give biometrics — many apply from a neighbouring country because of the war. For standard visas, Ukrainians can often use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, avoiding a centre visit. Begin at gov.uk, or see our application form guide.
- 1. Check the Ukraine Schemes first — Homes for Ukraine is free if you have a sponsor.
- 2. Otherwise choose the standard route — visitor, student, work, or family.
- 3. Complete the online application on gov.uk and select Ukraine.
- 4. Pay the visa fee in US Dollars (schemes are free).
- 5. Give biometrics via the ID Check app or at a visa centre.
- 6. Access your eVisa through your UKVI account once approved.
Standard decisions take around 3 weeks, with settlement cases up to 12 weeks; the priority visa service can shorten non-settlement decisions where offered. If a decision runs over, our guides to processing times after biometrics and visa delays explain the next steps.
- Ukrainians need a UK visa — there is no visa-free or ETA route.
- 6-month Visitor visa: $189; long-term up to $1,583 for 10 years.
- Visitor grant rate is excellent at 93% on 51,809 applications.
- Homes for Ukraine remains open (free, sponsor needed, 18 months).
- Ukraine Family and Extension Schemes are now closed to new applicants.
- Student visa: $783 (97%); Skilled Worker: $1,149 (98%).
- Fees paid in US Dollars; schemes carry no fee or health surcharge.
Yes. Ukrainian passport holders need a visa to enter the UK — there is no visa-free or ETA option, despite a common misconception otherwise. The standard 6-month visitor visa costs $189 and carries an excellent 93% grant rate. Separately, Ukrainians displaced by the war may use the fee-free Homes for Ukraine scheme if they have a UK sponsor. Ukrainians with dual citizenship of a visa-exempt country can travel on that passport instead.
The UK tourist visa for Ukrainian citizens costs $189 for six months, $710 for two years, $1,267 for five years, and $1,583 for ten years. Fees are paid in US Dollars during the online application. Each visit allows a stay of up to 180 days regardless of the visa's overall validity. Ukrainians enjoy a 93% visitor grant rate, among the highest of any nationality.
No. The Ukraine Family Scheme closed to new applicants on 19 February 2024, and the Ukraine Extension Scheme closed in early 2025. The only scheme still open to new arrivals is Homes for Ukraine, which needs a UK sponsor and now grants 18 months rather than three years. Ukrainians already in the UK on an earlier scheme extend their stay through the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme. None of these routes counts towards settlement.
In the year ending March 2026, the Ukrainian visitor visa grant rate was 93% — of 51,809 applications, 48,583 were granted. Work visas succeeded at 98% and study at 97%. The Ukraine Schemes route ran at about 75% across roughly 20,500 applications. These figures place Ukraine among the most successful visa-national markets, reflecting strong documentation and established travel patterns.
Yes. Ukrainians on a Ukraine scheme (Homes for Ukraine or the Permission Extension Scheme) have full work rights at no extra cost. Others can apply for a work visa such as the Skilled Worker visa, costing $1,149 for up to three years, which has a 98% grant rate and needs a sponsored graduate-level job paying at least £41,700. Those on a scheme can switch into the Skilled Worker route from inside the UK.
Standard processing is around 3 weeks for visitor, student, and work visas, and up to 12 weeks for settlement and family visas. The priority service returns a decision in about 5 working days for non-settlement visas where offered, and super priority the next working day. Many Ukrainians use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to give biometrics remotely, which can speed up the start of processing.