United Kingdom Tourist Visa
Standard Visitor Visa · For Ukraine citizens
Planning a trip to the UK as a Ukrainian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Standard Visitor Visa application: required documents, current fees of £127, processing times of 3 weeks, and strategies to improve your chances. With proper preparation, you can navigate the application process successfully.
UK Tourist Visa for Ukrainian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Ukraine citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your current passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in the UK
Complete the online visa application form on the gov.uk website
Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip and daily expenses
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Details of your planned activities and accommodation in the UK
Fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre
Recommended (Optional)
Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Ukraine
Certified translations of any non-English documents
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online through the UK government portal.1 The process involves four main steps:
1. Complete Online Application
Fill out the visa application form at gov.uk, providing information about your travel plans, finances, employment, and background. Pay the £127 fee online.1
2. Book Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, book an appointment at a visa application centre. Centres are available in Ukraine, though availability may vary.1
3. Attend Appointment
At your appointment, you will provide your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. Bring your passport and any supporting documents.1
4. Wait for Decision
Standard processing takes 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment.3 You will receive an email when a decision has been made.
Fees
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) | £127 | 3 weeks |
| Priority Service | +£500 | 5 working days |
| Super Priority Service | +£1,000 | Next working day |
| 2-Year Long-Term Visa | £475 | 3 weeks |
| 5-Year Long-Term Visa | £848 | 3 weeks |
| 10-Year Long-Term Visa | £1,059 | 3 weeks |
Additional service charges may apply at visa application centres.2
What You Need to Prove
According to UK Immigration Rules, you must demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor. This means showing:
- Genuine intention to visit for a permitted purpose and leave at the end of your stay1
- Sufficient funds to cover all costs without working or accessing public funds1
- Ability to pay for your return journey and any other costs relating to your visit1
- Valid travel document with at least one blank page for the visa1
Processing Times
The current processing time for Standard Visitor Visa applications from Ukraine is 3 weeks.3 This is measured from the date of your biometrics appointment.
Processing may take longer if:
- Information in your application requires further consideration
- You need to provide additional evidence
- Supporting documents need verification
- You need to attend an interview
If you need a faster decision, you can pay for Priority (5 working days) or Super Priority (next working day) service.1
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your visa will be placed in your passport. Check the validity dates carefully. You can enter the UK any time during the validity period and stay for up to 6 months per visit.
At the UK border, you may be asked to show:
- Return or onward travel arrangements
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of funds
- Details of your travel plans
If Your Visa is Refused
If refused, you will receive a letter explaining the specific reasons. You can:
- Reapply with improved documentation addressing the issues raised
- Request administrative review in some circumstances
- Seek legal advice for complex cases
There is generally no right of appeal for visitor visa refusals. A refusal does not automatically prevent future applications, but you must address the concerns raised.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show enough funds or demonstrate suspicious patterns such as large unexplained deposits.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of statements with consistent balance and regular income. Avoid large deposits in the weeks before applying.
Weak Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to Ukraine after the visit, such as stable employment or property ownership.
How to avoid: Include employment letter showing tenure, property documents if you own any, and evidence of family dependents.
Incomplete Documentation
Application contains missing documents, contradictory information, or unexplained gaps.
How to avoid: Double-check all dates and details match across documents. Provide explanation letters for any gaps.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa refusals or overstays in the UK or other countries raises concerns about compliance.
How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues and explain how your situation has changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the UK on a tourist visa?
The Standard Visitor Visa allows you to stay for up to 6 months per visit. However, you cannot live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.
Can I work on a UK tourist visa?
No, the Standard Visitor Visa does not permit any form of paid or unpaid work in the UK. If you need to work, you'll need to apply for an appropriate work visa.
How long does UK visa processing take from Ukraine?
Standard processing takes 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment. Priority service (£500) delivers a decision within 5 working days. Super Priority service (£1,000) provides a decision by the end of the next working day.
What is the UK tourist visa fee for Ukrainians in 2025?
The Standard Visitor Visa fee is £127 for stays up to 6 months. Long-term visas are available: 2 years (£475), 5 years (£848), or 10 years (£1,059).
Do I need to book flights before applying?
No, you are not required to book flights before applying. The UK government advises against booking non-refundable travel until your visa is approved.
Are there any special visa schemes for Ukrainians?
The UK has offered humanitarian schemes for Ukrainians affected by the conflict, including the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme. For tourism, you apply through the standard visitor visa route.