International passport for citizens of Ukraine: everything you need to know to obtain the document

For citizens of Ukraine who regularly travel outside the country, a foreign passport becomes a necessity.

With the introduction of new technologies, it became possible to issue a regular (paper) or a new biometric passport; In addition, changes have been made to Ukrainian legislation regarding the procedure for obtaining a foreign passport and the list of documents for obtaining it.

In this material we will tell you how to correctly obtain a Ukrainian foreign passport, including for residents of Crimea, LPR and DPR, as well as while outside Ukraine.

How to get a passport in Ukraine

In accordance with the law “On the procedure for exit from Ukraine and entry into Ukraine for citizens of Ukraine,” the main document for crossing the border in any direction is a foreign passport obtained in the country. Even if a tourist plans to travel to a state with a visa-free regime for Ukraine, he will need to present a foreign passport.

The same law regulates the procedure for obtaining a document, the required list of papers and the deadline for issuing a completed foreign passport.

If you carefully approach the collection of papers and do everything correctly the first time, a new foreign passport will be in your hands within a few weeks and you will be able to leave Ukraine.

Which international passport should I issue: biometric or regular?

In Ukraine, at the request of the applicant, both a biometric passport and a completely paper one are issued. The differences between them are related to the number of pages, the nature of storing information about the owner of the document and the presence of a chip.

As a general rule, it is recommended to obtain a biometric passport for those who cross the border quite often, since the new document significantly reduces the time of checks at the border.

The chip embedded in the passport contains information with the owner’s full name, date of birth, passport expiration date and citizenship. In addition, signatures, fingerprints and digital photographs are read.

The certificate cannot be faked; accordingly, only the owner can use it. The page with the chip is laminated with special plastic and is protected from damage. The new passport has 46 pages, and its validity has been extended to 10 years.

A biometric passport is issued only to one person; parents do not have the opportunity to “enter” their minor child into the passport; he will have to issue a separate biometric document.

Reference ! Some airports have already created special corridors for biometrics owners, where scanning occurs without human intervention: just attach the document and your index finger to the scanner.

Another difference between biometrics and a regular passport is that the registration procedure is more simplified: you do not have to take photographs in advance, they will be taken by the migration service, and you do not need to provide a police clearance certificate.

Well, and probably the main difference: if a Ukrainian wants to get to Europe without a visa, he will need a biometric passport; with a paper one, he will have to, as before, obtain a Schengen visa for tourist purposes.

Otherwise, both documents are identical and perform the same function.

Where to go to get a passport

To obtain a foreign passport, Ukrainians need to contact any convenient department of the migration service (place of residence and registration does not matter).

If you want to get a biometric passport, we recommend checking in advance where it is technically possible to issue documents of a new type (they are already issued in all regional centers of Ukraine).

In Kyiv, for example, 11 units issuing biometrics have been created, in the Kharkov region 15, in the Lviv region - 27. Up-to-date information can always be found on the official website of the Migration Service.

In addition, the passport is issued both at the Centers for the Provision of Administrative Services (TSNAP) and at branches of the Passport Service enterprise.

Attention ! Due to the high demand for foreign passports after the introduction of a visa-free regime with the EU, so-called intermediaries appeared in Ukraine who offer to help with the registration of foreign passports for an additional fee, for example, to submit documents independently instead of the applicant, stand in line, and so on. But please note that a Ukrainian must submit an application for a passport in person; you are likely to encounter scammers.

International passport for emigrants

When applying for a foreign passport due to departure abroad for permanent residence, you will need to provide additional documents: confirmation of deregistration and a certificate from the tax office confirming the absence of obligations to pay funds and debts.

Those emigrants who have a partner (husband/wife) with a common child in Ukraine will be asked to present a document confirming that they have no claims against the person leaving for alimony.

Where is the new document issued?

New foreign passports are issued at the offices of the State Migration Service (popularly at the passport office), at the Centers for the provision of administrative services. You can also submit documents at the representative offices of the State Enterprise Document - but such centers do not operate in all cities. The full list is available here.

Note. Registration is carried out not only at the place of registration (registration), but at any branch of the migration service. That is, if you are registered, for example, in Chernigov, but are in Dnieper, you can safely submit documents to any passport office in Dnieper.

Today the procedure has been significantly simplified. No need to stand in long lines. You just need to sign up for the electronic queue and come at the appointed time.

How to join the electronic queue?

There are two ways to take your place in the queue:

• register on the website of the state migration service;
• or come directly to the passport office and sign up for the queue there - registration is carried out by service employees through the terminal.

However, it should be noted that places in the electronic queue are scheduled several weeks in advance. So, new places appear on the website strictly at 00:00 every new day - but you can sign up for a date only two weeks later, not earlier. Those who keep vigil near the computer at midnight manage to take their turn.

When visiting the passport office, you may find out that all places there are booked a month in advance.

Why is that? After the announcement of the visa-free regime, a stir began. Back in March there were no queues at all!

And the third option is to come to the passport office and wait until a place opens up in the electronic queue. This option is quite realistic. Firstly, there are several first-come, first-served coupons available for each day. Secondly, there are times when one of those who signed up in advance simply does not show up and a place becomes available. Read more about this below in the Personal Experience section.

How to obtain a foreign passport for residents of the ATO zone

Due to the fact that the joint forces operation against the self-proclaimed DPR and LPR continues to take place partially in the territories of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, it is not possible to obtain a foreign passport, for example, in Donetsk, Lugansk and other settlements of these republics - the migration service units there are simply does not work.

However, Ukraine does not limit the constitutional rights of residents of the DPR and LPR in any way, so representatives of these self-proclaimed entities can obtain a passport, but a) only on the territory of Ukraine, b) if they have a passport of a citizen of Ukraine, b) after additional verification.

How to obtain a foreign passport for a resident of the DPR

To obtain a document, a Ukrainian with registration on the territory of the Donetsk Republic must come to the nearest migration service unit and provide a package of documents for personal identification:

• ID card or passport of a citizen of Ukraine with pasted photos,
• Identification code (original + copy),
• Birth certificate (original + copy),
• Marriage certificate,
• Old foreign passport,
• Military ID, driver's license and other documents issued by Ukrainian government agencies.

A more impressive list of documents is required due to the fact that the data of the DPR citizen was partially lost during the conflict, and partially there is no access to it. After a check that determines whether the applicant is indeed a citizen of Ukraine, he will be issued a passport.

How to obtain a foreign passport for a resident of the LPR

Due to the fact that information in the database of government agencies about residents of the LPR is limited, experts recommend taking with you to the migration service unit not only a passport of a citizen of Ukraine, but also other papers previously issued on the territory of Ukraine. This will facilitate the verification procedure and increase the chances of obtaining a foreign passport.

Otherwise, the procedure for obtaining documents is no different from that adopted for citizens of other regions; it provides for: submission of an application and documents, payment of state fees, consideration of the application and issuance of a passport.

You will have to come to the controlled territory two or even three times: to apply, to take photographs/prints, to receive a passport.

How to get a Ukrainian passport in Crimea

It is impossible to obtain a Ukrainian foreign passport in Crimea, since government agencies have not worked there since 2014.

But there are no restrictions on the issuance of passports for residents of the peninsula who have the status of citizens of Ukraine. To do this, the applicant must travel to the territory controlled by Kyiv, taking with him a Ukrainian passport, Taxpayer Identification Number and a valid international passport, if any.

Just like residents of the LPR/DPR, it is recommended to take any additional document identifying the applicant.

Pay the cost of the passport on the spot, go through the fingerprinting procedure (for biometrics) and after the document is prepared, return and pick up the finished passport.

Where and how to get a passport in Ukraine?

To submit documents, contact the State Migration Service office at your place of residence . Theoretically, applications and documents can be accepted at any department of the State Migration Service, but practice shows that employees often refuse to serve citizens who live in another area.

At the State Migration Service office, the first thing you will need to write an application , after which the employee will issue receipts that will need to be paid before submitting all other documents. After paying the receipts, you will need to return to the State Migration Service with all the documents listed above.

Download the application form for a Ukrainian passport.

For those who want to receive (issue) a biometric passport, they will need to contact the State Migration Service department, where fingerprints will be taken on a special scanner.

Procedure for obtaining a passport

This year, the procedure for issuing travel documents has been simplified as much as possible, the list of documents is fixed at the legislative level, and the issuance time depends on the queue in a particular department.

Required documents

• Application form.
• Ukrainian passport.
• Receipt of payment of the consular fee.
• TIN (if available).

How to apply correctly

The form can be filled out either independently or at the migration service office with advice from a specialist.

Before you start filling out, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the general rules: write with a black or blue pen, do not allow corrections or use of corrective means, do not leave blank spaces (it is better to check with the operator how to fill them out correctly), try to write clearly and, of course, check the reliability of each information.

Validity and cost

The standard cost of a biometric passport, provided that the applicant receives it within 20 working days (if there is no queue) is 557 hryvnia 32 kopecks.

A passport for 7 days will cost a citizen 810 hryvnia 32 kopecks, for three days (you will need to present a document confirming the existence of an emergency reason) - also 810 hryvnia 32 kopecks.

A standard (non-biometric passport) for 20 days or more costs about 600 hryvnia, for 7 days - 845 hryvnia.

You can pay the state fee for a passport at any bank or at the terminal of the State Administrative Service.

Is it possible to speed up the process of obtaining a document?

The standard period for consideration of an application is 20 working days from the date of acceptance of documents, but in practice, some citizens have to wait up to three months, especially during the high tourist season.

In Ukraine, there is also urgent registration at the request of a citizen, for which you will have to pay extra. To receive a foreign passport within 7 working days, you must pay double the state fee and the cost of the service itself.

Documents related to travel for urgent treatment, the departure of a person accompanying a seriously ill person, or the death of a relative living abroad are reviewed on an emergency basis without additional payment. In these cases, a passport is issued within three working days.

Grounds for refusal of extradition

• Communicating knowingly false information about yourself.
• Conscripts until the issue of deferment from the army is resolved.
• Debtors until debts are repaid.
• Persons under administrative supervision
• Citizens involved in criminal or civil cases, provided that the claim is filed against them and they are defendants.
• Convicted of crimes, if the sentence has not yet been served.
• Persons who have access to state secrets when leaving for permanent residence.

How to obtain a biometric passport in Ukraine: what documents are needed?

For those over 16 years old, you should take:

• passport;
• identification code;
• previously issued international passport.

You should also make copies of all documents - the first page of the foreign passport, the code and completed pages of the civil passport.

Note. At the same time, migration service employees do not have the right to require an identification code and copies of documents. This is what Gaga Kiknadze, chief public relations and media specialist of the State Migration Service of Ukraine in the Kharkov region, says in an interview with Vgorode.ua: “There is no reason to refuse a citizen if he applied without an identification code” and regarding copies of documents: “Under no circumstances.” this cannot be a refusal. You can ask the inspector to make the necessary photocopies of your documents.” However, to avoid delays and problems, we still recommend making copies of documents in advance.

The form is filled out directly on the spot when submitting documents. But you can pay for services in advance at any bank - the details are presented on the State Migration Service website. You can also pay for services directly at the Migration Service office - a terminal is installed there and the service employees will do everything for you. It’s just advisable to prepare money without change!

To obtain a foreign passport for children (under 16 years of age), the following documents are required:

• if the child is not yet 12 years old, documents are submitted without his or her mandatory presence;
• application form (filled out on site);
• birth certificate (if you are already 14 years old - passport);
• receipt for payment of services;
• if documents are submitted for a child under 12 years of age, a photograph 10 by 15 centimeters and two photographs 3.5 by 4.5 centimeters;
• parents' passports, marriage certificate (the presence of two parents is not necessary - one parent is enough).

How to obtain a biometric passport in Ukraine for a child living with one parent or for orphans

If the child lives with one of the parents, you must additionally submit:

• court decision on deprivation of parental rights;
• or a court decision confirming that one of the parents is missing;
• or a court decision that the other parent is incompetent;
• or death certificate of the second parent.

It is also necessary to submit a certificate confirming that the child lives with a specific parent, who submits the documents. And the original extract from the State Register of Civil Status of Citizens about the birth is required, indicating information about the father.

If the child is an orphan or he is officially deprived of parental care, it is also necessary to additionally submit one of the following documents (if a copy is submitted, it must be certified by a notary):

• confirmation of the authority of the director/head of the children's center/institution;
• an agreement that confirms that the child has been taken into foster care;
• a document confirming the organization of a family-type orphanage;
• decision of the court or relevant authorities to establish custody of the child;
• patronage agreement.

Note! If documents are submitted for a person who is unable to move independently, then it is necessary to take photographs: two color photos measuring 3.5 by 4.5 centimeters and one photo measuring 10 by 15 centimeters. As well as a certificate from a doctor confirming your health status.

By the way, everyone has the right to refuse to have their digitized fingerprints entered into a contactless electronic medium. For children, fingerprints are taken only when they reach 12 years of age and only with permission from their parents or guardians.

How to sign up to receive a passport online

In Ukraine you can now apply online. This does not free the citizen from the need to submit documents in person, but it greatly simplifies the entire process and allows him to avoid long waits in line.

Step-by-step instructions on how to sign up to submit documents through the official website in Ukraine

In order to use the electronic queue function, log on to the website https://dmsu.gov.ua/services/online.html and select “Services for citizens of Ukraine”. Click on the “Ukrainian passport for traveling abroad” sign. The system will transfer the user to the registration page in the electronic queue (https://dmsu.gov.ua/services/online/citizen.html?s=2).

Inclusion in the queue occurs as follows:

• Enter your contact phone number,
• Click “Next”, select your area of ​​residence from the drop-down list, locality and desired division of the migration service.
• Specify the service - Citizen's passport for traveling abroad.
• Select your desired date and time.

Registration via the website gov.org.ua

Select your region, and then log in to the site. This can be done using BankID, Electronic Digital Signature or Passport ID. Then indicate a convenient department of the migration service and enter your data.

After completing the application, the citizen will receive an email containing a list of required documents, required payments and a sample of filling out the application form to obtain a foreign passport.

What does a Ukrainian biometric passport look like?

A biometric passport is not an ID card; in appearance it is very similar to a standard foreign passport; it is a booklet with 48 pages. However, on the cover there is an electronic chip with duplicated data.

Registration procedure

As before, to obtain a foreign passport, citizens of Ukraine must contact the territorial department of the migration service (SMSU). This must be done at the place of official registration.

In large cities, due to the residence of a significant number of citizens who have permanent registration in other localities, additional service centers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs have been opened. And although this has greatly simplified the process of obtaining a biometric passport in Ukraine, the applicant may still face an unplanned increase in the time required for the production of the form. Typically, this situation arises due to an increased influx of people wishing to quickly issue a travel document.

We also read: Do you need a foreign passport to Ukraine? Checking the readiness of a foreign passport in Ukraine

The accelerated method allows you to receive a passport within 7 working days. However, it is worth considering that this option will cost a little more than with standard design.

Online

Usually, citizens apply to the State Migration Service at their place of residence to issue a foreign passport. If circumstances do not allow this, then the application can be submitted to the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to order the form online in Ukraine, since there is no local analogue to the Russian State Services service here yet.

Required documents

In addition to the desire to receive “biometrics,” a citizen is required to provide a number of certificates and certificates along with the application. Failure to comply with this rule will result in refusal to issue the form even if the state fee is paid.

In particular, you will need to provide the following documents for a biometric passport in Ukraine:

• general passport;
• application form (to obtain a travel document issued in the name of a child under 16 years of age, the form must be filled out by one of the parents);
• birth certificate;
• receipt of payment of state duty;
• a valid passport (if available);
• identification code (for citizens over 18 years of age).

For a child

Registration of a travel document for persons under 12 years of age requires the additional provision of two photographs measuring 35 by 45 mm. A children's biometric passport in Ukraine is produced without scanning the child's face. Instead, parents must provide one 10 by 15 mm photograph of the minor, which will then be converted to a digital image.

Fingerprinting of a child is allowed only from 12 years of age. Parental or legal guardian permission is required for this procedure.

If a child under 16 years of age lives only with his mother or father, then in addition to the birth certificate, one of the following documents will need to be attached to the application form:

• court decision on deprivation of parental rights;
• death certificate of the second parent;
• a court decision declaring the father (mother) missing or incompetent;
• a certificate of registration of the child’s place of residence with one of the parents.

The presence of a biometric passport issued in the name of a minor does not eliminate the need to obtain permission to travel abroad from the second parent. As in Russia, this document in Ukraine requires notarization.

How to get a passport for a child in Ukraine in 2021

Since 2015, the State Migration Service of Ukraine has ceased to carry out the procedure for entering the child’s data into the parents’ foreign passport.

From 2021, marks made earlier will be invalidated. That is, to travel abroad, parents will have to issue a separate document for their child - biometric or regular, as desired.

Important ! When applying for a passport for a child under 16 years of age, the presence of one of the parents/guardians/adoptive parents will be required. If the child is already 16 years old, he can apply for a passport alone. Children under 12 years of age do not have to be present at the migration service; their parents submit applications for them; children over 12 years of age must submit documents in person in the presence of one of their parents/guardians/adoptive parents.

A child's foreign passport (up to 16 years of age) is issued for 4 years.

For children under 16 years of age, the following package of documents is provided:

• Passport of a citizen of Ukraine (over 14 years old) or birth certificate (if the child is under 14 years old).
• The child’s previously valid foreign passport (if any).
• Identification code, if any (no need to register specially).
• Receipt for payment of the administrative fee.
• Certificate of registration of the child’s Ukrainian citizenship, if one of the parents is a foreign citizen.

The parent who comes with the child must have a passport or other document confirming his identity and the degree of relationship with the minor. Photographing of the child takes place on the spot.

Terms and cost of obtaining a passport for a child

A passport for a child in Ukraine is issued according to the same rules as for an adult; there are no significant differences.

For example, a minor can receive a passport according to the standard scheme (20 working days plus waiting time in line), and the accelerated scheme - 7 or 3 days. The cost of a biometric and regular passport varies depending on the issuance time frame.

For a biometric passport you need to pay 563 hryvnia, and a regular one costs 497 hryvnia (including a state fee of 170 hryvnia, beneficiaries do not pay it). The cost of urgent registration is twice as expensive.

What documents are needed to obtain a passport in Ukraine?

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When applying for a foreign passport in 2019, Ukrainians must have the following package of documents with them:

1. Passport of a citizen of Ukraine with a valid registration;
2. For children under 18 years of age, a birth certificate must be provided;
3. TIN;
4. If the surname is changed, a document confirming marriage or divorce, as well as a new identification code, must be submitted;
   If you recently changed your last name after marriage or for another reason, you should replace your passport within 1 month, since after this period it will be considered invalid.
5. If you have a previously issued passport, you must present that too.
6. Passports of both parents;
7. Matte photographs size 3.5*4.5, 4 pcs.;
8. Statements from parents, certified by a notary seal.

In order to include children in the parents’ foreign passport, you must provide:

1. Photos of the child, 2 pieces, size 3.5*4.5 cm;
2. Child's birth certificate;
3. The parent’s foreign passport, in which the child’s data will be entered;
4. Marriage certificate.

What documents are not needed for a passport in Ukraine?

This list of documents is very useful to know, since passport office employees often exceed their authority and demand that they be provided:

• For males, there is no need to attach a military ID , since since 2013 this document has been removed from the list of required documents. For men, this means that both serving and non-serving citizens receive a foreign passport equally;
• You also do not need a police clearance certificate ; employees of the State Migration Service of Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as SMS) receive it. To simplify this operation, you need to write an application in advance before submitting documents. A sample, as well as the application form itself, can be found at the stand near the office where documents for issuing a foreign passport are accepted.

Visa-free regime between Ukraine and the European Union: what you should know

In April 2021, Ukraine received a visa-free regime with EU countries; already on July 11, 2021, the first citizens of the country were able to travel to Europe without additional visa documents. However, be careful, you can only use visa-free travel if you have a biometric foreign passport.

Tourists who plan to cross the EU border without a visa should know some of the nuances of the process:

1. Carry with you a biometric passport and documents confirming the purpose of the trip and the intention to return to Ukraine (plane ticket, tourist voucher, hotel reservation, excursion tickets, etc.).
2. Prove your solvency (cash, bank statements).
3. Don't forget about your health insurance and Green Card if you are traveling in your own car.

The visa-free regime does not provide the opportunity to work in the EU, do business, study, and so on.

Visa-free travel applies to all EU members, including countries such as Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Finland and so on.

Visa-free travel does not guarantee that a citizen will definitely be allowed through at the border; the reasons for the entry ban may be the inability to prove the purpose of the trip, insufficient solvency, or the tourist’s previous blacklisting.

How to get a foreign passport for a Ukrainian in Moscow in 2021

For registration, citizens of Ukraine living in Russia must contact the Consulate of Ukraine in the capital of the Russian Federation. The main requirement is to live in Russia legally; illegal immigrants will not be issued a new passport. At the consulate, the applicant will be asked to present the following documents:

• Ukrainian passport.
• Old passport, if available.
• Confirmation of legal status in Russia.
• Migration card.
• Identification code.
• Receipt of payment for the service.

Please note that at the Consulate you will have to write a statement in Ukrainian, in which you will justify your residence in the territory of another country and present documents proving this reason.

The passport will be produced in Ukraine and sent along with another diplomatic post.

The cost of registration will be about 3,000 hryvnia.

Registration procedure

The procedure for obtaining a passport is quite simple. First, you will need to collect a package of necessary documents, as well as pay the state duty at the approved rate. Then you need to fill out an application form to submit it to the local branch of the State Medical University or the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

After the application is received, it is reviewed. Then, at the State Enterprise “Printing Plant “Ukraine””, printed information, photographs and biometric data are entered into the form, after which the citizen is issued a ready-made document.

It is important to note that the law does not provide for the renewal of a foreign passport. Therefore, if the form is damaged or lost, you will have to go through the registration procedure again.

Regarding how to obtain a foreign passport in Ukraine for those who live in territory not controlled by the government, the law gives Crimean residents the opportunity to obtain a travel document at any branch of the State Medical University convenient for them. Residents of ORDLO who do not have migrant status can contact the nearest migration service department in Donetsk or Lugansk region.

How to check the validity of a passport

A valid foreign passport is one that meets the following requirements:

• has a gap sufficient for the country of visit between the end of the trip and the expiration date;
• contains a photo that corresponds to the actual appearance of the owner (there are no significant differences);
• there are no traces of moisture or dirt, the pages are intact, without tears or smeared lines;
• has blank pages for visa applications;
• provides correct information about the owner, without typos or errors;
• issued in the name of the bearer at the time of departure abroad.

General requirements for photographs for documents

At the moment, uniform rules for photographs for documents have been developed and exist; the Ukrainian foreign passport is no exception. They are always effective and do not depend on private requirements.

It is advisable to consider the general requirements for photographs for documents in more detail:

• The location of the face is provided from the front and exclusively in the center of the photo. Head turns are completely excluded, regardless of the angle;
• The person’s gaze should be level, straight and directed directly at the lens;
• The facial expression should be calm, without unnecessary facial expressions: even smiles are excluded;
• The eyes of the person being photographed should be wide enough open and clearly visible;
• Hats and sunglasses are excluded;
• Discreet makeup is allowed, which does not change a person’s facial features and does not distort the correct perception of personality;
• The photograph must be clear. The lighting is monotonous, with the complete exception of darkening and artificial contrasts;
• The background part of the photograph is somewhat lighter than the face.

Important! If a citizen wears glasses, then the photo must be taken with glasses. This is a mandatory rule. Glasses in the photo are only allowed optical, without tinted glasses.