Appealing a decision to ban entry to Ukraine

When a foreigner or stateless person crosses the state border to enter Ukraine, border guards carefully check the validity of the documents and the grounds for crossing the border.

The rules of crossing are regulated by the Regime of Entry into the Territory of Ukraine, which is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Law of Ukraine «On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons».

General rules for entry of foreigners into the territory of Ukraine

Foreigners and stateless persons planning to enter Ukraine must have a valid passport to cross the border, as well as a visa (if required). They also need to have proof of the purpose of the trip (tourist or private invitation, invitation to participate in a conference, etc.). Additionally, the border may ask for a document confirming the foreigner's financial status. The funds must be sufficient for the foreigner's stay in Ukraine and for further departure from it (this can be confirmed by a bank statement).

Why can I be refused to cross the border with Ukraine?

The most common grounds for refusal to cross the state border are

1. a forged or invalid passport;
2. threat to the national security of Ukraine;
3. if during the previous stay in Ukraine, the foreigner committed violations of the law;
4. no confirmation of financial security for the period of stay in Ukraine;
5. if you are a carrier of an infectious disease (the list is determined by the health authorities);
6. if your entry requires a visa first.

The refusal is provided directly at the state border crossing point in paper form. If you plan to appeal against such a refusal, you must receive it in paper form so that you have the subject matter and document to appeal.

It is also worth noting that for a number of violations, a foreigner may not only be denied entry, but also be banned from entering for several years. In this case, the procedure for lifting the entry ban is much more difficult and takes longer.

How to appeal a decision to refuse to cross the state border?

After you receive a decision to refuse to cross the state border, you have 30 days to appeal it. An appeal is submitted to the State Migration Service. It must be accompanied by all supporting documents that may change the opinion on your entry permit.

The application for appealing the decision is considered by the competent authorities within 30 calendar days, but this period can also be extended up to 15 calendar days if there is a need for some additional checks.

The migration service must send you its decision in an official letter. If you do not agree with it, then you can go to court.

Therefore, if you are planning to visit Ukraine, it is better to contact the lawyers of Prikhodko & Partners, who will be able to advise you on the necessary documents for entry.

If you are denied entry to Ukraine when crossing the state border, do not waste time. Immediately contact competent lawyers who will correctly formulate an application to appeal the decision to refuse to cross the border and achieve a successful result, namely, your entry into Ukraine.