Kyiv [Ukraine]: The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reinstated its electronic visa (e-Visa) service for foreign nationals from 45 countries, including India, Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal. The decision, effective from February 19, 2025, will allow eligible travellers to apply for e-Visas for various purposes, including education, tourism, business, cultural and scientific activities, journalism, sports and medical treatment.  

The Department General for Consular Service will oversee the processing of e-Visas. According to the Ukrainian Embassy, applicants can choose between two visa categories: a single-entry visa costing USD 20 and a double-entry visa for USD 30. Those opting for the urgent processing service will have to pay double the standard fee. While regular applications will be processed within three working days, urgent visas will be issued within a day.  

Ukraine’s decision to restore e-Visa services aligns with its broader diplomatic and economic engagement with key partner nations, including India. Over the years, India-Ukraine relations have strengthened across multiple sectors, such as trade, pharmaceuticals, defence, education, science and culture.  

Of particular significance is Ukraine’s role as a major destination for Indian students pursuing higher education, especially in medicine. The reinstatement of e-Visas is expected to ease travel for students planning to study in Ukraine, ensuring smoother entry procedures.  

Diplomatic ties between India and Ukraine date back to India’s recognition of Ukraine’s independence in December 1991, followed by the establishment of the Indian embassy in Kyiv in May 1992. Since then, both nations have collaborated in areas including education and cultural exchange.  

Institutions like Taras Shevchenko National University and Kyiv Linguistic University offer Hindi courses, while Kyiv Gymnasium of Oriental Languages No.1 promotes Hindi learning. In addition, Ukraine hosts the Ukrainian Association of Ayurveda and Yoga (UAAY), which advocates for Ayurveda as an alternative medical practice and has organised international congresses on Ayurveda and Yoga.  

Strengthening the cultural connection, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was inaugurated at a botanical garden in Kyiv on October 2, 2020, commemorating his 150th birth anniversary. The area, designated as the "Oasis of Peace", stands as a tribute to Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and harmony.

Agencies