I moved to Ukraine last year and travelled in/out using 90 day visit pass. I then found out that there is a limit to this and decided to apply for visa to stay here. But as I was already in Ukraine I needed to leave and apply from outside of Ukraine. With advice I got from ‘’SirDaniel’’ and others I found out about the Embassy in Krakow, Poland. They told me that $480 cash would do this the same day. Before I left I again checked the papers required by them, and as I am now married to a Ukrainian lady would I need my marriage certificate as well. I was told that all I need would be $160 and that’s it!
I did also take business application and letters as described by others, just in case. I thought take everything with me and see what happens , $480 or $160 , either way , as the trip was going to take 5 days by train , I didn’t want to go again !
Sleeper Train Kharkov, Ukraine- Lviv- 19 hours (good clean train, waitress service excellent)
Sleeper Train Lviv-Krakow, Poland - 7 hours (good private compartment, long border crossing 2 hours)
Took taxi to embassy address on their website, to find that they have moved the other side of Krakow! , got there at 8.30am (take local money with you as well). Spent an hour discussing papers ; $160 marriage visa only applies to USA citizen, UK need to pay $480 , but guy didn’t think he could give me 12 months, only 6 months ! Business 12 month visa- when they looked at papers, showing 50% partner , he said no, as I did not have a work permit, so that was no good. So after long discussions best way would be 6 month marriage visa for $240. I then went to their bank, paid cash and went back at 2pm to collect visa. This was ready as promised, so I then started my long trip back. The whole trip took 5 days; I visited 2 beautiful cities, Krakow and Lviv, and saw Ukraine from the window of 2 excellent trains. Would I advice others to do the same, well NO, my advice is get your visa sorted out before you leave home, it will take longer than 1 day , for sure, but better than gambling afterwards. If like me you are already here, then this is a good way around it, but what will happen in the future I’m not sure. Now I have an entry visa my next job is to either extend it or change it to residence, this I will hopefully be able to do in my local govn’t office – we’ll see!
If anyone wants details of trip, trains, embassy etc, please ask.
Thanks Smart M, but Kiev is 7 hours car drive from kharkov or long train drive anyway. I looked at flights but cost was alot more and I would have to pay for accommodation. The total train cost (return) was less than 1000 rpH (£80), that was 2nd Class in an excellent sleeper compartment for 4 nights. No waiting at busy airports either !
Gemini D, same for me ,residence visa is 2 years after marriage, what I will hopefully get is a extendable 1 year visa.