Ukraine has resumed issuing e-visas to citizens of approximately 45 countries, including India, Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal. As of February 19, 2025, the General Department for Consular Services is accepting e-Visa applications for purposes such as tourism, business, education, sports, cultural and scientific activities, journalism, and medical treatment.
The Ukrainian embassy announced that e-Visas are available in two categories: a single-entry visa for $20 and a double-entry visa for $30. Applicants requiring urgent processing will have to pay double the standard fee. The regular processing time is three working days, while urgent applications are processed within one day.
This move to reinstate e-Visas aligns with Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen ties with key nations, including India. Bilateral relations between India and Ukraine have developed across multiple sectors, including trade, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, defense, education, and culture.
Cultural exchanges between the two countries are facilitated through institutions such as Taras Shevchenko National University and Kyiv Linguistic University, which offer Hindi language courses. Additionally, organizations like the Ukrainian Association of Ayurveda and Yoga promote Indian traditions by organizing international congresses on traditional medicine and yoga.
In a symbolic gesture of friendship, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled in Kyiv’s “Oasis of Peace” botanical garden in October 2020 to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary, reflecting his philosophy of nonviolence and harmony.
Ukraine’s decision to reinstate e-Visas not only facilitates smoother travel for Indian citizens but also reinforces the long-standing diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations. Over the years, Ukraine has emerged as a key destination for Indian students, particularly in the field of medicine. Thousands of Indian students enroll in Ukrainian universities each year, making education a crucial pillar of bilateral engagement.
Moreover, trade between India and Ukraine has expanded across various industries, with India being one of Ukraine’s largest trading partners in Asia. Agricultural exports, particularly sunflower oil, wheat, and pulses, form a significant portion of Ukraine’s exports to India, while India supplies pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and engineering goods to Ukraine.
Defense cooperation has also been a key aspect of India-Ukraine relations, with Ukraine playing a role in the modernization of Indian military equipment. The collaboration has included the supply of defense technology and the refurbishment of military hardware.
On the cultural front, events such as the annual International Day of Yoga celebrations in Kyiv highlight the growing appreciation for Indian traditions in Ukraine. Similarly, Ukrainian cultural influences are becoming more visible in India, with increasing academic and artistic exchanges.
By restoring the e-Visa service, Ukraine is making travel and collaboration more accessible, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening its relationship with India and other key nations. This initiative is expected to encourage more tourism, academic exchanges, and business partnerships between the two countries in the coming years.
