South Africa to Ukraine visa requirements

South African ordinary passport holders need an eVisa to visit Ukraine for tourism. Ukraine resumed its electronic visa (e-Visa) system in February 2025 and officially began issuing e-Visas to South African nationals. Apply online before travel at evisa.mfa.gov.ua; the single-entry tourist e-Visa costs about USD 20 and allows a stay of up to 30 days. Ukraine is NOT visa-free for South African ordinary passport holders. South Africans must obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) prior to travel through the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at evisa.mfa.gov.ua. Ukraine suspended its e-Visa system after the 2022 Russian invasion and relaunched it on 17-19 February 2025 for roughly 45 eligible nationalities; the Ukrainian MFA subsequently confirmed it began issuing e-Visas specifically to nationals of India, South Africa and the Philippines. Tourism is an accepted purpose. The standard single-entry tourist e-Visa fee is USD 20 (double-entry USD 30), with standard processing within 3 business days and an urgent 1-business-day option for double the fee. The e-Visa permits a stay of up to 30 days per entry and is valid for entry within a defined window from issuance. Ukraine is not part of the Schengen Area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. The passport must be valid for at least the duration of stay (commonly 6 months beyond intended stay recommended) and travelers should print the e-Visa PDF to present with the passport to the State Border Guard Service on entry. Travelers should also note that Ukraine remains under martial law due to the ongoing war; entry rules can change and many governments advise against travel, so always re-check official MFA and embassy guidance immediately before booking.