The new Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs from July 20, 2015 № 884 approved the procedure of calculation of the period of temporary stay in Ukraine of foreigners  (who are nationals of countries with visa-free entry).

The Order provides that citizens of countries with visa-free entry may temporarily stay in Ukraine up to 90 days within 180 days, unless another term is not defined by international treaties of Ukraine (f.e.Argentine or Bosnia etc.).

The term of stay in the territory of Ukraine shall calculated by the State Border Service and the State Migration Service. F.e. Police is NOT ALLOWED TO DO THIS!

Officials of the State Border Service at the checkpoint at the time of Immigration of the foreigner into the territory of Ukraine shall count the number of days of a previous stay in Ukraine by deducting from the date of actual entry 180 days back. If during this calculation exceeding of terms will be found out - immigration should be refused by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (however - legally this part seems to be a bit delicate, cause the "law about State Border Guard Service of Ukraine" does not grant them the right to refuse entry because of this reason! But by the power of fact, it seems to be better to be prepared for this case.).

During staying in Ukraine calculation of the permitted period of stay will be calculated JUST by State Migration Service by deducting 180 days back from the date of control.  If during this calculation exceeding of terms will be found out - would be done the official report of the administrative offense (fine-actuall max. 850 UAH). BUT:State Migration Service JUST ACTS IF A FOREIGNER APPLIES FOR EXTENDING OF STAY,TEMPORARY RESIDENCE ETC!

At the time of emigration of a foreigner from Ukraine, State Border Service Officer checks whether the foreigner has not exceeded the period of stay (usually 90 calendar days-arrival and departure day also are counted fully!!) in Ukraine by deducting from the actual date of departure 180 calendar days back. If during this calculation exceeding of terms will be found out -   would be done the official report of the administrative offense (fine up to max.850 UAH)! BUT: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine takes itself the right to HOLD the foreigner UP TO THREE HOURS for preparing the protocol of fine. So, this might result in a missed flight, if not being early enough at the airport!!

Recommendation: If you are not sure, how many days you were in the past in ukraine - send the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine a letter with your name, citizenship and birthdate - and they are obliged to send you within 30 calender days (plus post delivery time) an account sheet of your stays in ukraine ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Main department for information services, Volodymirska 26, 01601 Kyiv)!

This Order came into force on the 08^th of September 2015