A UK visa or immigration permission is always needed to enter the UK. This will be checked by airlines, ferry companies or border control at the channel tunnel. When entering the UK make sure that you have:
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a valid passport (eg a current or formally extended Ukrainian passport), and
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your visa or evidence of your immigration permission
Visas
Current options for UK visas or immigration permissions for Ukrainians include:
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the Ukraine Family Scheme - open to Ukrainian nationals (and their immediate family members) who have family members settled in the UK. It is free to apply. You should apply online if you are outside of the UK
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the Homes for Ukraine Scheme - open to Ukrainian nationals (and their immediate family members) who have a sponsor willing to host them in the UK. Organisations such as Reset Communities and Refugees can help you find a sponsor. The Scheme is free. You should apply online with your sponsor
Both of these Schemes require applicants to have lived in Ukraine on or immediately before 1 January 2022 (although you may now have left).
Other entry routes include:
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entry as a European Economic Area (EEA) passport holder - EEA passport holders do not require visas to enter the UK as visitors
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usual UK visitor, work or study visas - see which visas you may be able to apply for on the Government’s website
Note that you can only claim asylum once you are physically in the UK (see below).
Visa appointments
If you are applying for a regular visitor, work or study visa, you need to attend a biometrics appointment (ie an appointment to provide face scans and fingerprints) at a visa application centre (VAC) before entering the UK.
If you are applying for a Ukraine Family Scheme or a Homes for Ukraine visa using a valid Ukrainian passport, you can provide biometric details (ie face scans and fingerprints) after you arrive in the UK.
If you are applying for a Ukraine Family Scheme or a Homes for Ukraine visa without a Ukrainian passport (eg you have an ID card or a different passport), you have to attend a biometrics appointment at a VAC before entering the UK.
For more information, see the Government’s guidance.