Turkey and Ukraine have agreed to changes in their reciprocal visa rules. Most notably, the changes mean that nationals of either country will be able to enter the other’s territory without a visa for up to 90 days, within any 180 day period. Previously, the limit was 30 days per visit.

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on amendments to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on conditions of mutual travels of the nationals was signed on 14 March 2017 (“Amendment Agreement”). Turkey’s Council of Ministers approved the Amendment Agreement via decision number 2017/10324 on 1 May 2017, which was published in Official Gazette number 30071 on 20 May 2017.

Notable changes introduced by the Amendment Agreement include:

  • Turkish identity cards and Ukrainian passports (with contactless electronic carrier) and are now accepted as valid travel documents between the countries, provided these are machine readable as per the standards outlined in ICAO 9303 and its annexes.
  • Nationals of one country can now enter, exit, transit through or stay in the other country without a visa, provided their stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180 day period. Previously, the limit was 30 days per visit.
  • Nationals who cannot exit the other country’s territory by the relevant visa or residence permit’s deadline due to force majeure can now continue their stay uninterrupted without a visa, provided the force majeure’s source can be documented or proved. Their travel documents will be extended as necessary to allow them to return to their home country.

The changes will come into force once both countries formally notify each other that they have each respectively completed the internal procedures required for the changes.

Please see this link for the full text of the Agreement (only available in Turkish).