The Home Office have issued Guidance for family members of British Nationals who are in Ukraine and also Ukrainian Nationals who are here in the UK.  

 This follows the invasion of Russian Forces into Ukraine just a couple of days ago and the growing concern for the safety of Ukraine’s citizens.  Ukraine’s airspace is now closed and it is strongly advised that no- one should travel to Ukraine.  

 For British Nationals in Ukraine 

The Foreign Office have stated that  

“There are multiple reports of widespread military activity and real risk to life. We advise British nationals to leave Ukraine immediately if you judge it is safe to do so and to follow the advice of the Ukrainian authorities while you remain in Ukraine. It is likely that commercial routes out of Ukraine will be severely disrupted and roads across Ukraine could be closed. If you are in the vicinity of military activity and you cannot leave safely, you should stay indoors, away from windows, and remain alert to developments that would allow you to leave safely.” 

 “If you are in need of assistance to leave Ukraine, you should call +380 44 490 3660 or +44 (0)1908 516666 and select the option for “consular services for British nationals.” You can also send an enquiry via the web contact form.” 

 For Ukrainian Family members  

For Ukraine nationals living in Ukraine who have a British family member, can make a ‘free’ application to come to the UK.  There will be no visa fees. Though biometrics will need to be taken and documents submitted. It is hoped that once biometrics are taken a visa can be issued within 24 hours.  The list of those who are classed as family members are as follows:  

• a spouse or civil partner 

• an unmarried partner (you must have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years) 
• your parent if you are under the age of 18 
• your child under the age of 18 
• an adult relative you provide care for who lives with you due to a medical condition  

The UKVI (Home Office) have provided a telephone number asking you to contact them first giving detailed information about the family members.   

 What to do?  

You should contact UKVI before you make an application.  

Telephone: +44 300 3032785 – select option 1 (0300 3032785 if you’re in the UK – select option 1)
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 5:30pm  

This is a free phone number, but network charges may still apply.  

Visa Application Centre  

Once an application is submitted then your biometrics will need to be taken – fingerprints and photograph to issue the visa.  You will also need to take documents with you to be scanned for a fee or upload them yourself for free.   

Due to the current circumstances the visa application centre in Kyiv is closed.  However, a temporary centre has been set up in Lemberg Business Centre in the city of Lviv. Applications can also be made at neighbouring countries as follows:  

• Poland  
• Romania 

• Hungary  
• Moldova  

All other visas for Ukraine nationals will need to be submitted in the usual way.  If there are any concerns then contact: 

Telephone: + 44 300 3032785 – select option 3 (0300 3032785 if you’re in the UK – select option 3)
Monday to Friday 24 Hours
This is a free phone number, but network charges may still apply.  

Ukrainian Nationals in the UK  

The UKVI are hoping to issue another guidance for those already in the UK on a visa and need assistance.  In the meantime, you can contact:  

Telephone: 0300 3032785 – select option 2
Monday to Thursday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:45pm Friday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:30pm
This is a free phone number, but network charges may still apply.