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Updated: 4 Mar 2025
A visa is required for entry at this time. Many nations are giving Ukrainians more rights and removing visa restrictions for entry, we will do our best to update this information when it is announced.
The United Kingdom initially launched three visa schemes to help Ukrainians come to the UK: the “Homes for Ukraine Scheme”, the “Ukrainian Family Scheme” and the “Ukraine Extension Scheme”. For more information about these visa schemes please visit gov.uk
Ukrainian Family Scheme
As of 19 February 2024 the Ukrainian Family Scheme was closed for new applications. If you applied before this date your application will still be processed. This visa scheme was aimed at helping Ukrainians who have family members who were already in the UK.
Ukraine Extension Scheme
The Ukraine Extension Scheme closed for most new applications on 16 May 2024, but remains open for children who were born in the UK to apply for permission to stay.
Homes for Ukraine Scheme
The Homes for Ukraine Scheme allows British nationals to sponsor entry visas for Ukrainians and offer them accommodation once they have arrived in the UK. This visa scheme is still active and it is accepting new applications.
Ukrainians who have received a visa for the UK under these schemes will be entitled to ongoing support, including access to education, healthcare and financial assistance.
Moving To The UK
The UK government has created this guide to provide more information and instructions regarding moving from Ukraine to the UK. There is information about the application processes, what to expect when arriving at the UK border, how to travel with pets and more information to facilitate the move.
Extending Your Stay
For Ukrainians who are already in the UK on one of these visas will be able to extend their visa using the Ukrainian Permission Extension Scheme from the start of 2025.
Education in the UK is compulsory for children between five and 16 years old. Education is provided for free.
The application process can vary depending on your region. The local council in your area will help guide you through the process for your area.
For more information about schools in the UK check this website.
The UK has different levels of support regarding childcare depending where in the UK you are.
For example, in England in addition to the childcare financial support you may be able to claim through Universal Credit, you may also be entitled to receive 15 hours of free childcare for children between three and four years old (with an additional 15 hours if you are working).
This guide will give you further information about support with childcare.
If you have come to the UK under the HomesForUkraine or the Ukraine Family Scheme you are entitled to have access to the NHS for free.
It is recommended that after arriving, you register with your local GP. After registering, you will receive an NHS number that can be used should you have any future medical needs.
The National Insurance Number is your unique identifying number for the UK's tax and benefits systems. If you are planning to work or receive financial support then this number is required.
If you have already received your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), check the back of the card and you should see your National Insurance Number printed there.
Alternatively, at the Job Centre they will ensure that you have a National Insurance Number as part of their application process.
Understanding that you may have been forced to leave Ukraine without time to prepare, an initial gift of £200 is being offered to all Ukrainians arriving to the UK under the HomesForUkraine Scheme, the local council in the area where you are living will distribute this money to you after you have arrived.
Universal Credit is the UK's welfare system that ensures everyone in the UK has enough money to survive, especially during hard times. After arriving in the UK, you can go to the Job Centre and they will assist you with both registering for Universal Credit and also with finding a job. The amount of money you receive is based on the amount of money you need, for example if you have children you may also be entitled to Child Support. For more information, click here.
The UK government is offering financial support for Ukrainians in the UK. If you require financial support or if you have already found a job, you will need a UK bank account to be able to receive money.
HSBC bank seems to be the best option for Ukrainians in the UK. If you have a sponsor ask them to write a letter stating that you are living with them and HSBC will accept this letter as your proof of address. Simply take your passport and this letter into an HSBC bank and tell them that you would like to open an account, they will assist you with the application process.
Address:
24 Jules Michelet, 010463 Bucharest
Telephone:
+40212017200Address:
Panská 16, 811 01 Bratislava
Telephone:
+421259982000Address:
18 Nicolae Iorga Str., Chisinau, MD-2012
Telephone:
+37322225902Address:
9, Desyatynna Street , Kyiv, Ukraine
Telephone:
+380444903660Address:
Budapest, Füge utca 5-7, 1022
Telephone:
+3612662888Address:
ul. Kawalerii 12, 00-468 Warsaw, mazowieckie
Telephone:
+48223110000For a full list of the embassies and consulates click here