[updated 2nd March 2022]

The UK government is advising against all travel to Ukraine, and advises British nationals to leave Ukraine immediately if they judge it is safe to do so.

Detailed, up-to-date government advice for British nationals in Ukraine is available here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine 

Please do not hesitate to contact my team if you have any questions or concerns. Our contact details are available here: https://www.lukepollard.org/contact-luke/ 

Visas and emergency travel documents

British Nationals and people settled in the UK are permitted to bring family members* from Ukraine to the UK. Normal requirements for salary or language tests will be waived.

*‘Family member’ is defined as spouse/unmarried partner/ child under the age of 18/ parent if British National is child under 18/ adult dependant who normally resides with you due to a medical condition/ adult parents/ grandparents/ children over 18/ siblings/ step-children/ and all of their immediate family members.

Under this scheme, which is free, those joining family in the UK will be granted leave for an initial period of at least 12 months. They will be able to work and access public funds.

People who are eligible under this route are encouraged to call the Home Office helpline on 0300 3032785 .This option is now available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This is a free phone number, but network charges may still apply.   

Further information from the Home Office regarding support to British nationals and dependents in Ukraine, as well as support to Ukrainians already in the UK, is available here: https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2022/02/25/home-office-action-on-ukraine/ 

Ukrainian Sponsorship Humanitarian Visa

The Ukrainian Sponsorship Humanitarian Visa Offer will provide a route to the UK for Ukrainians who do not have family ties with the UK. The government will  match them with individuals, businesses, community organisations, or Local Authorities willing and able to act as a sponsor. This scheme is not yet open, but further details are expected shortly.

Ukrainian nationals in the UK

If you are a Ukrainian national in the UK and need assistance, please contact UKVI: Telephone: 0300 3032785 – select option 2.  Lines are open Monday to Thursday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:45pm and Friday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:30pm. This is a free phone number, but network charges may still apply.

Ukrainians who are on work, study or visit visas in the UK will have their visas temporarily extended or be able to switch to different visa routes or for those on seasonal work visas to have their leave temporarily extended.