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UK extends visa terms for those fleeing Russia's war
The Independent
|February 24, 2026
Ukrainians fleeing Russia's invasion will be given three times as long to renew their visas for the UK as part of an attempt to give them more certainty about their stay in Britain.
Those wishing to extend their stays will now be able to apply up to 90 days before their current permission expires - treble the current 28 days, The Independent understands.
It comes after concerns were raised by Ukrainian communities that the shorter window created undue stress and uncertainty about their legal status in the UK.
The announcement was made as Yvette Cooper travels to Kyiv today to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, part of an attempt to show the government’s commitment to safe and legal routes while it tries to clamp down on illegal crossings.
To mark the anniversary, the government has also put together a £5m package to support justice and accountability work in Ukraine, The Independent understands.
This story is from the February 24, 2026 edition of The Independent.
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