Useful information and contacts
UK Government information
If you, or your friends and family need support, the UK Government provides a range of information:
- Support for family members of British nationals in Ukraine and Ukrainian nationals in Ukraine/UK
- Information on travel advice to and from Ukraine
- Guidance on support available to Ukrainian nationals and their family members
- Guidance for family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme
How to submit biometric information
Apply to submit your biometric information on the UK Government website if you applied for your visa outside the UK, and were granted six months leave to remain here.
High commission, embassy and consulate support
- You can get advice and support from the Ukrainian Consulate in Edinburgh. You’ll also find their contact details and opening times.
- Details of all embassies, consulates and high commissions in the UK are available on the UK Government website.
Immediate/emergency support from us
- If you need support, complete our Ukraine enquiry form or contact our Customer Advice and Support Service.
- In an emergency out of office hours, call 01896 752111.
Red Cross
The British Red Cross supports people from Ukraine who are in the UK. Their helpline is free 0808 196 3651.
Scottish Refugee Council
Find out what support is available from the Scottish Refugee Council. Their free helpline is 0808 196 7274.
English speakers of other language (ESOL) classes
Borders College offers English classes for adults living in the Scottish Borders for whom English is not the first language.You can study at a range of levels, from beginners through to SCQF Level 5. You can visit their website for more information.
Citizens Advice Scotland
Citizens Advice Scotland provide advice on issues including employment, immigration or legal advice.
Health
NHS Inform has provided helpful information about NHS services, public health and related topics in both Ukrainian and Russian languages.
Skills Development Scotland
Skills Development Scotland can help you with career support. More information is available on their website or from their local centre on 01896 754884.
Free train travel
- People arriving from Ukraine can travel free of charge on the national rail network by showing their Ukrainian passport and a boarding pass or ticket showing arrival in the UK. They have 48 hours from arrival in the UK to complete their journey.
- The scheme applies to all train operators in Britain, and many bus and coach operators are also offering free onward travel to final destinations.
- More information is on the National Rail Enquiries website.
Free coach travel
- National Express is offering free travel for Ukrainians who arrive in the UK to travel to a destination of their choice. They have 48 hours to make their onward journey from arrival in the country.
- It’s best to contact National Express in advance to guarantee the journey, but they’ll also accept people who turn up without contacting in advance, but this is subject to availability.
- Free travel can be arranged from a UK arrival point to another location currently served on the National Express network.
- More information is available from National Express.
Cost of living crisis
A new section has been created on our website that provides advice, information and support in relation to the current cost of living crisis. This includes links to recent published Scottish Government advice and can be accessed on our cost of living support pages.
Other useful links