Entry to the EU will become paid: what Ukrainians need to consider before crossing the border

Starting from 2025, Ukrainians will need to obtain an ETIAS permit, which will cost 7 euros (289 UAH) to enter the EU. The permit will be valid for three years or until the expiration of the passport, and privileged categories (children under 18 and people over 70) will be exempt from paying the fee.

This was stated by the European Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new system introduced by the European Union to verify citizens of countries that have a visa-free regime with the EU.

It is designed to strengthen security controls and prevent the entry of persons who may pose a threat to EU countries. The system will automatically check travelers against various security databases and make a decision on whether to allow entry.

The ETIAS permit will be valid for three years or until the expiration of the passport, if earlier. Holders of the permit will be able to travel to the EU for no more than 90 days in each 180-day period.

Despite Ukraine's visa-free regime with the EU, after the launch of ETIAS in 2025, every Ukrainian citizen will have to apply for a permit to enter the EU. This will require several steps:

• fill out an online application on the official website or via the ETIAS mobile application;
• provide personal data, including name, passport details, and contact information;
• answer questions from the security service about previous travels, possible criminal records, or other security risks;
• pay a fee of 7 euros (approximately 320 hryvnias in 2024).

The authorization system will be largely automated, and most applications will be processed within minutes. However, in some cases, the process may take up to 30 days if additional verification or an interview is required.

It is important to note that only biometric passport holders can use the entry permit. Holders of regular passports will have to apply for a visa under the current rules.

Fortunately, at the first stages of ETIAS operation, a grace period of about six months is envisaged, during which some travelers will be exempt from paying the fee. In particular, children under 18 and people over 70 will be able to obtain a permit free of charge.

In addition, those who hold a valid Schengen visa or a long-term visa from an EU country will not need an ETIAS permit. This rule will also apply to citizens traveling with officially recognized temporary protection documents issued under EU humanitarian programs.

ETIAS will be valid in all countries that are part of the Schengen area. Among them:

• Austria;
• Germany; 
• France; 
• Italy; 
• Spain;
• Poland;
• Netherlands;
• Hungary;
• and other EU countries, including non-EU countries such as Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.

Although the ETIAS permit is a mandatory document for entry, it does not guarantee 100% admission to the European Union. The final decision always rests with the border guards of the country where the traveler arrives. The Border Guard Service may request additional documents or refuse entry if there are suspicions about the legitimacy of the trip.

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