Ukrainian citizens will soon need to apply for a special travel permit to visit the Schengen Area. Until now, Ukrainians have been able to stay in the Schengen Area short-term without additional security checks, but this is about to change.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, ETIAS, will be launched at the end of 2022 to boost safety and security across the EU. As visa-free travellers, Ukrainians are amongst those who will need to apply.
Ukrainian passport holders can find out everything they need to know about this important change to visa waiver requirements below.
Will Ukrainian citizens need a visa for Europe?
No, Ukrainians will not need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. Ukrainians will maintain their visa-free privileges when visiting other European destinations for tourism, business or transit.
Ukrainians will, however, need to apply for ETIAS before departure. ETIAS visa waiver is a travel authorisation allowing non-EU citizens to cross an external Schengen border without a visa.
Visa requirements for Ukrainians are not being introduced but ETIAS registration will be mandatory.
How does ETIAS for Ukrainians work?
ETIAS runs automatic security checks on individuals visiting the Schengen Area without a visa. Passport details are run through a series of EU databases such as Europol and the Visa Information System (VIS) to verify that the applicant does not pose a threat to the public.
In the vast majority of cases, Ukrainian applicants will be granted the travel permit shortly after submitting a request. In the rare case that something is flagged up, the application will be reviewed by the ETIAS Central and National Units.
ETIAS will make top European destinations such as Italy, France, and Germany, even safe for residents and visitors. Ukrainians will still be able to visit Europe without a visa but with the added security benefits of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System.
Requirements to apply for ETIAS from Ukraine
Applying for an ETIAS is quicker and more straightforward than obtaining a Schengen visa. The ETIAS application process is fully online with no need to visit an embassy.
Ukrainians just need to meet just a few basic ETIAS requirements which include having a:
- Valid Ukrainian passport
- Current email address
- Debit or credit card to cover the ETIAS fees
ETIAS visa waiver application process for Ukrainians
To begin applying for the ETIAS visa waiver, Ukrainian citizens will need to fill out an online application with details such as:
- Personal details: full name, date of birth, gender and nationality
- Contact information: telephone number and email address
- Passport data: issue and expiry date, passport number
Ukrainian applicants are also asked some health and security-related questions. Applicants must review all the information provided before paying the ETIAS fee and submitting the request for review: any errors or missing information could lead to delays or rejection.
On approval, the ETIAS visa waiver is linked to the electronic chip inside the Ukrainian passport and a notification is sent via email.
Ukrainians with dual citizenship must apply for ETIAS and travel using the same passport, ETIAS cannot be transferred to a different passport. For the same reason, a new application must be submitted if the passport expires within the ETIAS validity period.
Travelling to Europe from Ukraine with ETIAS
Once ETIAS becomes mandatory, Ukrainian nationals will need an approved ETIAS visa waiver to travel in the EU. ETIAS will be verified when the passport is scanned at an external Schengen border. Individuals without a valid ETIAS permit will not be granted entry.
Not only does ETIAS allow the EU to better manage overseas visitors, but it also has a number of benefits for tourists and business travellers.
ETIAS for Ukraininans is valid for the entire Schengen Area
Ukrainians with a valid ETIAS visa waiver can go to any of the 26 countries that make up the Schengen Area using the same permit.
Ukrainian sightseers can make the most of their trip to visit top destinations such as Portugal, Spain, and Greece without having to apply for additional permits. There are no internal borders in the Schengen zone but travellers should always carry their passport with attached visa waiver with them.
ETIAS for Ukrainians is valid for multiple trips of up to 90 days
Ukrainian passport holders do not need to apply for a new visa waiver each time they travel. An ETIAS is valid for multiple trips to the Schengen Area within its validity period.
The maximum total stay allowed with ETIAS is 90 days per any 180-day period. To stay for longer than 3 months, a visa is required.
ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Ukrainians can travel with ETIAS for tourism, business, and transit
The ETIAS authorisation can be used to travel from Ukraine to the Schengen Area for tourism and business trips that do not exceed the 90-day limit.
Ukrainians also need ETIAS to transit through an airport located in the Schengen zone en-route to another third-country destination.
To visit an ETIAS country for another reason, such as to engage in work or long-term study, Ukrainian citizens need to obtain a different permit or visa for their trip.