Visa-free days: how are they counted when temporary protection is in place?

The visa-free regime allows Ukrainians to travel freely throughout Europe, but only for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Find out how to count these days correctly, what changes after temporary protection ends, and how to avoid violations that could result in fines or entry bans

The visa-free regime between Ukraine and the countries of the European Union is an important tool for Ukrainians, allowing them to travel freely throughout Europe without the need for a visa. However, this right is subject to clear restrictions that must be strictly observed in order to avoid serious legal consequences.

This is particularly relevant for those who have or have had temporary protection in the EU.

How does the 90/180-day rule work?

The main restriction of visa-free travel is a 90-day stay within any 180-day period in the Schengen area. This rule provides for a so-called “rolling window” — each time you plan a trip to the EU, you need to count back 180 days and calculate how many of them you have already spent in the Schengen area. If it is less than 90, you can enter.

For example:

- If you were in the EU for 25 days in March and 30 days in May, you will still have 35 days available in June.

- If you have used up all 90 days, you must wait 90 days outside the EU before re-entering under the visa-free regime.

Temporary protection and visa-free travel: what counts?

This is a key question for many Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection in the EU since the start of the full-scale war.

IMPORTANT: Days spent in the EU under temporary protection do not count towards the 90-day visa-free limit. This means that the entire period during which you were under protection does not “burn” your visa-free days.

However, once you lose this status — for example, if you decide to return to Ukraine voluntarily or do not renew your registration — all trips to the EU will again be counted under the standard 90/180 rule.

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What happens if you violate the visa-free rules?

Violating the permitted period of stay can have serious consequences:

Fines and deportation. If you exceed the limit, you may be fined or deported.

Entry ban. Violators may be banned from entering the EU for several years.

Visa problems. In the future, this may make it difficult or impossible to obtain a visa.

How to check your visa-free days?

To avoid breaking the rules, use the official tools:

Stamps in your passport. Always check your entry and exit dates.

The online calculator on the European Commission website is the most reliable way to check your remaining days.

Travel planning. Keep track of your travels yourself or use special mobile apps.

What if you need to stay longer?

If you want to stay in the EU for more than 90 days, here are some legal options:

Obtain a national visa (type D). For example, for study, work, or medical treatment.

Apply for a residence permit — based on employment, volunteering, family reunification, etc.

Travel to countries outside the Schengen area:

Montenegro — up to 1 year;

United Kingdom — up to 6 months;

Cyprus, Albania, Georgia — up to 90 days without a visa.

Applying for an extension of stay. In exceptional cases (serious illness, humanitarian circumstances), EU countries may grant individual permission to stay longer.

What should you keep in mind in 2025?

As of today, the visa-free rules remain unchanged, including after the end of temporary protection. It is important to follow updates in the countries you are interested in, as some of them have already announced a gradual review of protection programs for Ukrainians.

An important reminder! It is important for Ukrainians not only to follow the news on EU visa policy, but also to be prepared for changes. Visit Ukraine's lawyers can always help you with complex migration issues - our team specializes in legalization, residence permits, permanent residence, temporary protection, and other migration issues.

So, if you have any questions about staying abroad, please contact Visit Ukraine specialists!

We remind you! Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU has been extended until 2026, but can we be calm? Are changes, restrictions, and maybe even deportations possible? Read the answers to the hottest questions about status, risks, and future scenarios in an interview with Anna Fedoryshyna, a migration lawyer at Visit Ukraine.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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