How to confirm the purpose of your trip to an EU country?

Ukrainians travel to the EU for leisure, study, work, family reunification, medical treatment, etc. In any case, it is highly likely that the purpose of your trip will be checked at the border. Find out how to confirm the purpose of your trip to Europe, how to behave during border checks, and what useful services can help you avoid difficulties

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

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When planning a trip to European Union countries, every Ukrainian citizen should be prepared to confirm the purpose of their trip at the border. This is not just a formality, but a key element of border control that helps ensure security and compliance with migration rules. Understanding these requirements, preparing the necessary documents and knowing your rights will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure smooth entry.

Planning a trip to Europe? Make sure you have reliable insurance.

Why do you need to confirm the purpose of your trip?

Border service requirements

The main purpose of the EU border services is to ensure that your visit corresponds to the stated purpose and does not violate migration laws. This involves checking whether you have sufficient funds for your stay, whether you plan to leave the Schengen area after the permitted period, and whether you pose a threat to security. Having a clear and confirmed travel plan greatly simplifies this process.

A list of persons entitled to cross the border without queuingis available at the link.

Grounds for refusal of entry without confirmation

Without proper confirmation of the purpose of your trip, border authorities may refuse you entry. Typical reasons for refusal include:

1. Insufficient funds.

Find out how much money you need to enter the EUby following the link on the Visit Ukraine portal.

2. Insufficient evidence of the purpose of the trip (e.g. no accommodation booking, invitation or clear itinerary).

3. Unclear intentions to return (e.g. no return ticket).

4. Suspicion of intent to work or reside illegally.

In complex or unusual situations, when you are unsure about the necessary documents or your situation, it is best to consult an immigration lawyer. This will help you avoid mistakes and possible problems at the border.

How to confirm the purpose of entry: main types of trips and relevant documents

The set of documents required to confirm the purpose of your trip depends on its type.

Tourist trip

For a tourist trip, you will need:

1. A voucher or booking for a hotel/other accommodation for the entire period of your stay.

2. A detailed itinerary describing your plans (cities, dates, places of interest).

3. Tickets for entry into and exit from the Schengen area (for plane, train, bus).

4. Proof of financial solvency (bank statements, salary certificates).

It is always convenient to have all your tickets at hand. With the Visit Ukraine booking system, you can easily book bus, train or plane tickets in advance to ensure a comfortable journey.

Visiting relatives or friends

In this case, the purpose of the visit is confirmed by:

1. The original or a copy of the invitation from the person who is hosting you. The invitation must include: your details, the details of the person inviting you, the dates of your visit, the purpose of your visit, your address, and a commitment to provide you with accommodation and/or financial support.

2. A copy of the inviting party's identity document (passport, residence permit).

3. Documents confirming family ties (birth certificate, marriage certificate), if any.

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Medical trip

If you are travelling for medical treatment, please prepare:

1. An invitation from a medical institution (clinic, doctor) stating the type of treatment, approximate dates and cost.

2. Confirmation of payment for treatment or a treatment plan, if applicable.

3. Medical records from Ukraine confirming your diagnosis or the need for treatment.

Follow the link to find out what items cannot be taken out of Ukrainein accordance with current legislation.

Work/study

To enter the country for work or study, you must have:

1. The original employment contract or letter of enrolment at an educational institution (university, school).

2. Work or study permit, if required by the legislation of the country of destination.

3. Additional proof of residence (rental agreement, dormitory reservation).

4. Documents proving financial solvency to cover your living expenses for the initial period.

Memo for Ukrainians on entering the EU in 2025 – the most important aspects on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Transit

Even for transit through the EU, you may need supporting documents:

1. Tickets for the entire journey, confirming your onward travel to a third country outside the Schengen area.

2. Proof of onward travel (e.g. visa for the destination country, if required).

It is important to remember that a Green Card is a mandatory document for entry and transit by car through the EU. This is an international agreement on civil liability insurance for vehicle owners.

Temporary protection

Ukrainians who are entitled to temporary protection in EU countries can apply to the relevant authorities after crossing the border. This status entitles them to residence, employment, social assistance and other rights, including access to housing provided by the state or charitable organisations. To obtain temporary protection at the border, it is sufficient to have a valid foreign passport or other document proving your identity and Ukrainian citizenship.

Expert information: how are visa-free days counted when temporary protection is granted?

Universal documents that may be required in any case

Regardless of the purpose of your trip, it is always advisable to have the following documents with you:

1. A valid insurance policy covering medical expenses and accidents for the entire period of your stay in the EU.

2. Documents confirming financial solvency: bank statements, salary certificates, confirmation of social benefits or scholarships. The required amount may vary depending on the country and length of stay.

3. A certificate from your place of work or study (if you work/study in Ukraine) confirming your permanent connection with your home country.

4. Detailed travel itinerary with accommodation addresses, contact numbers, etc.

5. Valid foreign passport valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from the EU.

How to check the validity of your foreign passport, read on the Visit Ukraine portal.

What questions will be asked at the border and how should you respond?

Border guards may ask questions about:

The purpose of your trip: ‘Where are you going?’, ‘For what purpose?’, ‘What are you planning to do?’

The duration of your stay: ‘How many days are you going for?’, ‘When are you planning to return?’

Financial capacity: ‘Do you have enough money for the trip?’, ‘How much money do you have?’

Place of residence: ‘Where are you planning to stay?’

How to respond to additional checks?

1. Stay calm and polite.

2. Answer questions clearly and truthfully.

3. Provide all requested documents without hesitation.

4. Do not joke or try to mislead the border guard.

5. If there is a misunderstanding due to a language barrier, ask for an interpreter (if available).

Practical examples: The border guard may ask to see your return ticket, hotel reservation on your phone or a bank statement. They may also ask you questions to clarify your plans to ensure that they match the stated purpose (e.g. ‘You are going to Paris for the weekend. What are you planning to see there?’).

If you have a non-standard situation — for example, dual citizenship, an unusual route or other nuances — it is better to consult with an immigration lawyer in advance to avoid any problems at the border.

Useful services for preparing for your trip

Where to get insurance?

An insurance policy is not a mandatory document for entry into the Schengen area, but border guards sometimes ask to see it. To avoid unpleasant situations, we recommend that you take out travel insurance quickly and easily on the Visit Ukraine portal.

How to choose and book tickets?

The Visit Ukraine online service allows you to quickly find and book bus, train or plane tickets at affordable prices, which is an important part of confirming your travel plans.

How to prepare a package of documents?

Carefully check all necessary documents before departure. Create a separate folder for documents and keep them in an easily accessible place. A lot of information and document templates can be found on the official websites of EU embassies or on portals that provide assistance to Ukrainians abroad. If you have any difficulties in preparing the package of documents, please contact a migration lawyer.

Remember that thorough preparation and understanding of border control requirements are the key to a successful and hassle-free trip to the European Union. Have a safe trip!

Reminder! We previously reported on how to cross the border with a pet in 2025.

Photo: generated by Gemini

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Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

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Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

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