From October 12, 2025, the rules for crossing EU borders for Ukrainians will change: what you need to know

Soon, Ukrainians will be crossing EU borders under new rules. The Entry/Exit System will replace passport stamps with digital records and biometrics. Find out how the checks will work and what documents you will need

Issuing a policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

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The European Union is launching the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will become operational on October 12, 2025. It is an automated database that will record all crossings of the EU's external borders by third-country nationals, including those from Ukraine.

This was reported by the Ukrainian Embassy in Poland.

Planning a trip abroad? Get reliable medical insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal.

We explain the rules for leaving Ukraine and entering the EU in 2025 in our memo for Ukrainians follow the link.

What do Ukrainians need to know?

The system applies to short-term trips – up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Traditional stamps will no longer be placed in passports – all data will be stored electronically.

The following will be recorded:

a photo of the face;

fingerprints of four fingers (for persons aged 12 and over);

foreign passport details;

date and place of entry/exit;

cases of refusal of entry.

For answers to the questions “How long should a passport be valid for travel abroad?” and “How much money do I need to enter EU countries?”, see our previous articles.

How will the EES work in practice?

All passengers of cars, buses, and minibuses will be required to exit the vehicle for biometric verification.

For train travel, the procedure will depend on the specific border crossing point and may vary.

If a traveler refuses to provide biometric data, this will be a legal basis for refusal of entry.

If you plan to travel abroad by car, don't forget to get international motor insurance (Green Card). This is a mandatory document for crossing EU borders in your own car, without which you may be denied entry. You can get a Green Card online in a few minutes before your trip.

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Why is the new system being introduced?

The EU explains the launch of the EES with several key objectives:

- monitoring compliance with the rules of stay in the EU;

- counteracting the use of forged documents;

- increasing the level of security in the Schengen area countries.

It is also important to take care of your own comfort and safety: before leaving Ukraine, it is recommended to take out insurance for traveling abroad. It will cover medical expenses in case of illness or accident while staying in the EU. This is especially relevant given the new rules and possible delays at the border.

Reminder! The visa-free regime has greatly simplified travel for Ukrainians, but it has limitations, so some Ukrainians need to obtain a visa to travel to the EU. Depending on the purpose of the trip, there are different types of visas, each of which requires a specific set of documents. Which Ukrainians cannot enter Europe without a visa, what types of visas exist, and what documents are required to apply — we explain here.

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

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

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

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

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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