New rules at the EU border: what has changed for Ukrainians and what documents are required

Ukrainians do not need to obtain new documents to travel to EU countries. Find out how the new biometric control system works, who is affected by the changes, and what nuances should be taken into account before traveling

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The European Union has launched a new border control system called the Entry/Exit System (EES). It aims to improve security and control over the entry of third-country nationals, including those from Ukraine. This has caused concern among many Ukrainians, who are wondering whether they now need to obtain additional documents to travel within the visa-free zone.

What has changed when crossing the border: what documents are required?

As Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Service of Ukraine, assured in an interview with RBC-Ukraine, Ukrainians will not need any new or additional documents before traveling to EU countries. The visa-free regime remains in force — as before, only a biometric foreign passport is required for travel.

The only change is that citizens will be registered in a new electronic database when crossing the border. This will be done automatically, without the need to apply or fill out additional forms.

What does the new system entail?

According to the new rules, when crossing the border, travelers will have their biometric data collected:

● fingerprints (except for children under 12 years of age),

● facial images,

● passport details,

● entry and exit information.

This data will be stored in a special EU database to prevent the use of forged documents or unauthorized re-entry after exceeding the permitted period of stay.

At the same time, as Andriy Demchenko explained, providing biometric data is a mandatory condition for entry into the European Union. If a person refuses to undergo the procedure, border guards will not allow them to cross the border.

The State Border Service spokesperson emphasized that the visa-free regime between Ukraine and the EU remains unchanged. Ukrainian citizens can still stay in EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa if they have a biometric passport.

In other words, the introduction of the EES does not restrict Ukrainians' right to travel — on the contrary, the system simplifies control and makes travel safer for both citizens and European border services.

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What else to pay attention to before traveling

Before traveling to the EU, it is important to make sure that:

● your biometric passport is valid for the duration of your trip (usually at least 3 months after your planned date of departure from the EU);

● you have proof of the purpose of your trip — accommodation reservations, invitations, return tickets, etc.;

● you have sufficient funds for the entire duration of your stay and for your return to Ukraine;

● your medical insurance is valid for the entire period of your stay.

In addition, if you plan to travel by car, don't forget to get a “Green Card” — international motor insurance, which is mandatory for entry into the EU. You can quickly get one online through the Visit Ukraine service.

We remind you! On November 3, new rules for traveling to Poland were introduced. Now all travelers must undergo biometric control. Read how the EES system works, who is affected by the changes, and how to avoid queues at the border in our previous article.

Photo: State Border Guard Service/Facebook

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