Ukraine has become part of EU roaming: what this means for travellers

Ukraine has officially become part of the EU roaming zone, and this decision changes the usual rules of mobile communications for millions of people. Find out how the new rules will work, who they will affect, and whether they will impact the cost of mobile communications in Ukraine

Legal advice for Ukrainians

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From 1 January 2026, millions of Ukrainians will experience a new reality of mobile communications in Europe. Kyivstar, Vodafone and lifecell subscribers will now be able to freely make calls, send SMS messages and use mobile internet in all 27 countries of the European Union without additional roaming charges — at the same rates as in Ukraine. This is a historic step that effectively unites Ukraine with the European digital space and greatly simplifies the lives of travellers, students, IT specialists, migrant workers and families separated by borders.

Ukraine has officially joined the EU roaming zone

The new rules are being implemented as part of the pan-European Roam Like at Home initiative, which provides the same communication conditions at home and abroad. Ukraine has become the first country outside the EU and EEA to implement this regime. For Brussels and Kyiv, this is not just a technical solution, but a symbol of serious political and economic rapprochement.

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What will change for users

Ukrainian subscribers in EU countries will now be able to:

• use mobile internet at Ukrainian rates

• make voice calls without additional charges

• send SMS messages without roaming surcharges

• call emergency services free of charge

• count on communication quality comparable to that at home

Similar conditions apply to subscribers from EU countries who are in Ukraine.

Previously, roaming required a separate connection and was significantly more expensive. Now it is included by default in most tariffs. The only exception is for internet traffic: with unlimited tariffs, operators can apply the European fair use principle — setting a fair limit on gigabytes to avoid abuse. At the same time, the internet volumes promised are sufficient for comfortable use.

In essence, a single telecommunications space is being created for Ukrainians and Europeans — a ‘digital bridge’ between Ukraine and the EU.

Important news for Ukrainians living in the EU

The new rules do not only apply to tourist trips. They also apply to Ukrainians:

• under temporary protection

• who live and work in the EU

• who continue to use Ukrainian SIM cards

Today, about 3 million Ukrainian SIM cards are used in EU countries, of which more than 1 million are active every day. For them, stable and affordable communication is a matter of security, work, communication with family and integration into a new life.

Will this affect the cost of communication in Ukraine?

The national regulator, the National Commission for the State Regulation of Communications and Informatisation (NCCIR), emphasises that the introduction of Roam Like at Home will not cause domestic tariffs to rise. Operators also state that the change in conditions does not imply an increase in the cost of packages. Communication prices remain linked primarily to infrastructure costs and its restoration.

We remind you: that even with roaming at domestic rates, you must take out health insurance before traveling abroad. This is not only a requirement for entering some countries, but also a guarantee of your safety while traveling. You can always get reliable insurance online at Visit Ukraine - buy a policy and don't worry about unforeseen expenses in case of illness or accident.

👉 Insurance for Ukrainians planning a trip abroad

👉 Insurance for foreigners planning a trip to Ukraine

Reminder! The rules for using funds under the National Cashback programme have changed in Ukraine: money can no longer be spent on mobile communications, cinema, transport and other entertainment. Find out which categories are now available.

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