The EU is introducing a paid entry permit for Ukrainians: how the new rules will work

The European Union is continuing to roll out a new system for monitoring the entry of third-country nationals—the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). For Ukrainians who benefit from the visa-free regime, this will mean the introduction of a mandatory electronic travel authorization for travel to EU countries.

The system is expected to become operational in late 2026 following the launch of the EES (Entry/Exit System)—the European system for the automatic recording of border crossings. The relevant rules have already been adopted under EU Regulation 2018/1240.

ETIAS is not a visa in the traditional sense. It is a prior electronic authorization for citizens of countries eligible for visa-free entry into the European Union. Ukraine has been on this list since 2017.

To obtain authorization, applicants will need to fill out an online form, provide personal details and passport information, and answer a series of security questions. The system will then automatically check the applicant against European security and immigration control databases.

According to preliminary information, the cost of applying for an ETIAS may be around 20 euros. However, the authorization will remain free for certain categories of individuals. Specifically, this applies to children and adolescents under the age of 18, individuals over the age of 70, and family members of EU citizens.

The ETIAS authorization will be issued once and will be valid for up to three years or until the expiration of the foreign passport. The authorization does not override the visa-free travel rules: Ukrainians will still be able to stay in EU countries for no more than 90 days within any 180-day period.

The system will apply to 30 European countries—all Schengen Area countries, as well as Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus.

In effect, ETIAS will serve as an additional measure to monitor short-term travel to the EU. EU officials explain that the new system is designed to enhance security, monitor migration flows, and conduct preliminary checks on individuals entering the territory of member states.

At the same time, legal experts point out that failing to have a valid ETIAS authorization once the system goes live could result in being denied boarding or entry at the border. Therefore, citizens who travel to the EU regularly should stay informed in advance about official guidelines on how to apply for the new authorization.