In 2025, Ukrainians will have to pay for entering Europe, as new border crossing control systems EES and ETIAS will operate at checkpoints. This was reported by UNN with reference to ETIAS.COM.
According to the EU Neighbors East, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be launched in mid-2025. Earlier it was reported about 2024, but the launch date was postponed.
Around 1.4 billion people from more than 60 countries that enjoy visa-free travel to the EU, including Ukrainians, will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization. This is a new requirement introduced by the European Union to enter the 27 Schengen countries, as well as Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus.
ETIAS is an online travel permit, not a visa. It allows you to stay in any of 30 European countries for 90 days within a 180-day period. To apply for an ETIAS, you need to have a passport valid for more than three months, provide an email address, fill out an online form, and pay a fee of 7 euros.
Additional information about ETIAS: Citizens of Ukraine can apply for ETIAS online ETIAS is valid for arrivals to Europe by air, sea or land Travelers must have a machine-readable e-passport ETIAS is intended for short-term tourist, business, transit and medical visits Applicants under 18 years of age or over 70 years of age will receive ETIAS free of charge
The ETIAS website states that Ukrainian nationals can expect their ETIAS application to be typically processed and approved within a few minutes, with the authorization being sent via email as a PDF document. There is no need to print or submit any documents as the ETIAS is stored electronically along with the passport data stored in the European Immigration System. The advantages of ETIAS include:
ETIAS is valid for 3 years from the date of issue;
can be used for multiple entries for up to 90 days.
There is only one official ETIAS website: europa.eu/etias. The application form will be available on this website once the system is launched.