How the visa-free regime works for Ukrainians with temporary protection in the EU
In 2024, the issue of travelling abroad for Ukrainians who have temporary protection status in the European Union remains one of the most pressing. Due to the ongoing military aggression by Russia, many Ukrainians continue to stay abroad where they have been granted this status, which allows them to legally stay in the EU and enjoy a number of rights. Temporary protection provides access to medical care, the labour market and education, but has certain restrictions that should be taken into account when planning your travels.
Temporary protection for Ukrainians in 2024
Temporary protection is a special legal status granted to Ukrainian citizens by the European Union in accordance with Directive 2001/55/EC. This status was introduced in response to the massive displacement of refugees from Ukraine after the start of Russian aggression in 2022. According to the Directive, persons granted this status are allowed to reside legally in EU countries, receive healthcare, access education, social services, and work without the need to obtain additional permits.
Temporary protection was initially granted for one year, but due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, its validity was extended. As of 2024, the temporary protection status for Ukrainians in most EU countries has been extended until 4 March 2025. This applies to all Ukrainians who have been granted this status since the start of the war in 2022. The rights granted by temporary protection include the ability to work, receive medical care and use other social services that will be in force until the specified date.
However, it is worth remembering that each EU country has the right to set additional conditions for the extension or cancellation of temporary protection. For example, in some countries, such as Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic, temporary protection status may be cancelled if a person leaves the territory of the country for a long period of time (usually more than three months).
How the visa-free regime for Ukrainians will work in 2024
Along with temporary protection, Ukrainian citizens continue to enjoy a visa-free regime with the European Union, which was introduced in 2017. This allows Ukrainians to travel to Schengen countries without the need to obtain a visa for up to 90 days within every 180 days. However, it is worth noting that the visa-free regime allows short-term travel for tourism, visiting relatives or business trips, but does not allow employment or long-term residence.
The visa-free regime does not replace temporary protection and operates independently of it. For example, if a Ukrainian citizen has left the country in which he or she has been granted temporary protection and plans to travel within the Schengen area, the visa-free regime allows him or her to do so, but subject to the 90-day rule within 180 days.
If a citizen of Ukraine wants to stay in another EU country for a longer period than the visa-free regime or intends to work, he or she needs to obtain a residence permit or an employment visa. It is important to keep track of the duration of your stay in the Schengen area in order not to violate the conditions of the visa-free regime. To do this, you can use official online calculators that help you calculate the number of days of stay within the 90/180 rule.
Can I travel with temporary protection?
One of the most frequently asked questions by Ukrainian citizens who have been granted temporary protection in the European Union is the question of travel. Can they move freely across Europe if their visa-free travel days are over? This question depends on many factors, including the specific conditions of the country in which temporary protection has been granted.
Temporary protection does not replace a Schengen visa, but it allows travelling within the Schengen area for short periods (up to 90 days). If a person plans to stay in another EU country for a longer period of time, he or she may need a residence permit or a new temporary protection registration in another country.
If a citizen of Ukraine plans to travel after the visa-free regime has expired, one of the options is to obtain a Schengen visa. The procedure for obtaining a Schengen visa for Ukrainians in 2024 remains standard, but may include additional requirements, given the military situation in Ukraine.
What to do if the visa-free travel days are over
If a Ukrainian citizen has already used up his or her 90 days under the visa-free regime, there are several options to extend their stay in Europe or travel further:
- Obtaining a Schengen visa. If you are planning to travel after the visa-free days have expired, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa. The procedure for obtaining a visa depends on the requirements of a particular country, but usually involves submitting documents and paying a fee.
- Extension of temporary protection. If a citizen has temporary protection, he or she can extend its validity to remain legally in the territory of an EU country. It is important to keep track of the deadlines and submit documents for the extension of the status in a timely manner.
- Check the conditions of a particular country. Since each EU country has its own rules regarding the stay of citizens, it is important to check the latest information on the official websites of embassies or migration services. Some countries may offer special programmes or residence permits for Ukrainian citizens.
What to do in case of violation of visa-free regime rules
Violation of the visa-free regime or temporary protection rules can lead to serious consequences. For example, a person may be fined, face problems when applying for a visa in the future, or even be banned from entering the Schengen area for a certain period of time.
Therefore, Ukrainian citizens planning a trip or a long-term stay in Europe are advised to closely monitor the number of days of their stay in the Schengen area, comply with all the rules of migration legislation and always check the latest information on official sources.
Additional tips for Ukrainians travelling in Europe
For those travelling in Europe by car, it is important to remember the need to take out insurance for the vehicle. One of the most important documents is the Green Card, which provides car insurance during your stay in other countries. You can take out this policy online by choosing a suitable package for a period of 15 days to one year.
It is also worth taking care of health insurance in advance, which will help you avoid additional costs in case of illness or accident while travelling. Having insurance will not only provide you with peace of mind, but will also allow you to receive medical care if necessary.
In 2024, Ukrainian citizens who have been granted temporary protection in the European Union will still be able to travel within the EU, but it is important to carefully monitor the validity of their status and visa-free travel. Temporary protection grants broad rights, including access to healthcare, education and the labour market, but each EU country has its own rules that may affect the possibility of extending this status.
