In the spring of 2025, the European Union will introduce a new entry control system for citizens of countries that have visa-free travel with the Schengen area, including Ukraine. This system is called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). It was designed to increase security at EU borders and simplify procedures for travellers. The main goal of ETIAS is to identify potential security threats or risks of illegal migration before a person enters the European Union.
The ETIAS system
All citizens of countries that have a visa-free regime with the EU and plan to make a short-term trip (up to 90 days) to the Schengen area will be required to register with the ETIAS system before travelling. This registration process involves the payment of a one-off fee of EUR 7. Registration in the ETIAS system allows multiple entries for three years or until the expiry of the passport.
The registration process will not take much time. Travellers will be able to apply for the permit online by filling out a simple questionnaire that will take approximately 10 minutes. The form will require personal and passport details, information about previous trips and security questions. After submitting the application, the system will automatically check the information provided against various security databases, including Interpol and Europol. In most cases, the result of the check will be known within a few minutes, but in certain situations, the process can take up to 30 days.
Who does not have to register in the ETIAS system
Although most Ukrainian citizens planning to travel to EU countries will have to register with the ETIAS system, there are exceptions for certain categories of people. As noted by the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, Ukrainians residing in the EU with temporary protection status or recognised as refugees are exempt from registration and payment of the fee. As of today, the majority of Ukrainian citizens living in Europe after the outbreak of a full-scale war have this status.
Why the ETIAS system was introduced
ETIAS was created to help the EU strengthen control over citizens of countries that enjoy visa-free travel. This innovation will help prevent possible security threats, such as illegal migration or terrorist attacks, before travellers reach European borders. The European Union emphasises that the system will not make life more difficult for legitimate travellers, but will provide better control and security for all residents of the continent.
Comparison with other control systems
The introduction of ETIAS is similar to the electronic entry permit systems that have long been in place in other countries. For example, the US ESTA system costs US$14 (approx. €11) and is valid for two years, while the Australian ETA system costs AU$20 (approx. €12) and allows multiple entries within one year. Compared to these systems, the cost of ETIAS is relatively low and the validity of the permit is long.
What Ukrainians should know
For Ukrainian citizens who plan to travel to the EU after the introduction of the ETIAS system, it is important to familiarise themselves with the requirements and registration procedure in advance. This system is not a visa, but it will need to be applied for before each trip. Ukrainians should be careful about the validity of their passports, as the ETIAS permit is only valid until the passport expires.
The introduction of ETIAS is part of the European Union’s overall strategy to strengthen the security and control of visa-free travellers. This innovation will not only help protect against potential threats, but also improve the management of migration flows, ensuring safer and more controlled travel for all involved.
