The European Commission proposed to significantly increase the payment for visa -free entry into the EU countries, which would directly affect the citizens of Ukraine. It is about increasing the cost of ETIA - a special electronic document that will become mandatory for all travelers from visa -free countries since 2026.
Today, the applicant has to pay 7 euros for ETIA permission. The new European Commission proposals provide for an increase in this amount to 20 euros. Benefits will remain only for people under 18 years or over 70 years.
ETIA (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be required for short -term (up to 90 days) trips to 30 EU members except Ireland, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
This initiative is included in the package of changes in the EU budget for 2028–2034. The European Commission expects that an increase in ETIA will attract an additional € 300 million a year without the need to approve by all Member States, as is required in the case of other sources of financing.
It should be noted that ETIA registration does not need citizens who have a valid visa or residence permit in one of the EU countries.
The proposal is currently sent to the EU Council and the European Parliament. If approved, Ukrainians will have to pay more since the IV quarter of 2026.
