From the spring of 2025, Ukrainians, like citizens of other countries who use the visa-free regime with the European Union (EU), will have to pay 7 euros (approximately UAH 319 at the current exchange rate) for entry into the EU. This innovation will be part of the new ETIAS system (European Travel Information and Authorization System), which was introduced to improve security and control at the EU's external borders.
This was reported by the spokeswoman of the European Commission, Anita Hipper. "We plan that ETIAS will be ready for commissioning in the spring of 2025," she said.
According to the new rules, before each trip to EU countries, Ukrainians will have to go through preliminary registration in the ETIAS system, paying a fee of 7 euros (319 UAH). This permit will be valid for three years and will allow you to enter EU countries multiple times during this period without having to pay again.
From November 10, 2024, the EES entry-exit system should start operating in the EU, which will replace the manual stamping of foreign passports with an electronic database. This means that travelers will have to scan their passports or other travel documents every time they cross the external borders of the EU, which will allow automated registration of their entry and exit.
The EES system will record the traveler's name, biometric data, date and place of entry and exit. All this data will be stored in an electronic database for three years after each trip. This innovation will help to simplify procedures at the border, speeding up passport control.
Anita Gipper noted that there will no longer be manual passport control for the entry-exit system, which will significantly speed up the process of border checks. The European Commission is waiting for the declaration of readiness of the EU member states to launch the EES system in early September 2024. This confirmation is necessary for the official launch of the system, which has been delayed several times due to the need for additional funding and technical improvements.
The decision to introduce a new system was made by the European Union back in 2016, and in 2018 the European Parliament approved the legislation establishing the parameters of ETIAS work. Initially, the launch of the system was planned for 2022, but due to various circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic, these dates were repeatedly postponed.
After the implementation of the EES and ETIAS systems, the entry of Ukrainians into the EU with a biometric passport will remain possible, but only on the condition of prior registration and payment of the fee. This innovation can be an additional step on the way to strengthening security in Europe, as well as simplifying border control procedures.
