Starting Late 2026, Ukrainians Must Obtain a €20 ETIAS Travel Authorization to Enter the EU

What Ukrainians Need to Know About ETIAS

According to Radiotrek — Світ: From the end of 2026, Ukraine nationals will be required to secure an electronic travel authorization known as ETIAS before entering European Union countries. This authorization carries a fee of €20, roughly equivalent to 1,000 Ukrainian hryvnias. Valid for up to three years, the ETIAS allows multiple short-term entries during its validity period. It's important to understand that ETIAS is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into the EU.

Key Information on the ETIAS Program

The ETIAS system is set to launch in the last quarter of 2026. Previously, the application fee was €7. Each traveler must apply individually for ETIAS, with applications and payments processed entirely online. Fee exemptions apply for children under 18, seniors over 70, and certain other groups according to EU regulations.

• ETIAS authorization remains valid for up to three years or until the expiration of the applicant’s passport.
• It permits multiple short-term visits to ETIAS-covered countries within that timeframe.
• Travelers can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
• A new ETIAS must be obtained if the passport expires or is replaced.
• The application fee is non-refundable, even if the authorization is denied.

The final decision to allow entry lies with the border authorities of the destination country, highlighting that ETIAS approval is not an automatic entry guarantee. Despite this new requirement, travelers must continue to comply with all other EU entry rules and regulations.

The introduction of ETIAS reflects the EU's evolving approach to border security and travel management.

This new electronic authorization could affect travel plans for many Ukrainians by adding an extra step before entering the EU. Given the current visa-free regime in place for Ukrainian citizens, staying informed about ETIAS will help avoid delays or refusals at the border. Ultimately, ETIAS will become a crucial part of the travel process to the European Union for Ukrainian nationals.

As the implementation of the ETIAS system approaches, it's crucial for travelers to stay updated on any changes or delays that may arise. Recently, there have been reports about the postponement of the ETIAS launch for Ukrainians, leaving many uncertain about the timeline. To understand the implications of these developments and how they might affect your travel plans, you can read more about the recent delays in the ETIAS rollout.