Six documents for traveling to the EU: what to check before departure

For traveling to the European Union, Ukrainians need to prepare documents that confirm their identity, purpose, and conditions of travel. Border guards may also ask to show proof of financial support, accommodation booking, or insurance policy. The main requirements for Ukrainians entering Poland are similar to those faced by travelers during trips to other EU countries. Visit Ukraine explains this.

What documents are checked at the EU border

First of all, border guards check the foreign passport. For a visa-free trip, it must be biometric and valid for at least three months after the planned exit from the EU. Some countries may require a longer validity period for the document.

If the passport is not biometric, a visa is required for entry. During the check, they may scan the passport chip and verify personal data and photograph.

Border guards may also clarify the purpose of the trip. Depending on the circumstances, it is advisable to prepare:

• hotel or apartment booking for a tourist trip;
• invitation from relatives or friends;
• a letter from a company for a business trip;
• return tickets or confirmation of onward travel.

The traveler may be asked to confirm that they have sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. A bank statement, income certificate, or cash will suffice. The necessary amount depends on the country and the duration of the trip.

To enter the Schengen area, a health insurance policy with coverage of at least 30,000 euros, valid in the Schengen countries, is also required. If you plan to travel by your own car, check whether you have a Green Card for road travel.

Before departure, it is worth ensuring that you have:

• a biometric foreign passport;
• a visa if required;
• an insurance policy;
• documents regarding the purpose and conditions of travel;
• a return ticket or plan for onward travel;
• proof of sufficient funds.

What is needed for traveling with a child and what questions may arise

For a child under 16, a separate foreign passport is usually required. If the child has an old-style passport, their data may be entered into one of the parents' documents. It is also advisable to have a birth certificate. More details about the rules for traveling with a child can be read in a separate Inkorr article.

During martial law, a child can leave Ukraine with one parent without the notarized consent of the other. Leaving is also permitted in the company of a grandmother, grandfather, or adult brother or sister without such consent.

At the border, they may ask where exactly the traveler is heading, how long the trip will last, where they will stay, and what funds they have with them. The answers must be consistent with the documents the person shows during the control.

It is better to keep bookings, tickets, insurance, and other confirmations in a way that allows for quick access. If possible, it is advisable to have paper copies of the documents as well.