The European Union has confirmed that by the end of 2026, Ukrainian citizens will transition from the current free-entry regime to a requirement for paid electronic authorization under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) unn.ua. Travelers will be required to pay a €20 fee to obtain this authorization, which must be secured prior to departure for short-term visits to the Schengen Area. This system is designed to enhance security by screening visa-exempt travelers before they arrive at the border travel-europe.europa.eu.

Once issued, the ETIAS authorization remains valid for three years or until the associated biometric passport expires, permitting multiple entries into 30 European countries. While the standard fee is set at €20, exemptions are available for specific groups, including individuals under 18 or over 70 years of age, as well as certain family members of EU nationals. Authorities advise applicants to ensure all submitted information is accurate to prevent potential delays or entry denials at external borders.