This year Ukrainians will have to pay for entry to Poland.

Ukrainians need to obtain an ETIAS permit to travel to the European Union

Starting from 2025, Ukrainian citizens planning to visit European Union countries will need to have a special permit called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). This is a mandatory procedure for citizens of 60 visa-free countries, including Ukraine. This was reported by In Poland.

It is noted that the cost of obtaining the ETIAS permit will be 7 euros (approximately 307 hryvnias at the current exchange rate). The permit will be valid for three years or until the expiration of the foreign passport, whichever comes first. Individuals under 18 and over 70 years old are exempt from the fee.

To obtain the permit, you need to:

• Fill out the online application on the official ETIAS website or in the mobile app. In the form, you need to provide personal data, passport information, the first country of entry, and answer questions about health status, criminal record, and previous trips.
• Pay the fee of 7 euros online.
• Wait for the application approval. Most applications are processed automatically within a few minutes. In some cases, the process may take up to 30 days if additional verification is required.

It is recommended to apply no later than 96 hours before the planned border crossing.

Obtaining the ETIAS permit does not change the existing visa-free regime rules. It is possible to stay in Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It is worth noting that having an ETIAS permit does not guarantee entry; the decision is made by the border services of the country to which one intends to arrive.

The introduction of the ETIAS system aims to enhance security in the European Union through pre-screening travelers from visa-free countries. Obtaining the permit is a fairly simple and quick procedure that will allow Ukrainians to continue enjoying travel to Europe with minimal formalities.

We remind that refugees from Ukraine residing in collective centers in Poland can receive financial assistance for renting an apartment. This was reported by Victoria Zakharova from the Siła jedności foundation, which implements the program in Lublin Voivodeship.