ETIAS for Ukrainians: What Will Change During Trips to the EU at the End of 2026
If you are planning a trip to the European Union, at the end of 2026, you should consider a new formality: the ETIAS system will come into effect for visa-free travelers. This is not a visa, but a prior electronic authorization for short trips.
What is ETIAS
ETIAS will apply to citizens of countries that have a visa-free regime with the EU, including Ukrainians with biometric passports. The system is set to start operating in the last quarter of 2026, although the European Union will announce a specific date separately closer to the launch.
Authorization will be required for travel to 30 European countries for stays of up to 90 days. The visa-free regime itself is not canceled: ETIAS only adds a preliminary check before the trip.
How Much Will It Cost
Official EU information indicates a fee of 20 euros for submitting an application. Applicants under 18 years old and over 70 years old will be exempt from payment, but they will still need to obtain the authorization itself.
Certain exceptions may apply to family members of EU citizens and some other categories who enjoy the right to free movement. For most adult travelers aged 18 to 70, the payment will be mandatory.
Do You Need to Apply for ETIAS Now
While the system is not yet operational, there is no need to submit an application. European institutions also warn that the official ETIAS website will be the only secure channel for submitting applications, so it is advisable to beware of intermediaries and websites that may charge extra fees.
Before traveling, make sure you have a valid biometric foreign passport. ETIAS does not replace a passport, does not guarantee automatic passage through the border, and does not cancel the possibility of border checks regarding the purpose of travel, funds, and documents.
If you are planning a vacation, a trip to relatives, or a short business trip after the system launches, it is better to incorporate the new rule into your plans in advance. For children and older travelers, this will not be a free trip without formalities, but only an exemption from the payment of the application itself.
Are you planning a trip to the EU at the end of 2026 — have you already considered ETIAS in your plans?