Ukraine is not in the European Union (EU) and it has not signed the Schengen Agreement. However, at the end of 2022, its citizens will be granted access to all countries within the Schengen Zone via the ETIAS visa waiver program.
Before that date, Ukrainian citizens are free to travel to Schengen countries and explore all that these popular tourist destinations have to offer.
ETIAS Visa Waiver for Ukrainian Citizens
The ETIAS or “European Travel Information and Authorization System” offers visa-free access to Schengen countries. You can apply for an ETIAS online and the process takes just a few minutes to complete.
You will be asked for some basic personal information and will need to provide some simple travel info, after which you will be granted access to the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
The ETIAS visa waiver is valid for 3 years but as it is tied to the applicant’s passport, it will expire sooner if the passport also expires.
For much the same reason, your passport must have at least 3 months of validity remaining from the date that you intend to travel. That way, there is no risk of the passport expiring while you are vacationing.
Do Ukrainian Citizens Need an ETIAS Visa Waiver for Europe?
The European Union (EU) does not cover all European countries and the Schengen Agreement has not been signed by all EU member states. It’s important to remember this, as it could impact your travel plans.
For instance, Ireland is part of the European Union but it has not signed the Schengen Agreement. The United Kingdom is not a member of the EU and has not signed the agreement either.
Different visa rules apply outside of the Schengen Zone and your ETIAS visa waiver won’t be relevant elsewhere.
Requirements for Ukrainians
There are no specific requirements for Ukrainian citizens and they must follow the same rules as all other travelers to the Schengen Area.
To apply for an ETIAS visa waiver, Ukrainians just need to complete an online form available on the official ETIAS website. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes and will ask for some basic information about the traveler and their intended destination.
A valid passport, debit or credit card, and an email address are also required, but that’s really all there is to it. If you are 18 or over, you will be charged a €7 fee, which is where the credit/debit card comes into play.
Can Ukrainian Citizens Travel to the US Without a Visa?
The US, like the Schengen Area, has a visa waiver program, but it does not apply to Ukrainians. Ukrainian citizens must acquire a visa before they can travel to the United States.
Which Countries Can Ukrainians Visit Without a Visa?
Ukrainians don’t have a lot of freedom when it comes to visa free travel. Not only do they need a visa for travel to the United States, but they are also required to apply for a visa if they want to travel to the United Kingdom, South Africa, New Zealand, South Korea, Ireland, Canada, and China, as well as dozens of other major countries.