The European Union is preparing for a major update to its border control procedures. Over the next two years, two new automated control systems will be launched for travelers from countries outside the EU and the Schengen Area: EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System).
Both automated systems will also apply to Ukrainians traveling with a biometric passport under the visa-free regime.
Why are they being introduced?
- Security and order: The systems aim to better track border crossings and ensure compliance with the 90/180-day rule for visa-free visitors.
- Digitalization of border control: Instead of manual stamps — biometric data (fingerprints + facial photo) and automatic recording of EU entry/exit.
- Combating illegal migration.
- Pre-screening of travelers: ETIAS checks tourists from “visa-free” countries before their trip to reduce refusals at the border.
EES (Entry Exit System): Biometrics instead of stamps
Implementation of EES: October 12, 2025 (starting at selected border checkpoints with gradual expansion over 6 months).
Countries: all 29 Schengen states (25 EU countries + Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein), except Cyprus and Ireland (traditional passport stamping will still apply there).
How the Entry/Exit System will work: upon first entry into the Schengen Area, travelers will be registered in EES — fingerprints will be taken, and a facial photo will be captured in a special kiosk or booth.
Biometric registration at the border will be required for all travelers aged 12 and over. Children under 12 will be exempt from fingerprinting, but their passport and entry/exit dates will be recorded in the system.
Data will be stored in the shared EU border control database and used for future trips.
Passports will no longer be stamped — Entry/Exit EU will automatically record entries and exits, calculating the length of stay according to the 90/180-day rule.
EES will not apply to: citizens and residents of the EU/Schengen Area, Cyprus, and Ireland, as well as holders of long-term visas.
ETIAS: Electronic travel authorization
Start: Last quarter of 2026.
Countries: 30 European states (29 Schengen + Cyprus; Ireland remains outside the system). Microstates (Monaco, San Marino, Vatican) have open borders with Schengen, so ETIAS/EES will effectively apply to them via entry through Schengen.
How it works: Ukrainians with a biometric passport planning a short trip (up to 90 days) must obtain an online travel authorization before departure.
Cost: €20
Validity: up to 3 years or until the passport’s expiry date.
Required for travelers of all ages, including infants. However, the application fee applies only to persons aged 18–70; younger and older travelers are exempt from payment.
Applications are submitted via the official website or mobile app; responses are typically issued within minutes or hours.
ETIAS does not guarantee automatic entry — standard border checks of documents, purpose of travel, and, if necessary, travel insurance still apply.
Not required for holders of national visas or residence permits of the respective countries.
Medical insurance: mandatory or recommended?
- For visa-based trips to the Schengen area, insurance is mandatory (minimum coverage €30,000).
- For visa-free travel (Ukrainian biometric passport), it is not formally mandatory, but border guards may request it.
It is most often checked at the external land borders of the Schengen area (Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania).
Recommendation: always have insurance with the required coverage — in both printed and electronic form.
With the help of this aggregator you can find the best offers for travel insurance.
Step-by-step plan for preparing for a trip to the EU
1. If traveling before October 12, 2025:
- Passport: biometric, valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure.
- Itinerary & bookings: return tickets/plans, accommodation bookings.
- Finances: have funds and/or an invitation/sponsorship.
- Insurance: get a policy for the entire period — not formally mandatory, but may be requested at the border.
2. After EES implementation:
- Allow extra time for border crossing in the first months (especially for your first trip after 12.10.2025). Be prepared for queues!
- Complete biometric registration in EES.
- Keep track of your own days of stay — the Entry/Exit system will automatically monitor the 90/180 rule.
3. After ETIAS launch (from late 2026):
- Check whether you need authorization (for Ukrainians without a visa — yes).
- Apply online via the official ETIAS resource, pay €20, and wait for confirmation (often within minutes or hours). Do not use “third-party” sites.
- Remember: ETIAS is linked to your passport — travel with the same document used in your application.
4. Always:
- Get travel insurance with at least €30,000 coverage before your trip.
- Prepare documents proving the purpose of your visit.
- Check your status: if you have a residence permit in a Schengen/EU country (including under temporary protection), EES/ETIAS do not apply for entry into the country that issued your permit — travel with both your residence permit and passport.
Duty Free shops at border crossing points
When traveling, don’t forget to visit duty free shops. To make your shopping even more convenient, organized, and cost-effective, use the Mydutyfree pre-order service. On the website or app, you can select your favorite Duty Free products in advance. Your collected purchases will be waiting for you at the duty free store on the day you cross the border. You can pay with a 5% discount and pick them up at the store’s special checkout.
Locations where pre-order is available:
Ukraine-Romania border:
Ukraine-Hungary border:
Ukraine-Slovakia border:
Ukraine-Poland border: