New rules for entering the EU in 2025: everything you need to know

The year 2025 will bring important changes for all travelers planning to visit the European Union. The new entry rules will apply to both visa-free travelers and tourists with Schengen visas. Learn more about the launch of the control system, ETIAS and other important details of crossing the EU border in 2025
In December 2024, the European Commission initiated the gradual implementation of the EES system to strengthen security in the EU. It was officially announced that Schengen states would have six months to launch this mechanism by the end of 2025.
Entry to the European Union and Schengen will be based exclusively on biometric passports, which will have to be scanned at special terminals at the border. The collected data will be stored for 3 years, and the repeated procedure will be required no more than once during this period.
Here's what ETIAS and EES are and how these innovations will affect Ukrainians.
In the previous article, we told you which border crossing points you can enter Ukraine through in 2025 and where the longest queues are usually recorded.
Launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES)
In 2025, the European Union plans to finally implement the Entry/Exit System (EES), the launch of which has been repeatedly postponed. Initially, the official date was set for November 10, 2024, but it was later postponed again due to technical difficulties. In particular, problems arose in Germany, France, and the Netherlands, where border infrastructure covers almost 40% of EU passenger traffic.
The EES is expected to become operational in 2025, although the specific date is still unknown. The system is designed to automate the registration of all persons crossing the Schengen borders. In addition to the EU states, Schengen also includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, while Cyprus and Ireland have been granted exceptional status and are not yet involved in the project.
The EES will apply to all non-EU citizens, including Ukrainians and Britons, regardless of whether they have a visa-free regime or are applying for a visa. At the same time, EU citizens, residents, and long-term visa holders are not subject to these requirements. The innovation involves the abolition of stamps in passports, so now travelers must use only biometric documents and scan them at special self-service terminals at border crossings.
The main goal of EES is to improve security in the European Union and optimize control over migration flows. Thanks to digital registration, each border crossing will be recorded with the date and place, which will simplify the work of border guards. In the long run, this will help reduce queues at the borders and improve cooperation between law enforcement agencies of the Schengen countries. For Ukrainians with biometric passports, the procedure will remain relatively simple.
If you are traveling by car, you need to take care of a Green Card policy for safe and legal border crossing. This international insurance policy provides financial protection for your car in any of the countries participating in the system. You can buy a Green Card insurance policy quickly and easily for the required period by following the link.
Earlier, we talked about the introduction of internal border control, increased visa fees, and other important changes in the EU in 2025.
What impact will the EES have on Ukrainians?
Ukrainians will continue to be able to visit EU countries without visas, staying up to 90 days within each 180-day period, provided they do not have study or work contracts and have the right to reside in the EU.
The introduction of the EES system will not require additional payments or filling out new documents when crossing the border. The only innovation for holders of biometric passports is the scanning of passports in special terminals and periodic recording of biometric data. All other border-crossing rules remain unchanged. Therefore, Ukrainians can plan their travels to the Schengen area without significantly adjusting the usual procedures.
With health insurance from Visit Ukraine, you can ensure your comfort and peace of mind while traveling the world. In just a few minutes, you can take out a policy and feel secure and confident anywhere in the world.
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European Travel Authorization Information System (ETIAS)
In about six months after the full launch of the EES system, another important mechanism for visa-free travel will come into force. This is the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which is being introduced for countries that have a visa-free regime with the EU, including Ukraine. In total, it will cover about 60 countries.
The innovation will include mandatory online registration and obtaining a permit before each short-term trip. This permit will be valid for three years and cost 7 euros. At the same time, authorization will be free of charge for people under 18 or over 70.
ETIAS is designed to increase security as it will allow for preliminary verification of traveler information and identify potential risks to the Schengen area. Ukrainians with biometric passports will need to apply for a permit in advance to cross the borders of the EU countries in the future.
Earlier, we told you that Ukraine will join the Single Euro Payments Area.
How will the ETIAS system work?
Before traveling, travelers must apply online. The application process takes about 10 minutes. It requires personal data, passport information, previous travels, and answers to security questions. The submitted data is automatically checked through international databases such as Interpol and Europol.
If the permit is approved, the applicant receives an online confirmation. The permit is valid for three years or until the passport expires. The results usually come in a few minutes, but sometimes the check can take up to 30 days. It is recommended to apply 96 hours before the planned entry.
ETIAS will be valid for traveling by any mode of transportation: air, sea or land. A biometric passport is a prerequisite. In case of refusal, the traveler will be able to apply for a visa.
Registration in ETIAS every three years will be mandatory, but border guards will ultimately decide whether to allow a person to enter. Ukrainians registered as refugees in the EU will not need to apply for ETIAS.
For professional support in resolving issues related to border crossing, we advise you to contact qualified lawyers of Visit Ukraine portal, who provide advice and assistance in preparing the necessary documentation.
We remind you! The year 2025 will bring many important innovations for Ukrainians that will cover the social, economic, medical and military spheres. Read more about the key changes and their effective dates.
Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.
Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip:
Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;
Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;
Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;
Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;
Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
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Frequantly
asked questions
What is the Entry/Exit System (EES) and how will it work?
Will Ukrainians have to pay for using EES?
What is the ETIAS system and when will it start working?
Who is exempt from the obligation to obtain an ETIAS?
How to prepare for the new entry rules?
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