Rules for entering France for Ukrainians

What documents do Ukrainian citizens need to enter France?

Here are the main documents you will need to travel to France:

• Biometric passport, which must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned date of departure.
  
• Health insurance, which is required to cover the costs of medical services during your stay in France.
  
• If you do not have a biometric passport, you will need to apply for an entry visa. In this case, additional documents may be required, including proof of the purpose of the trip, place of residence, and financial security.

When preparing for a trip to France, it is worth considering that medical insurance is increasingly being considered in conjunction with accommodation reservations and return tickets as confirmation of the real purpose of the trip.

Mismatched dates or the absence of one of these documents may raise additional questions during verification.

Do I need a Green Card to travel to France by car?

Yes, the Green Card is a compulsory international insurance that covers your car while traveling abroad. It acts as an insurance policy that protects you from expenses in the event of a traffic accident outside Ukraine. Without it, you will not be able to cross the border in your car.

Is it possible to cross the border without a biometric passport?

Yes, but to enter France under the visa-free regime, you must have a valid biometric passport. If you only have an old passport, you will need to obtain a Schengen visa. If you do not have a passport, you can get a “Laissez-passer” at the nearest French Embassy after crossing the border of Ukraine in one of the European countries, such as Poland, Romania, Hungary or Slovakia.

What to do if your foreign passport is about to expire?

As of October 29, 2025, Ukraine has abolished the military rule of extending the validity of foreign passports and adding information about children to them. Now, traveling abroad is only possible with a valid biometric passport.

This means that if your passport has been “extended” or information about children has been added to it, you need to apply for a new biometric foreign passport.

Where to apply for a new passport

• In Ukraine: at the State Migration Service, Administrative Service Centers, or branches of the State Enterprise “Document.”
• Abroad: at Ukrainian embassies or consulates, or at branches of the State Enterprise ‘Document’ if they operate in your country.

If you are abroad and have an “extended” passport

If you are not allowed to leave the country or enter Ukraine because of your “extended” passport, contact the nearest Ukrainian embassy or consulate.

There you can obtain an identity card for returning to Ukraine (a so-called “white passport”). It is issued on the day of application — free of charge for children under 16 and for a consular fee for adults.

Medical insurance for a trip to France

When traveling to France, health insurance is not just a formality, but a mandatory requirement for entry. It will cover your medical expenses in case of illness or accident. Medical services in France can be very expensive, so having an insurance policy will ensure your financial security and peace of mind during your trip.

Take out your travel insurance for France on Visit Ukraine to be sure that any unforeseen medical expenses will be covered.

How much money do you need to enter France in 2026?

For a short-term tourist visit to France in 2026, you will need approximately:

• €120 per day if you do not have proof of accommodation;
• €65 per day if you have a hotel or other accommodation reservation;
• or ≈€32.50 per day if you are staying with a private host with an official invitation (attestation d'accueil).

These amounts are used to confirm your financial means when crossing the border or applying for a visa.

In practice, even with visa-free entry to France, tourists may be asked about the source of their funds, proof of financial solvency, and living conditions during border control. The lack of clear answers or supporting documents sometimes becomes a reason for additional checks.

To minimize risks and properly prepare confirmation in accordance with the requirements, it is advisable to consult with a lawyer in advance.

What are the requirements for crossing the border with pets?

To cross the border with pets, the following requirements must be met:

• The animal must be identified with a microchip.
  
• The animal must be vaccinated against rabies (the vaccination must be valid).
  
• The animal must have a current serological test result for the presence of antibodies to the rabies pathogen.
  
• The animal must have a valid European passport or a health certificate issued by a veterinary institution of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection.

Are you going on a trip to France or planning to move? Legal difficulties can arise at any time - from submitting documents to resolving issues with accommodation or work. Don't risk being left without support.

💡 On the Visit Ukraine website, you can choose a convenient format of legal advice:

• Written consultation: get clear and detailed answers to your questions at a time convenient for you.
  
• Introductory consultation (30 minutes): a quick assessment of the situation to get basic recommendations.
  
• Basic consultation (60 minutes): in-depth analysis of your case with suggestions for solutions.
  
• Legal support: assistance in preparing documents for leaving or staying in France.

Transit is allowed.