The validity of temporary protection for Ukrainians has been extended in most European countries. Find out more about whether you can travel with temporary protection, how visa-free travel works during the war and other important nuances for Ukrainians abroad

Legal advice for Ukrainians

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In 2024, the issue of travel for Ukrainians with temporary protection remains relevant. Let's look at the main aspects of this topic and answer the most frequently asked questions.

Temporary protection for Ukrainians in 2024

Temporary protection is a special status granted to Ukrainians in EU countries due to russia's military aggression.

According to the Temporary Protection Directive 2001/55/EC, temporary protection allows legal residence in an EU country, provides access to healthcare, education and the labour market, but has a limited duration (usually 1 year with the possibility of extension).

Temporary protection for Ukrainians in most EU countries has been extended until 4 March 2025. This applies to all Ukrainian refugees who have been granted this status since the start of Russian aggression in 2022. All rights, including access to the labour market, medical care and social services, remain in force until this date. However, it is important to remember that the rules may differ from country to country.

Important! Some countries may cancel temporary protection if a person leaves the country for a long period of time (e.g. more than 3 months). This is especially true for such popular countries among Ukrainian refugees as Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic.

Keep in mind that a Green Card is a prerequisite for legal travelling in Europe by car. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can apply for a Green Card online from a licensed insurer. Packages are available for different periods from 15 days to 1 year for cars and trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for trucks, as well as motorcycles and scooters.

How does visa-free travel for Ukrainians work during the war?

The visa-free regime for Ukrainians continues to operate in parallel with temporary protection.

The introduction of the visa-free regime allowed Ukrainian citizens to travel to the Schengen countries without the need to obtain an entry visa from the destination country.

The visa-free regime allows short-term stays in certain EU member states and other Schengen states for up to 90 days within 180 days. The days are counted from the date of first entry into the Schengen area.

Temporary protection for Ukrainians in Italy can be converted into another type of residence permit. You can find out how to apply for a working residence permit and what documents are required for this here.

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How to check visa-free days?

- Use the official Schengen calculator to count the days;

- remember the 90/180 rule for Ukrainian citizens;

- visa-free days are not ‘reset’ from the new year, but are counted within a rolling 180-day period.

Take care of your health when travelling to Europe with health insurance from Visit Ukraine, which guarantees reliable protection. Ensure your peace of mind while travelling.

Can I travel with temporary protection?

Can I travel with temporary protection if my visa-free travel days are over? It depends on the specific situation.

Keep in mind:

- temporary protection does not replace a Schengen visa;

- with temporary protection, you can move freely within the Schengen area for short periods (up to 90 days);

- a longer stay in another EU country may require a permit or a new temporary protection registration.

To find out whether temporary protection for Ukrainian men in the Netherlands will be extended, please follow the link.

What to do if the visa-free days are over?

● Obtain a Schengen visa. If you plan to travel after your visa-free travel days have expired, you may need a Schengen visa. In 2024, the procedure for obtaining a visa for Ukrainians remains standard, but the martial law in Ukraine is taken into account.

● Extension of temporary protection. If you have temporary protection in one of the EU countries, make sure that you extend it on time.

● Check the rules of a particular country. Each country may have its own specifics regarding the stay of Ukrainians. Always check the latest information on the official websites of embassies or migration services.

The Swiss government has extended the special protection status for Ukrainian refugees and left support measures unchanged. More information on the stay of Ukrainians in Switzerland in 2024 is available here.

What happens if you overstay the visa-free regime during the war?

Violation of the rules of visa-free travel or temporary protection can lead to serious consequences, such as fines, problems with obtaining visas in the future, and even a ban on entry to the Schengen area for a certain period.

Ukrainians are advised to keep a close eye on the number of days they stay in the Schengen area and to comply with all migration rules of the country where they have been granted temporary protection.

Always check the latest information on official sources, as the rules may change due to the current situation in Ukraine and Europe.

For a successful move and avoidance of troubles, it is worth contacting specialists. Visit Ukraine's lawyers provide full support and advice on visa and migration issues to successfully resolve any nuances.

Just to remind you. Ukrainians living in Poland can count on assistance and equal rights with local residents. However, there are two statuses available to Ukrainian citizens for comfortable living in this country. We will tell you how they differ and who should stay with temporary protection by following the link.

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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