Visit Ukraine - France introduces temporary border control: what will change for Ukrainians?

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23 Oct. 2024

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France introduces temporary border control: what will change for Ukrainians?

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How will this affect travel?
How to prepare for the new conditions?

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France introduces temporary border control: what will change for Ukrainians?

The French government will soon introduce temporary border controls with neighboring countries to address security risks. Learn more about what you should know before planning a trip to or through France

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine

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Starting November 1, 2024, France will temporarily resume border controls at its borders with six neighboring countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain.

This decision will last for six months, until April 2025, and will cover land, air, and sea routes.

According to Paperjam, France has already notified the European Commission and neighboring states of its decision, citing serious threats to public order and internal security. The French authorities drew attention to the high level of terrorist activity, the growth of criminal networks involved in illegal migration and smuggling.

How will this affect travel?

For Ukrainians planning to travel to or through France, the resumption of border controls means possible delays at the borders and stricter document checks.

Although Ukrainian citizens can travel to the European Union under a visa-free regime, they should be prepared for additional security measures. French border guards will focus on more thorough screening of entrants to prevent the entry of illegal migrants and radical elements who may take advantage of migration flows.

This is not the only such step among EU countries. Germany has already resumed control of its borders with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Denmark on September 16, 2024. German officials have emphasized that this has made it more difficult to accept refugees, particularly against the backdrop of a massive influx of Ukrainian citizens.

Controls at the border between Germany and Luxembourg are expected to last until March 15, 2025.

For those traveling by car or bus through France's neighboring countries, such as Germany or Luxembourg, additional time should be taken into account for border control, as the changes will also affect key land routes.

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How to prepare for the new conditions?

Before traveling, Ukrainians are advised to carefully check the updated information on the border crossing regime, as procedures may change depending on the current situation. France emphasizes that this control is temporary and that it is planned to be lifted once the security issues are resolved.

At the same time, the situation in Europe as a whole remains tense. The European Commission insists that all such measures should remain temporary and be applied for the necessary period. Nevertheless, 8 of the 27 EU countries have now introduced border controls, including Germany, Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden.

For those who are planning a trip to France, it is important not only to have all the necessary documents, but also to take care of health insurance and international car insurance. Visit Ukraine offers reliable health insurance packages that will ensure your safety and peace of mind during your stay abroad. And for those traveling by car, the Green Card from Visit Ukraine guarantees protection in case of unforeseen situations on the roads.

Take care of your trip in advance and be sure of safety at every step!

We remind you! Migration trends among Ukrainians, in particular with the aim of changing the country of temporary protection, are increasing, as the conditions of stay and financial assistance are changing. Read which countries provide repeated temporary protection in 2024 and what is needed to move in our previous article.

Photo: REUTERS

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Frequantly

asked questions

Can I enjoy temporary protection status in several European countries?

In accordance with EU Directive 2001/55/EC, you can enjoy temporary protection rights only in one country of the European Union that granted this protection.

When does temporary protection expire?

What is the difference between temporary protection and refugee status?

How long can I stay in Ukraine with temporary protection?

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VisitUkraine.Today is a service portal for tourists traveling to Ukraine and Ukrainians planning a trip abroad.

On the portal you can order the following products/services:
• medical insurance for entry into Ukraine with coverage of military risks;
• travel and health insurance for leaving the country;
• voluntary medical insurance (VMI) — is an annual insurance policy for Ukrainian citizens that covers a wide range of medical services: diagnostics, treatment, consultations and rehabilitation;
• legal advice (professional legal support on visa and migration issues);
• Green Card — compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;
• Mini hull insurance — is a voluntary car insurance for Ukrainians and foreigners that covers losses of a vehicle involved in an accident in Ukraine;
• MTPL insurance — is a compulsory insurance policy for vehicle owners in Ukraine that compensates losses to victims of road accidents.

To order, you need to fill out an electronic form and make a payment, after which the finished insurance document will be sent to the specified e-mail within 30 minutes.

The website also contains the necessary and most up-to-date information on:
• rules of crossing the Ukrainian border by foreign citizens;
• rules of entry of Ukrainians to 200 countries of the world for tourism, work (business), study or immigration purposes;
• visa information.

All information on the website is updated daily and is available in three languages - Ukrainian, English and Russian.

Customer support (English speaking) is available - online chats (around the clock) and a call center (08:00-21:00 Kyiv time) - if you need clarification of the information provided or prompt assistance in resolving problems and misunderstandings related to ordering.

The portal was developed by the Ukrainian organization Visit Ukraine.
VisitUkraine is a public union that, since 2018, has been engaged in the promotion and popularization of Ukrainian tourism on the domestic and foreign markets, but the war made its adjustments. Now we are working on the information front.

In addition to the help portal, we have created several other projects:

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FAQ

- - What COVID documents do I need to have with me when entering Ukraine now?
    On July 1, 2023, the Ukrainian authorities lifted the quarantine and other restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From now on, you do not need to provide proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test result or wear a protective mask to enter Ukraine.
  - Is it safe to visit Ukraine during the war?
    Recently, the number of foreign travelers has increased in Ukraine. They visit the country for various purposes: volunteering, participating in humanitarian programs, filming reports or documentaries, setting up a business, etc. There are currently no cities in Ukraine that are completely safe. And although the main fighting is concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, the entire country is subject to regular rocket attacks.
  - What are your safety recommendations before traveling to Ukraine?
    Here are some important tips:
    • Make electronic copies of all documents and save them on your electronic device so that you always have access to them.
    • Find out in advance the curfew time in the region where you are going.
    • Install the Air Alert app on your smartphone and, upon receiving the signal, immediately go to the nearest shelter. You should also do the same if you hear the corresponding signal on the street.
    • When choosing a hotel, consider the availability of bomb shelters.
    • Inform your family and friends about your route and keep in touch with them.
    • Take out health insurance with extended coverage.
    Do foreigners need to register their stay in Ukraine?
    No, if the period of stay in the country is no more than 90 days. If a foreigner arrives for a period longer than 90 days, in this case, he or she needs a temporary or permanent residence permit, as well as registration at the place of residence.
    Can I enter Ukraine with an expired residence permit?
    Yes. Foreigners (except for citizens of the Russian Federation) and stateless persons have the right to enter and legally stay in Ukraine if they have a temporary or permanent residence permit that has expired or is subject to exchange after February 24, 2022.
    How to enter Ukraine with pets?
    Currently, entry to Ukraine with pets is subject to a simplified procedure. Pet owners must provide the following documents to customs:
    • a veterinary passport of the European standard or a certificate of animal health;
    • proof of valid rabies vaccination;
    • a document on the animal's chipping.
    How do I enter Ukraine with my own car with foreign registration?
    Foreign citizens can import cars with foreign license plates into the territory of Ukraine exclusively for their own use. To cross the border in a car with foreign registration, you need the following documents:
    • foreign passport;
    • driver's license;
    • certificate of registration for the car with valid insurance;
    • international automobile insurance card "Green Card".
    Important: foreign nationals with a residence permit in Ukraine may import a car with foreign license plates for their own use after a written declaration and payment of customs duties.
    What happens to foreigners and stateless persons who are not allowed to enter Ukraine?
    Foreigners and stateless persons who are not allowed to enter Ukraine, when attempting to enter Ukraine at a checkpoint across the state border of Ukraine, do not cross the state border of Ukraine and return as soon as possible to the state from which they came or to the state that issued their passport document. If it is not possible to return a foreigner or stateless person immediately, they stay at the checkpoint across the state border of Ukraine until their return.
    What should I do if I have been banned from entering Ukraine?
    If you become aware of a ban on entry to Ukraine while trying to pass passport control at the border of Ukraine, you should politely ask for a decision to refuse to cross the border, indicating the specific reason for the entry ban. You can appeal the decision to deny entry within 30 days from the date of familiarization with it. It is strictly forbidden to argue with border guards or violate the rules of stay at the checkpoint, otherwise you may be held administratively liable. You should remember the rules of staying at the checkpoint.
  Insurance policy
  Is insurance required to enter Ukraine?
  All foreign citizens are required to have an insurance policy covering the costs of Covid-19 treatment in Ukraine.
  For how long do I have to take out an insurance policy?
  According to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1236, an insurance policy must be issued for the entire period of stay in Ukraine. The minimum period is not specified.
  Where can I get acquainted with the terms of the insurance contract?
  You can familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the insurance contract on our website in the section on insurance policy issuance.
  Is it necessary to buy an insurance policy for children?
  Yes, if a child has foreign citizenship, regardless of age, he or she must have an insurance policy for the entire period of stay in Ukraine.
  I am a foreign citizen, can I buy a policy in Ukraine?
  No, the insurance policy must be presented at the border control.
  What is war risk insurance and what war risks does it cover?
  This policy guarantees monetary compensation in the event of an accident as a result of military operations, passive military risks, terrorist acts, including emergency care, outpatient treatment, hospitalization and repatriation of the insured person (or his/her body in case of death) from the place of stay to the place of his/her permanent residence.
  Who can take out insurance?
  The insurance policy applies to foreign nationals, citizens of another state and stateless persons. There are no age restrictions: minors and people over 70 can buy insurance. In addition, insurance is mandatory for journalists, reporters, correspondents, opinion leaders, and media representatives. This is enshrined in the Law of Ukraine on Insurance (Article 7).
  What is the territory covered by the insurance policy covering war risks?
  The insurance policy is valid on the territory of Ukraine, except for the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, as well as the territories of direct combat operations (front line).
  Are there any restrictions on the validity period of the insurance policy covering war risks?
  The insurance contract comes into force from the moment the insurance premium is paid in full, but not before the date and time of crossing the state border of Ukraine. You choose the duration of the insurance - it depends on the number of days of your stay in Ukraine.
  I can't pay for the insurance, what should I do?
  If your payment fails, we recommend contacting your bank, as they often do not trust payment systems. You need to confirm that it is you who is making the transaction.
  I have taken out insurance, but I have not received a code. What should I do?
  In this case, we advise you to reload the page, clear the cache, change the language on the page, or use a different browser.
  What should I do if the policy does not arrive at the specified mail for more than 30 minutes?
  Please contact the hotline and provide the data that was specified when applying for insurance.
  Do I need to print out the electronic policy?
  You do not need to print out the electronic insurance policy. It is enough to save it to your phone or tablet to always have access to the document and present it to border control representatives.
  What should I do if I have purchased a policy but my trip is canceled?
  Please inform the portal hotline about the reasons for the trip cancellation and we will be happy to reschedule the dates for you.
  What should I do if I provided incorrect data when applying for an insurance policy?
  You can always contact the portal hotline and we will make the necessary changes to the insurance policy free of charge and promptly.