In order to minimize the negative consequences of introducing such a regime, at the initiative of the Ukrainian side, a search for mutually acceptable options for concluding a new agreement was launched, which would significantly simplify the visa application procedure and allow citizens of both countries to make trips not only free of charge but also without invitations.
Based on Ukraine's principled position on ensuring favorable conditions for the movement of citizens, goods, services and capital, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prepared and, in coordination with the interested ministries and agencies of Ukraine, a draft intergovernmental Ukrainian-Slovak agreement on determining categories of citizens who will benefit from visa application privileges. On March 1, 2001, the Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Slovak Republic on determining categories of citizens who will benefit from visa application privileges entered into force.
In the current difficult economic situation, the provisions of the agreement, which provide, in particular, for the issuance of: are of utmost importance and positivity.
* short-term multiple free visas (valid for up to 180 days with a total stay of no more than 90 days) – for crew members of civil aviation aircraft, river and sea vessels, employees of train, refrigerated and locomotive crews of railways, drivers of bus routes, relatives of persons permanently residing in border settlements;
* free visas – for children under 16, family members of employees of diplomatic missions (consular offices) and international organizations, citizens studying on the territory of the other state in accordance with bilateral agreements, civil servants making official trips in accordance with international agreements, veterans of World War II, persons traveling to the territory of the other state for humanitarian purposes;
* concessionary visas (50% of the cost) – for persons traveling to the territory of the other state in accordance with bilateral agreements in the field of culture, art, religion and sports, persons visiting relatives' graves.
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