Deutsche Welle has prepared a memo on what Ukrainians need to know to successfully use the visa-free regime with the EU, which will come into effect in mid-June.
With a biometric passport to 30 countries
After the introduction of the visa-free regime between the EU and Ukraine, Ukrainians will not need visas for short-term trips to all EU countries (except the United Kingdom and Ireland), as well as to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, which are not EU members. That totals 30 European states. The main condition is having a biometric passport.
Three months in the EU
You can stay in the Schengen Area without a visa for no more than 90 days within any 180-day period. For example, you can go on vacation to the Aegean Sea in Greece without a visa. The 90-day period is not fixed but floating, so you need to pay attention to travel dates if there is a risk of exceeding the allowed time. Violating this rule may lead to a ban on re-entry into the EU.
Without a visa, but with documents
To enter Schengen Area countries, Ukrainians may in the future need only a biometric passport, but an immigration officer has the right to ask for proof of the purpose and conditions of the trip, evidence of sufficient funds for the stay in the EU and for the return journey.
Cannot work, can study short-term
The visa-free regime does not grant the right to work in EU countries. For that, you need to separately obtain a work permit, and most likely also a visa. However, for participation in seminars and short-term training courses up to 90 days, you can do without a visa. If the study lasts longer than three months, it is better to contact the embassy or consulate of the country where the training will take place.
Visiting relatives or a conference?
When visiting relatives or friends, you should have an invitation letter and information about the host (address and phone number). If the purpose of the trip is to attend a business or scientific conference, it is advisable to have an invitation to it. And if it is about study, you may need confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution. Travel health insurance is not mandatory, but it is recommended to take it out.
How much money do you need to have with you?
To prove solvency at the border, you may be asked to show traveler's checks, accommodation booking confirmation, cash, and even have your credit card limit checked. The required amount depends on the duration and choice of country (or countries) of the trip and can vary greatly. For example, in Latvia it is only 14 euros per day per person, while in neighboring Estonia it is already 94 euros per day.
Saving time and money
Of course, Ukrainian citizens will have to take quite a few documents with them on their trip, but they will not need to apply for visas at consulates, pay for them, or wait for processing.