The rules for crossing the border with EU countries have changed in Ukraine: what you need to know
фото: ДПСУ
New rules for Ukrainian citizens have come into effect at the Polish border since November 3, 2025. From now on, all adult travelers are required to undergo biometric identification – taking a photo and taking fingerprints.
This was reported by the Customs Service.
The new rules apply to all third-country nationals entering the Schengen area without a visa or with a short-stay visa. For Ukrainians, this means that when crossing the Polish border, they will have to go through two mandatory procedures: taking a photo and giving fingerprints.
Biometric control is being implemented as part of the Entry/Exit System (EES), a system created by the European Union to strengthen border security. The system automatically records the entry and exit data of all foreigners arriving in EU countries.
For children under 12, the requirements are simplified – they are exempt from fingerprinting, but a photograph may be required. The Polish Customs Service emphasized that the new rules were introduced to reduce the time for checking documents in the future and simplify the entry of regular visitors.
Border crossing rules in 2025
Crossing the border remains a pressing issue for many citizens of Ukraine, especially under martial law. The rules for exit in 2025 are determined by current legislation and the requirements of the destination countries.
Women, children and men who are not subject to mobilization or who have legal grounds for leaving are allowed to leave . These may include men with disabilities, those who have been declared unfit for service by a military medical commission, parents with many children, single parents, and those whose loved ones died or went missing during the war. Workers on assignment abroad, athletes, diplomats, sailors and students participating in international programs are also allowed to leave.
To cross the border in 2025, you must have:
- Biometric passport or regular passport with visa.
- Documents confirming the right to travel (for men of draft age).
- Confirmation of the purpose of the trip – invitation, hotel reservation, tickets, etc.
- A valid travel insurance policy.
For a child to travel, a birth certificate and, in the case of a divorce, a court decision or a residence agreement are required. Children from 16 years of age can travel independently with a passport.
If you are traveling with pets, they must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and have an international veterinary passport. Many EU countries require a rabies antibody test. It is worth checking the requirements of the destination country before traveling.
If traveling in your own car, the driver must have a technical passport, state license plates, a “UA” identification sign, and a “green card” policy. For trips to Moldova or Romania, a vehicle inspection is mandatory.
Before leaving, you must check the validity of your passport, not exceed the visa-free limit of 90 days within 180 days, familiarize yourself with customs regulations, and have valid medical insurance.
It was previously reported that the European Union is implementing a new border control system for third-country nationals, including Ukrainians . It will replace the usual stamps in passports with digital registration of entries and exits and will provide for the recording of biometric data.
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