New rules for entering the EU: what changes for Ukrainians?
From October 12, 2025, new rules for crossing the border of the European Union for citizens of third countries, including Ukraine, will come into force. The EU is launching the Entry/Exit System (EES) - an electronic database that will automatically record all cases of crossing external borders. This means that instead of stamps in the passport, digital registration will now be in effect.
Pavluks Trans, a company specializing in passenger transportation between Ukraine and Poland, notes that such changes directly affect most customers, because this is the most popular direction among those who travel.
What do the new rules provide for?
The updated rules for traveling abroad will apply to all short-term trips - up to 90 days in any 180 days. When crossing the border, the system will collect a photo of your face, four fingerprints (for persons aged 12 and over), as well as passport data and the exact date of entry or exit.
Now the information will be stored in a common EU database, and border guards will be able to quickly check whether the traveler has not exceeded the permitted period of stay. For Ukrainians, this means that the rules for entering Poland are gradually becoming more automated for Ukrainians today, and the control process is more accurate.
Crossing the border with children: how the new EU rules will work
When crossing the border, separate rules will apply to children. For minors under 12 years of age, fingerprinting is not provided, but the system will record their data and photos, just like for adults. Border guards will also be particularly careful to check documents confirming the child’s right to travel: notarized permits, birth certificates, or guardians’ documents.
Therefore, it is worth considering the additional time for passing the control, as the registration of children usually takes longer.
How will this work in practice?
During the control, all passengers must get out of the transport to undergo a biometric check. This will apply to both car and bus trips. In rail transport, the procedure may differ slightly, depending on the checkpoint.
The Pavluks Trans team advises planning trips taking into account the possible increase in the check time, especially in the first months after the system is launched. If you refuse to provide biometric data, such an action will be grounds for refusal of entry, so it is important to have a valid biometric passport with you.
What is needed to cross the border?
Before traveling, you need to check whether the documents meet the new requirements. The main list remains unchanged:
- biometric international passport;
- confirmation of the purpose of the trip (invitation, reservation, tickets);
- financial means for the stay;
- medical insurance valid in the EU countries.
As Pavluks Trans explains, these border crossing conditions are still in effect today, but now the control will be electronic, which minimizes the human factor and the risk of errors.
Why is the EU introducing changes?
The changes in border crossing are not aimed at complicating procedures, but at security. The innovations will help avoid cases of document forgery, prevent overstaying and improve coordination between Schengen countries.
For Pavluks Trans passengers who often travel to Poland, this means more transparent and reliable control. In the future, it is expected that border crossing will become faster, as biometric data will be stored in the system and re-identification will take less time.
What will change for travel to Poland?
There will be no significant complications on the Ukraine-Poland route, which is key for Pavluks Trans. Short-term visa-free travel remains permitted, and the new system will only replace paper stamps with digital records. However, there may be some initial delays at checkpoints due to technical upgrades.
The company's experts advise arriving for boarding a little earlier to allow for additional time for document verification when crossing the border with Poland today.
Pavluks Trans continues to operate regular flights between Ukraine and Poland, ensuring comfort, timeliness and support for passengers at every stage of the journey. With the new EU requirements, travel will become even safer – the main thing is to be informed and follow the established rules for crossing the border.