Publication date: 17.09.2025
What is visa-free travel and who can benefit from it?
Visa-free travel is the ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area without the need for a visa.
The maximum stay is 90 days within a 180-day period, and the stay can include tourist, family, business, or transit trips. Ukrainian citizens with a biometric passport—a secure document with a built-in chip—can benefit.
How long does a passport need to be valid? It is recommended that its validity exceeds at least 6 months from the planned return date, otherwise the border guard may refuse entry. Visa-free travel does not grant the right to work in another country, so if you plan to work, you may need to obtain the appropriate permit. It is also worth remembering that a new 90/180-day period is counted for each entry.
How does temporary protection work in the EU and Poland?
What rights do people applying for international protection have? Temporary protection is a solution adopted across the EU following Russia's aggression against Ukraine. It ensures legal residence, the ability to obtain a PESEL number with UKR status in Poland, and the right to work without additional formalities. Refugees can benefit from public education for children, healthcare, and social programs. In other EU countries, special residence cards or certificates are issued, which legalize stay and facilitate the use of state services. A visa for Ukrainians in Poland is not required in this case.
Can Ukrainians leave Poland and return ? Yes, a Ukrainian can leave Poland and return if they have a valid passport and a document confirming their residence status (e.g., a PESEL UKR number or a residence card). However, it's important to remember that too long an absence may affect social security benefits.
Who qualifies for temporary protection?
The right to temporary protection is granted to Ukrainian citizens who arrived after February 24, 2022, as well as their spouses and children, regardless of citizenship. Foreigners with permanent residence in Ukraine who had to flee due to the war can also benefit from it. In special situations, the condition is granted to individuals who entered the EU through other means, for example, entered under visa-free travel and decided to stay.
How to travel within the Schengen Area with temporary protection?
With temporary protection and a valid passport, you can travel within the Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days in each six-month period. When entering another country, it's worth carrying a document confirming your residence (PESEL UKR or residence cards for Ukrainians ). Waiting for a residence card and travel abroad - before leaving, contact the voivodeship office to make sure your application won't be considered withdrawn. Excessive absences may interrupt your treatment. When crossing the border, it's recommended to have return tickets or booked accommodation in case of an inspection.
Ban on issuing passports to men aged 18-59 – what does this mean?
From 2023, Ukraine has restricted the issuance of new foreign passports to men of military age residing outside the country. This means that special care must be taken to ensure the document is up to date. Passport validity and travel abroad – if the passport is invalid, you cannot cross the border and obtain a new visa. In exceptional cases, it is possible to obtain a document at the consulate, but the procedure is difficult and can take months.
Which countries require a visa ?
For countries outside the Schengen Area and the European Union, a visa may be required, depending on the destination country.
For Ukrainian citizens, a visa is required for, among others: Great Britain, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and most Asian and African countries.
Schengen countries (Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, etc.) and the EU can be entered visa-free for 90 days.and within 180 days, with a biometric passport.
It's always worth checking visa requirements on the website of the embassy of the country you're planning to travel to, as regulations may change.
Has temporary protection been extended? How long is it valid?
Yes, the European Union has extended temporary protection until March 4, 2026. Thanks to this, Ukrainians can legally reside in member states and continue working or studying. In Poland, the PESEL UKR number remains valid automatically, and those waiting for a decision on permanent residence do not need to submit new applications. In some countries, you may need to renew your residence permit - check the deadlines at your local office.
How long a passport is valid for ?Ukraine's biometric passport is valid for 10 years for adults and 4 years for children up to 12 years of age.
To travel, it is recommended that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your intended return date - otherwise, border guards may refuse entry to another country.
Return trips to Ukraine - are they permitted?
You can travel to Ukraine and return, but please remember that staying too long may result in the loss of social security benefits in Poland. It is recommended to keep confirmation of border crossing. If you are using the 500+ program, report your departure to the office to avoid the refund of undue benefits. Return travel can also be risky in the context of mobilization - check current regulations before departure.
The most reliable information is published by the Office for Foreigners, the Border Guard, the Ministry of Interior and Administration, and Ukrainian consulates. In larger cities, there are refugee advisory centers that provide assistance with legal and administrative matters, as well as non-governmental organizations that provide support with travel planning, document translation, and finding accommodation. In urgent situations, it is worth using crisis hotlines and government websites, where border announcements and changes in regulations are published.
F.A.Q.
Question
Can Ukrainians travel visa-free within the EU?
Answer
Yes, Ukrainian citizens with a biometric passport can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It's worth checking your passport's validity before traveling and remember that visa-free travel does not grant you the right to work in other countries.
Question
What does temporary protection provide?
Answer
It ensures legal residence, access to work, education, health and social benefits in the EU. It also allows travel within the Schengen area. This is an alternative to a visa and allows you to plan your stay in Poland or other countries with peace of mind.
Question
Can I leave Poland for longer than 30 days?
Answer
You can, but if you receive benefits in Poland, a long absence may suspend your payments. It is recommended to notify your departure and return within a reasonable time. This does not affect the validity of your UKR PESEL number, but it may affect your social assistance.
Question
Can I travel to Ukraine and return?
Answer
Yes, this is permitted as long as you have a valid passport and a document confirming your residence in Poland. You can cross the border multiple times, but long stays in Ukraine may affect your residence permit and benefits in Poland.
Question
Where should I turn for help or documents?
Answer
It's best to contact the municipal office, voivodeship office, or information points for foreigners. For passport matters, contact the Ukrainian consulate. Official information is available on government websites and the Polish Border Guard websites.
