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UKRAINE: European Immigration Concessions Begin for Individuals Fleeing Ukraine, Situation Remains Fluid
February 25, 2022
As anticipated, several European countries announced travel and immigration concessions today for individuals fleeing Ukraine due to the ongoing military invasion from Russia. In addition, the Ukrainian authorities also announced specific exit and border protocols, most of which specifically affect Ukrainian citizens.
The situation within Ukraine and throughout Europe remains extremely fluid. The details below are what Newland Chase has gathered at the time of this writing; however, the information is subject to sudden and unexpected changes. For the most up-to-date information, readers should rely on official government websites and channels of communication.
Exit from and Entrance into Ukraine
News sources continue to report on significant numbers of people not only fleeing major Ukrainian city centers, but also seeking to exit Ukraine for a neighboring country. The Ukrainian authorities have confirmed the following:
- Entry into Ukraine has been suspended due to military emergency and martial law announced on February 25.
- Airspace over Ukraine is closed and all airports have been closed for commercial flights.
- Land borders with Belarus have been closed in both directions.
- Land borders into Poland, Hungary (West), Moldova, Romania (South-West), and Slovakia remain open.
- Male Ukrainian citizens aged 18-60 are barred from exiting the country due to military mobilization. Ukrainian women, children, and males outside of the stated age ranges, and third-country national residents of Ukraine are permitted to depart.
Ukrainian Citizens Entering Russia
Russia and Ukraine have ceased diplomatic ties with each other.
At this time, Russia has not issued any official legal guidelines on Ukrainian citizens attempting to enter Russia. However, it should be anticipated that entering Russia from Ukraine will be very difficult and travelers may face long in-person interviews about the reasons for their travel, possible denial of entry, and possible cancellation of any current Russian visas. Russian border officers reserve the ability to deny anyone entry into Russia.
At this time, Newland Chase and our Russian Network Partners do not recommend that Ukrainian citizens attempt to enter Russia due to the current heightened risks and the ongoing political/military crisis.
It remains unknown if Ukrainian nationals who are currently legal residents in Russia will be allowed to re-enter Russia if they depart.
Regional Announcements
Several European countries have announced emergency travel and immigration policies for individuals fleeing Ukraine. Exit is currently possible via land borders with Poland, Hungary (West), Moldova, Romania (South-West), and Slovakia. All of these countries have suspended any visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens.
- Poland remains the primary destination for individuals fleeing this conflict. The Polish government has suspended visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens and has set up official reception points for individuals without accommodations in Poland. Note that third-country nationals who are residents of Ukraine will also be able to enter Poland on the basis of either their National (D) or Schengen (C) visas or Ukrainian residence permit. It remains to be seen whether Poland will put a temporary pause on the 90/180 day stay limitations for these individuals.
- For the most recent and accurate regulations from Poland, please see the Polish Foreigner’s Office official website.
- Hungary has reportedly opened a travel corridor for third-country legal residents of Ukraine to enter the country visa-free and depart from a Hungarian airport.
- Moldova will allow Ukrainian citizens to enter Moldova with only a government-issued Ukrainian ID and will not be required to have proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Children will be permitted to enter with a birth certificate and either a domestic ID or international travel passport. Moldova has also opened refugee distribution centers in Palanca and Ocnita, two cities on the Moldova-Ukraine border.
- No official immigration concessions have been announced by Romania; however, the Prime Minister has indicated the country’s willingness to take refugees from the crisis.
- Slovakia has suspended COVID-19 related measures for refugees from Ukraine. As such, the pre-registration and mandatory quarantine requirements have been temporarily lifted for these travelers.
- The United Kingdom announced visa concessions for Ukrainian citizens who are already in the UK. See Newland Chase’s earlier alert here.
Newland Chase Insights
Newland Chase continues to hold all those affected by this crisis in our thoughts.
Our Advisory and EMEA teams are in close and constant contact with our partners and immigration authorities throughout the region and we will continue to provide immigration updates as they are made available by officials. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.
