DISINFO: EU will complicate entry permits for Ukrainians
SUMMARY
The European Union tightens the rules for obtaining entry permits for Ukrainians. From 2021, citizens of Ukraine will need, in addition to providing a biometric passport, to pay an extra authorisation fee.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives claiming that the EU and the West, in general, have abandoned Ukraine, and more specifically about the visa-free travel and ETIAS system. The introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is not connected with Ukraine exclusively. It will affect citizens from all countries that do not need entry visas to the EU. The European Commission is proposing to set up an automated system that would gather information on visa-exempt travellers prior to their arrival, in order to determine any irregular migration, security or public health risks associated with them. The proposal follows similar models already existing in the USA, Canada and Australia, among others. ETIAS formally entered into force in October 2018, but will not become operational before 2021. See previous disinformation case alleging that the European Council complicates visa-free regime for Ukraine.