Ukraine has warned of reciprocate measures following Israel’s latest announcement to end the visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens.
Currently, Ukrainians and Israelis enjoy visa-free entry to each other countries under a mutual agreement established in 2010.
However, starting from July 1, citizens of Ukraine and other visa-exempt countries will be required to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA-IL) prior to their arrival in Israel.
The new policy launched by the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority was not well received by the Ukrainian government. The latter has cautioned a reciprocal action, according to an official statement released by the Embassy of Ukraine in Israel, VisaGuide.World reports.
In response, Ukraine will impose similar pre-approval requirements for Israeli citizens, including pilgrims. The specifics of these electronic visas are being considered in Kyiv.
Ukraine’s Measure to Affect Thousands of Israeli Pilgrims
Ukraine’s reciprocal action against Israel is expected to impact thousands of Isaerli pilgrims who visit Ukraine every year, according to Ukraine’s ambassador to Israel, Evgen Kornichuk.
As cited by Bachderi Haredim, Kornichuk further said that there “will be no winners on either side” due to these travel restrictions.
Last year, in 2023, also during the war, when Russia heavily shelled the entire territory of Ukraine, about 35,000 Israelis arrived in Uman. This year, we expect even higher numbers. Unfortunately, all these people will be required to go through the entry procedures.
Regarding this issue, the Embassy of Ukraine in Israel has recently posted a note advising its citizens to carefully consider new rules, such as applying at least 72 hours before travelling to Israel.
Israel Launches Entry Requirements for Visitors From Visa-Exempt Countries
Recently, Israel has launched a new electronic travel authorization (ETA-IL) for citizens of countries that have visa-free access to its territory, including Ukraine.
This implies that citizens from the countries in question will be required to apply for travel authorization before entering Israel. Applicants who obtain an ETA-IL will be able to stay in Israel for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
ETA-IL applications will open starting July 1, 2024, for all visa-exempt countries, while the pilot period has already started as of June 1 only for German and US passport holders.
During the test phase, submission of applications for such authorization will be free of charge. However, after the pilot phase, applicants will be required to pay a fee of $7 for an ETA-IL application.