Presidential Administration hopes for further visa facilitation

The entry into force of the law on ratification of the agreement between Ukraine and the European Union to amend the Agreement between the European Community and Ukraine on visa facilitation, signed by the President, will be another step towards future introduction of the EU visa-free regime for the citizens of Ukraine. This was stated by advisor to the President - Presidential Administration Main Office for International Affairs head Andiy Goncharuk, the President’s press service informs.

He recalled that the said agreement was signed on 23 July, 2012, in Brussels, to further liberalize the existing visa regime between Ukraine and the European Union, aimed at the development of human contacts between our country and the EU member-states in the context of Ukraine's European aspirations.

As Honcharuk noted, the agreement significantly expands the options for facilitating visa requirements for a wide range of Ukrainian citizens. In addition to the existing simplifications in issuance Schengen visas for of our compatriots, the current agreement will cover the social and professional categories of Ukrainian citizens, as representatives of non-governmental organizations, religious communities, professional associations, students and graduate students, participants in official exchange programs, experts of exhibition industry and transport organizations.

Procedure of issuing visas for members of the media is also improved. In addition, the agreement provides for a separate humanitarian aspect as issuing visas on a simplified procedure to close relatives and persons traveling for medical treatment, Presidential Administration Main Office for International Affairs head said.

The agreement simplifies the logistical aspects of the visa regime. For example, clear validity of multiple-entry visas is set. The higher fees for expedited visa appointments are cancelled.

Ukraine expects the European institutions to early complete all the necessary procedures for its entry into force, the adviser to the President added.