Estonia allows Ukrainian citizens to stay temporarily in Estonia after the expiry of their right to stay

By decision of the Director General of the Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB), citizens of Ukraine whose basis for stay in Estonia is about to expire may continue to stay in Estonia temporarily. Likewise, Ukrainian citizens who do not have a biometric passport can now enter Estonia without a visa.

In view of the war that began in Ukraine and the fact that returning to Ukraine is currently dangerous and logistically difficult, the PBGB, with the consent of the Ministry of the Interior, has decided to allow Ukrainian citizens whose visa or other basis for stay has expired or will expire in the near future to stay in the country.

According to Elmar Vaher, Director General of the PBGB, this means that these people do not need to apply for an extension of their visa or other basis for stay. “It also means that from now on, Ukrainian citizens who do not have a biometric passport can enter Estonia without a visa,” explained Vaher. Previously, only Ukrainian citizens holding a biometric passport could enter Estonia visa-free.

Vaher considers such a decision reasonable, as it will help many Ukrainian citizens in these difficult times while reducing the administrative burden for the country. “We need to help the Ukrainian people in their time of need. Today's decision is temporary until a new arrangement is made,” said Vaher.

If a Ukrainian citizen whose work permit in Estonia expires in the near future wishes to continue working, his/her employer must register it again with the Police and Border Guard Board.