Israel is set to implement fresh travel limitations for Ukrainians, The Kyiv Independent reports on June 21st. The decision prompts Ukraine to reciprocate with corresponding measures, as stated by Ukraine’s Embassy in Israel on June 20th.
Starting July 1st, Ukrainians wishing to enter Israel visa-free must first obtain an electronic travel authorization permit (ETA).
Screenshot from Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Israel’s Official Facebook Page.
The new regulations will affect the thousands of Hasidic Jews who journey to Uman in Cherkasy Oblast, a significant pilgrimage destination, to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
In September 2023, President Zelensky stated that he had discussed the issue of Ukrainians being denied entry to Israel during a phone conversation with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Zelensky emphasized the “number of refusals for Ukrainian citizens to enter Israel under the visa-free regime.” Reports from the summer indicated that approximately 10% of Ukrainians were denied entry to Israel, despite the visa-free arrangement.
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On August 21st, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Israel, Yevhen Korniichuk, mentioned that Kyiv was contemplating suspending the visa-free travel regime in response.
The Kyiv Independent and agencies