Ukraine will receive a “roaming visa-free regime” with the EU from January 1, 2026 – the European Commission’s decision
14 July 2025 21:55
The European Commission has agreed to grant Ukraine a so-called “roaming visa-free regime” that will allow citizens to use mobile communications in EU countries without additional costs. This was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal on Telegram on Monday, July 14, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
“The European Commission has agreed to grant Ukraine the so-called ‘roaming visa-free regime’ – joining the EU’s Roam like at Home policy. We expect this to happen on January 1, 2026,” the Prime Minister said.
On the same day, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the decision of the EU-Ukraine Association Committee on the mutual opening of the roaming sector. This is another step towards final integration into the European roaming area.
What will change for subscribers
Starting from January 1, 2026, Ukrainians will be able to use mobile services in 27 EU countries at the tariffs of their Ukrainian operator – without additional roaming charges. The conditions will apply to calls, SMS and mobile internet. EU citizens will also be able to keep their tariffs when traveling to Ukraine.
Ukraine has become the first country outside the EU and the European Economic Area to join the EU’s common roaming area.
“This is a unique example that confirms: Ukraine is already a part of digital Europe,” emphasized Shmyhal.
How roaming will work until the end of 2025
Until the end of the year, Ukrainians will continue to enjoy preferential roaming in the EU thanks to the Joint Statement of mobile operators, which has been extended until December 31, 2025.
What’s next
The next step is to integrate the telecom networks of Ukraine and the EU to ensure full compatibility and convenience for users.
This decision was developed by joint teams of the Ministry of Digital Transformation , the National Commission for the State Regulation of Communications, Ukrainian mobile operators, European experts, the Mission of Ukraine to the EU and the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Digital Transformation, with the support of the government and the Verkhovna Rada.
