Ukrainians in the EU no longer pay for roaming: new rules from 2026
1 January 13:35
On January 1, 2026, Ukraine officially became a part of the European Roam Like at Home (RLAH) roaming zone. This means that Ukrainians can use mobile communications in the European Union without additional roaming fees, at the same rates as at home. This was reported by the National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications, Radio Frequency Spectrum and Postal Services, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The decision is historic: Ukraine has become the first country outside the EU and the European Economic Area to gain full access to the EU’s single roaming area.
What is Roam Like at Home (RLAH)?
Roam Like at Home has been available in the European Union since 2017. It provides that subscribers can:
- make calls
- send SMS;
- use the mobile Internet
- in any EU country without roaming charges using their regular tariff package.
Starting from January 1, 2026, these rules will fully apply to Ukraine.
What services are now free in roaming
From now on, Ukrainian subscribers in all 27 EU countries can use
- calls – at domestic rates;
- SMS – without roaming charges;
- mobile Internet – within the limits of their tariff package.
Similar conditions apply to EU subscribers traveling or staying in Ukraine.
It should be emphasized that access to emergency services remains free of charge throughout the EU-Ukraine roaming area.
Why it is important for Ukrainians
Joining the RLAH is of practical importance for
- millions of Ukrainians traveling or temporarily residing in the EU
- students and employees abroad;
- businesses working with European partners;
- families separated by borders.
Uninterrupted communication at no additional cost makes everyday life and communication much easier.
How Ukraine managed to join the EU roaming zone
The decision became possible due to the full harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with EU roaming regulations. This has been a long time in the making:
- the national regulator in the field of electronic communications
- public authorities
- mobile operators;
- expert teams from the Ukrainian and European sides.
The process was carried out in close cooperation with the European Commission, in particular with the specialized roaming team of DG CONNECT, as well as with BEREC, an association of European electronic communications regulators.
What does this decision mean at the strategic level?
Joining Roaming at Home is
- an example of Ukraine’s successful sectoral integration into the EU’s Digital Single Market;
- an unprecedented decision on the mutual application of internal market rules;
- a symbol of European solidarity and practical integration of Ukraine into the EU digital space.
Ukraine actually became a part of the European digital environment even before its formal accession to the EU.
