In a recent move, Israel has introduced additional entry restrictions for Ukrainian citizens, prompting Kyiv to announce reciprocal measures for Israeli citizens, according to the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel. These changes could complicate entry for Israeli pilgrims, particularly around Rosh Ha-Shanah.
Starting from July 1, citizens of countries with visa-free entry agreements with Israel, including Ukraine, must now apply for an ETA-IL permit to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
“Ukraine and Israel have maintained close relations since the establishment of visa-free travel in 2010. However, recent actions by Israel, such as restricting Ukrainian refugees and denying entry to many Ukrainians, have strained these relations. The latest requirement effectively suspends the visa-free regime,” stated the Ukrainian embassy. This is not the first dispute between Ukraine and Israel over the Israeli state’s lack of hospitality towards Ukrainian citizens. In the summer of 2022, Ukrainian authorities threatened to suspend the visa-free regime for Israeli citizens in response to a similar decision by Israel, which was made at the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
