From 1 January 2026, Ukraine officially joined the European Union’s “Roam Like at Home” area — a major milestone in their gradual integration with Europe and a practical game-changer for travellers.
For the first time, countries outside the European Union have entered the EU’s single roaming zone. The result is simple but powerful: people travelling between Ukraine and the EU can now call, text, and use mobile data at domestic rates, with no additional roaming charges.
For visitors planning a trip to Kyiv or wider Ukraine, this makes travel easier, cheaper, and more connected than ever.
What “Roam Like at Home” Means in Practice
Under the Roam Like at Home (RLAH) rules — in place across the EU since 2017 — mobile phone users pay the same rates abroad as they do at home.
From now on:
- Ukrainian citizens can use their mobile phones across all 27 EU countries without extra charges
- EU travellers visiting Ukraine receive the same benefit
- Calls, texts, mobile data, and emergency services work just as they do at home
- Network quality and service standards must remain consistent
In practical terms, this means no SIM-swapping, no unexpected bills, and no reliance on Wi-Fi just to navigate, book transport, or stay in touch.
A Symbolic Step Toward Europe
Beyond convenience, the decision is symbolically significant.
Ukraine’s entry into the EU roaming area fulfils a key requirement in the country’s European integration in the field of electronic communications. It follows years of regulatory alignment, parliamentary legislation passed in 2025, and final approval signed into law later that year.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described similar roaming expansions as “good for business, good for tourism, and especially good for bringing our people together.” The same logic applies strongly to Ukraine.
Why This Matters for Visitors to Ukraine
For travellers, free roaming removes one of the most common frictions of visiting a new country.
In Ukraine, it means you can:
- Use Google Maps, ride-hailing apps, and translation tools freely
- Stay connected with family and colleagues back home
- Book restaurants, tours, and transport on the go
- Share your experience instantly without worrying about data costs
For first-time visitors to Kyiv, especially those travelling independently, seamless mobile connectivity adds confidence and flexibility — making the city even more accessible.
Ukraine Is More Connected Than Ever
Since 2022, Ukrainians in the EU have benefited from temporary free roaming arrangements introduced after russia’s full-scale invasion. The 2026 agreement replaces those emergency measures with a formal, long-term legal framework, valid until at least March 2027, with options for extension.
It also reflects a broader reality: Ukraine is increasingly integrated with Europe in daily, practical ways — not just politically, but socially and economically as well.
For travellers, this reinforces a simple truth often missed in headlines: Ukraine is open, modern, and connected.
Good News for Tourism
Free roaming directly benefits tourism:
- Lower travel costs
- Better digital access
- Smoother cross-border experiences
- Stronger people-to-people connections
For those considering a visit to Kyiv, Lviv, or other Ukrainian cities, the change removes one more barrier and aligns Ukraine with the same travel standards visitors expect elsewhere in Europe.
Explore Kyiv With Confidence
At TourKyiv.com, we see first-hand how practical details shape travel experiences. Free roaming makes it easier than ever to explore Kyiv — from historic districts and UNESCO landmarks to cafés, museums, and neighbourhoods locals love.
With knowledgeable local guides, visitors can:
- Understand Ukraine beyond the headlines
- Explore history and modern life with context
- Travel confidently, connected just like at home
👉 Plan your visit and discover Kyiv with local experts at TourKyiv.com
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