Entering the EU is not automatic: almost 25,000 Ukrainians were turned away at Polish border checkpoints during the first half of this year,

Entering the EU is not automatic: almost 25,000 Ukrainians were turned away at Polish border checkpoints during the first half of this year, Ukrinform reports. The number, 24,649 was 76.5% higher than during the same time last year, the Polish Border Guard reports. About 40% of refusals were due to the absence of proper documents for Ukrainians that would justify the purpose of entry and conditions of stay in Poland. Apart from biometric passports, Ukrainian citizens must also have documents confirming health insurance, purpose of the trip, a Polish place of residence, availability of sufficient financial means for the stay, and the intention to return home.