What Legislative Changes Regulate the Travel Abroad of Adult Men?

The main regulatory act defining the procedure and conditions for crossing the state border by citizens of Ukraine is the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 27.01.1995 No. 57 “On Approval of the Rules for Crossing the State Border by Citizens of Ukraine”.

At the same time, the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 26.08.2025 No. 1031 “On Amendments to the Rules for Crossing the State Border by Citizens of Ukraine” introduced amendments to the aforementioned document, which, at the time of writing the article, regulate the travel abroad of citizens of Ukraine aged 18 to 22 (inclusive) during martial law.

SBGS Comment Regarding Changes in Legislation

After the official publication of the above amendments and their entry into force, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine provided its comment regarding this. On their official website, they noted that on August 28, the passage of male citizens of Ukraine under the age of 23 across the state border began.

The SBGS noted that the introduced changes did not lead to a significant increase in passenger traffic, as was widely reported by the mass media.

In addition, the State Border Guard Service reminded of the exception for border crossing by men under the age of 23 during martial law, which is contained in paragraphs 2-14 and 2-19 of the “Rules for Crossing the State Border by Citizens of Ukraine”, approved by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 27.01.1995 No. 57, and also emphasized the list of necessary documents for traveling outside Ukraine (the mentioned points will be considered in the following sections).

Can Men Aged 18-22 Travel Outside Ukraine?

As noted above, amendments were indeed made to the legislation allowing men under 22 years of age (inclusive) to travel outside Ukraine during martial law.

You might have noticed that in the article we use different age designations: up to 22 years (inclusive) or up to 23 years. In order to avoid confusion, we want to emphasize: a person can cross the border during martial law until they turn 23 years old!

In addition, as mentioned in the previous section, there is also a certain restriction for the category of persons under consideration. Paragraph 2-19 of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 27.01.1995 No. 57 “On Approval of the Rules for Crossing the State Border by Citizens of Ukraine” stipulates that during martial law, the restriction on crossing the state border does not apply to male citizens of Ukraine aged 18 to 22 (inclusive), except for persons defined in paragraph 2-14, i.e., persons holding specific positions in state power bodies, state bodies, and local self-government bodies.

The listed officials have the right to cross the border only in the case of an official business trip.

What Documents Are Needed for Men Under 22 to Cross the Border?

As already noted above, to perform the corresponding actions, a person must have certain documents with them. If a man aged 18 to 22 (inclusive) wishes to travel abroad during martial law, he must present at the checkpoint: a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for traveling abroad and a military registration document (in particular in electronic form).

In the absence of the above-listed documents, the man will be refused exit outside Ukraine.

In addition, in case of the presence in the Unified State Register of Conscripts, Persons Liable for Military Service and Reservists of information about his being placed on the wanted list of the National Police, such a person is subject to administrative detention and delivery to the TCRSS (Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support).

Departure of Students Aged 18-22: What to Consider?

Prior to the amendments made by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 26.08.2025 No. 1031 “On Amendments to the Rules for Crossing the State Border by Citizens of Ukraine”, the departure of male students aged 18 to 22 (inclusive) during martial law was regulated differently.

The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 02.04.2024 No. 366 “On Amendments to the Rules for Crossing the State Border by Citizens of Ukraine” noted that such persons, if they obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree in medical, pharmaceutical or veterinary fields in higher education institutions on a full-time basis, and are heading for studies to a foreign educational institution under the program of educational academic mobility, have the right to travel outside the country.

Currently, the above conditions and procedure are irrelevant, because from August 28, 2025, any man aged 18 to 23, regardless of whether he is a student at all or not, has the right to cross the border provided there are appropriate documents, i.e., a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for traveling abroad and a military registration document (in particular in electronic form).

Contract Servicemen 18-22: Do They Have the Right to Leave?

After the amendments made by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 26.08.2025 No. 1031 “On Amendments to the Rules for Crossing the State Border by Citizens of Ukraine”, during martial law, the passage across the state border of male citizens of Ukraine aged 23 to 25 who performed military service under contract, and who did not perform military service before its conclusion (except for basic military service), is carried out by authorized officials of the State Border Guard Service provided that the rules for crossing the state border of Ukraine are met and there are:

• a certificate issued by the commander of the military unit (the head of the district (united district), city (district in cities, united city) territorial center for recruitment and social support), the head of the relevant unit of the intelligence agency of the Ministry of Defense, in the form approved by the Ministry of Defense, indicating information regarding the conclusion of such a contract;
• a military registration document.

As for men who are contract servicemen aged 18 to 22 (inclusive) who are still serving, such persons can travel outside the country during martial law only on the basis of decisions regarding the performance of tasks in the sphere of security and defense adopted by the Minister of Defense, the head of another military formation formed in accordance with the law, the head of a law enforcement agency of special purpose, the head of an intelligence agency. The passage of such persons is carried out by authorized persons of the State Border Guard Service.

Therefore, crossing the border by the above-listed persons is possible, but only with compliance with certain conditions and in the presence of appropriate documents.

If the Military Registration Document Is Lost, How to Act?

If a military registration document is lost, a person will have problems crossing the border, because they will not be able to present it, the consequence of which will be a refusal to travel outside the country.

Moreover, according to Part 1 of Art. 211 of the CUAO, for damage or negligent storage by conscripts, persons liable for military service and reservists of military registration documents, which caused their loss, a fine in the amount of 510 to 850 UAH is imposed on the person. For a repeated violation or during a special period, the penalty increases to 850 to 1700 UAH.

So, if such a situation happened to you, you should know how to act. The restoration procedure differs depending on what status you have. Regarding the terms, a new military registration document must be issued within 5 working days from the date of registration of the application in the district (city) TCRSS or its department.

In case you are a person liable for military service, a conscript or a reservist, you need to submit an application to the head of the district (city) TCRSS and indicate the circumstances of the loss;

• matte color photo $3\times4$ cm;
• passport of a citizen of Ukraine.

The decision on the re-issuance of the military registration document in this case is made by the head of the TCRSS.

In case you are a serviceman, you should submit a report to the commander about the reasons for the loss. After considering your report, an official investigation will be initiated. Upon its completion, the following documents should be provided:

• report on the reasons for the loss of the military ID;
• passport;
• matte photo $3\times4$ cm without a white corner;
• extract from the order on the results of the official investigation.

So, as can be seen from the above, obtaining a new military registration document instead of the lost one does not present great difficulties.

Is It Worth Consulting a Lawyer Before Traveling Abroad?

After the adoption of amendments to the legislation, which we considered today, a considerable number of men aged 18 to 23 are traveling abroad or are so far only planning to do so. Given the experience of those persons who have already taken advantage of such an opportunity, the process is not always quick and without obstacles.

Cases often occur when a person is refused border crossing due to the absence of some mandatory document or its incorrect formatting, etc. In this situation, it would not hurt to contact a qualified specialist, because they will help collect the necessary documents, as well as solve problems with the existing ones.

In addition, situations have repeatedly occurred at the border when border guards, even if you have all sufficient grounds, do not grant permission to travel outside Ukraine. As a result, conflict situations occur, during which you can call a lawyer or attorney who will substantiate your position to the employee of the State Border Guard Service.

Moreover, as we indicated in the previous sections, in case of the presence in the Unified State Register of Conscripts, Persons Liable for Military Service and Reservists of information about your being placed on the wanted list of the National Police, you are subject to administrative detention and delivery to the TCRSS. In such a situation, additional risks arise, because representatives of the TCRSS do not always adhere to the legislation, the consequences of which can be very serious for you. In this case, only a lawyer can help you effectively, and what is important — in time, protect your rights.

Thus, when men aged 18 to 22 (inclusive) cross the border, there are always certain risks that can become an obstacle for you. To secure yourself, your relatives, friends, we advise you to consult with a qualified specialist before intending to travel outside Ukraine.