General Rules for Leaving Ukraine During Martial Law
In 2025, most women can freely leave the country without additional documents. To cross the border, they will need a Ukrainian internal passport, a foreign passport that is valid for at least 3–6 more months (depending on the destination country’s requirements), and a travel insurance policy. However, women registered for military service, serving in the Armed Forces, the State Border Guard Service, the National Guard, or other military bodies are subject to restrictions similar to those for male servicemen.
Children’s travel abroad has also changed under martial law. In 2026, children under the age of 16 must travel accompanied by an adult. That adult can be the mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, grandfather, grandmother, or adult siblings. They will need the child’s birth certificate and a document proving family ties with the accompanying adult. If the child travels without parents, a foreign passport and notarized parental consent for travel are also required. Children over the age of 16 have the right to travel abroad independently. The requirements for them are the same as for adults: a Ukrainian internal passport, a foreign passport, and a travel insurance policy.
Which Men Have the Right to Leave Ukraine: Categories and Required Documents
Restrictions on traveling abroad apply to military-eligible men aged 18 to 60. Men younger than 18 or older than 60 can leave without additional documents. Below are some categories of men who are not subject to military obligations and may leave the country, provided they have certain supporting documents: men removed from military registration; men with disabilities (Groups I, II, or III); fathers of three or more children; single fathers; men whose close relatives died or went missing during the war; men accompanying persons with disabilities (Groups I or II); volunteers, athletes, drivers, sailors, and some other professions. The document requirements for each category are different and will be explained below.
Changes in Legislation Regarding Foreign Travel During Martial Law in 2026
The main regulatory act defining the procedure and conditions for Ukrainian citizens to cross the state border is the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated January 27, 1995, No. 57 “On Approval of the Rules for Crossing the State Border by Citizens of Ukraine”. At the same time, amendments have been made to the aforementioned document, making it appropriate to supplement the information provided in previous sections.
Foreign Travel for Ukrainian Citizens Aged 18–22
One of the innovations is that during martial law, restrictions on crossing the state border do not apply to male citizens of Ukraine aged 18 to 22 (inclusive). Therefore, until a person turns 23, they can freely leave Ukraine.
However, there is a certain restriction for this category of persons. Clause 2-19 of Resolution No. 57 stipulates that these relaxations do not apply to individuals defined in Clause 2-14—namely, those holding specific positions in state authorities, government bodies, and local self-government bodies. These officials are entitled to cross the border only in the event of an official business trip.
Naturally, to travel abroad, a person must carry certain documents. 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;
- a military registration document (including in electronic form).
If a man lacks these documents, he will be denied exit from Ukraine. Furthermore, if the Unified State Register of Conscripts, Persons Liable for Military Service, and Reservists contains information about him being wanted by the National Police, such a person is subject to administrative detention and delivery to the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TRSC).
Additionally, with the introduction of relevant changes, the grounds for traveling abroad for men aged 18–22 who are participants in educational academic mobility programs were excluded. Previously, such persons had to provide documents confirming their studies under a mobility program. Currently, these individuals only need to provide a passport for traveling abroad and a military registration document (including in electronic form).
Foreign Travel for Persons Professionaly Active in Strategic Communications, Media, and the Information Sphere
In addition to the possibility of travel for men under 23, the procedure for crossing the border by persons engaged in strategic communications, media, and the information sphere has also changed. After January 1, 2026, the letter to the Administration of the State Border Guard Service regarding participation in an event is issued not by the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications (MCSC), but by the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting (Derzhkomteleradio). The letter must specify the planned date of departure, the estimated date of return, the type of vehicle, and the checkpoint.
Besides the relevant letter, the following must also be provided to travel abroad:
- an invitation from a foreign organization to participate in the event with a translation into Ukrainian;
- a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for traveling abroad;
- a military registration document with appropriate marks from the TRSC or a military registration document in electronic form.
Thus, only the entity issuing the letter to the State Border Guard Service has changed, which should be noted.
P.S. As can be seen, amendments to the regulations governing travel outside Ukraine during martial law are being made more and more frequently. Therefore, we advise always monitoring legislative updates so that any further changes do not come as a surprise.
Men Removed from Military Registration and Persons with Disabilities: Are TCC Certificates, Medical Reports, or Disability IDs Required?
To confirm exemption from military service, a man must carry: a certificate from the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TCC) confirming removal from military registration; a medical conclusion, proper form certificate, or decision from the military medical commission declaring unfitness for service; and, if available, a disability ID.
What About Fathers of Multiple Children or Single Fathers?
Fathers of multiple children need to present birth certificates of all children, a marriage or divorce certificate, and a support agreement in case of divorce.
If the man is a single father, he must have the child’s birth certificate and a document proving that he is raising the child alone. This can be the mother’s death certificate or a court ruling revoking the mother’s parental rights.
Accompanying Persons with Disabilities or Sick Children: Are Medical Certificates or Proof of Necessity Required?
If accompanying a person with a disability, that person must be a first-degree relative (spouse, child, or parent), and the following documents are required: a medical board conclusion on disability group; a document proving family relationship; a military registration document with a deferment noted.
If accompanying a sick child, the person must carry the child’s birth certificate, a certificate of state assistance for the sick child, and a document confirming the diagnosis.
Can Relatives of Deceased or Missing Soldiers Leave Ukraine?
Relatives of missing or deceased soldiers also have the right to travel abroad. They will need the following documents: proof of family relationship with the missing or deceased person; a certificate confirming disappearance or a death certificate; and a deferment certificate from the draft office.
Other Categories of Persons Permitted to Leave
Military personnel who need to undergo treatment, rehabilitation, or education abroad may leave the country. In the case of medical treatment, they must have a referral for treatment at a foreign clinic, a letter from the Ministry of Health confirming admission to that clinic, and a military ID. The same set of documents, but concerning rehabilitation, is required for defenders traveling abroad to receive rehabilitation services. For studying abroad, the documentation is typically handled by the military unit.
Drivers traveling under the “Shlyakh” system may also be granted permission to leave Ukraine. They must be listed in the system, hold valid international transport licenses, and carry valid military registration documents.
Volunteers, railway workers, seafarers, athletes, cultural figures, and other individuals whose international activity is important may receive travel permits through their respective ministries. The process and required documents depend on the relevant authority.
Additionally, male students studying in foreign higher education institutions are allowed to leave under certain conditions. According to a Government Portal article, male students must meet the following criteria to cross the border: aged 18–22; not subject to military conscription during mobilization; participating in an academic mobility program for one semester; enrolled in a full-time program at a state or municipal university in Ukraine; pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in medicine, pharmacy, or veterinary science. Students must carry an electronic student ID, a certified copy of the agreement with the foreign university confirming acceptance into the academic mobility program, a military certificate from the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TRSSC), and a certificate from the Ukrainian university confirming their nomination for the program.
Required Documents for Crossing the Border
Based on the above lists of documents for different categories of individuals, it is clear that, in addition to the internal and foreign passports, a man must also carry documents from the TRSSC confirming either removal from military registration or deferment from mobilization. Original documents confirming the deferment or removal from registration must also be presented. Failure to provide any required document may result in denial of exit.
What to Do If Border Guards Deny Exit Despite Having Grounds to Leave
There are several possible actions if a person with valid grounds for travel is denied border crossing. First, from a legal perspective, a person denied exit has the right to appeal the decision within one month to a higher-level authority of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine or through administrative court proceedings based on the location of the relevant authority. This right is established by the Law of Ukraine “On Border Control,” Article 14.
Second, it is worth checking the available documents and their validity periods. There is always a chance that a required supporting document was lost, not prepared, or improperly certified.
Third, if there is no doubt about the validity of the document package, trying to cross at another checkpoint may be a practical solution. This is a good option if timely exit is more important than pursuing legal action against an official who violated procedures.
It is also important to remember that individuals without military registration documents, or whose documents have expired, will definitely not be allowed to cross the border. Men classified as limited fit for service, who are currently considered suitable for support roles, will also be denied exit. Individuals with child support arrears of three months or more will not be allowed to leave, regardless of other grounds. Unfortunately, having a work visa or permanent residency abroad does not grant Ukrainian citizens the right to leave during martial law.
How to Appeal a Border Guard’s Refusal to Exit
If you are denied exit at the border, lawyers from the law firm “Yevhenii Stryzhak & Partners” can provide qualified legal assistance based on your specific situation and preferences. Clients may opt for a remote online consultation to assess whether they have all required documents, whether the refusal was lawful, and what real options exist for legal travel abroad. Another available option is to appeal the refusal decision to higher authorities of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine or in court, and to pursue legal action against those responsible. These are the two most common forms of assistance, but in your specific case, the lawyers may offer additional solutions to achieve the desired outcome.