Since February 24, 2022, martial law has been in effect in Ukraine, which has significantly affected the rules for crossing the state border. Numerous restrictions have been introduced, especially regarding the departure of certain categories of citizens.
In 2025, restrictions on travel will remain in effect for men aged 18-60 and women who are subject to military service.
They can travel abroad only in cases provided for in Article 23. Law of Ukraine On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization, which defines the categories of persons who receive a deferment from mobilization.
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ICTV Facts found out what border crossing rules will be in effect in 2025.
New border controls in 2025: EES and ETIAS systems
In 2025, the European Union introduced two new border control systems:
- EES (Entry/Exit System) is an automated system for registering crossings of the Schengen zone border. For Ukrainians with biometric passports, the changes will be minimal: scanning of documents in special terminals and periodic verification of biometric data.
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a pre-authorization system for citizens of visa-free countries. Before entering the EU, you will need to obtain an electronic permit through an online platform.
Border crossing rules for men under 25 have been updated
December 31 Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine updated the rules for crossing the border for men aged 18-25 during martial law.
The changes apply to men in this age category who served under contract in the Armed Forces of Ukraine or in the intelligence units of the Ministry of Defense and did not undergo full military service before signing the contract, with the exception of basic training.
These persons may cross the border provided they have:
- certificates from the military unit or the head of the territorial recruitment center containing information about the concluded contract;
- military registration document confirming military service.
Crossing the border: documents
To travel abroad, Ukrainian citizens must have a valid passport. Using an ID card is only possible if there are relevant interstate agreements, in particular with Turkey and Georgia. Before traveling, it is important to check the validity of your passport, as many countries require it to remain valid for at least 3-6 months after entry.
Depending on the purpose of the trip, a visa may be required. Ukrainians can visit 112 countries without a visa, but for work or study, obtaining the appropriate permit is mandatory.
Rules for crossing the border under martial law for those liable for military service
Men must provide documents confirming their status and right to leave the country in order to cross the border without hindrance. A detailed list of such documents is contained in the Cabinet of Ministers resolution No. 57 of 27.01.1995, which was updated in accordance with the conditions of martial law.
All categories of persons must have a military registration document with a current barcode, which is checked by border guards, the TCC and the police.
The basic package of documents includes:
- Passport of a citizen of Ukraine (domestic or foreign).
- Military registration document with the specified VIN code.
- A certificate of deferment (if eligible).
- Additional documents depending on the category (e.g. child's birth certificate, disability documents, etc.).
Some categories of citizens can pre-book a time to cross the border through the eCherga system. This applies to:
- truck drivers;
- tourist and children's groups;
- persons travelling for humanitarian purposes.
Also, drivers carrying out transportation for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, medical supplies or humanitarian aid must be registered in the Shlyakh system, which helps reduce corruption risks in the field of international transportation.
Border crossing rules for children in 2025
Children under 18 years of age must have the following to cross the border:
- Birth certificate (for persons under 14 years of age) or passport of a citizen of Ukraine (from 14 years of age).
- Documents confirming family ties (for example, a marriage certificate if the parents and child have different surnames).
- The child's international passport or an entry about him/her in the international passport of one of the parents.
If a child is traveling without parents, a notarized permission to leave is required from one of them.
