The rules for crossing the border with underage children have changed since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Find out how to leave Ukraine with a child in 2024 and what documents you need to have

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The martial law regime introduced in Ukraine has simplified the rules for children traveling abroad. In particular, in 2024, minors may cross the border with one parent without the notarized consent of the other, but other permits must be prepared for departure.

What documents do I need to travel with me? We will tell you all about the rules for crossing the border with a child in 2024 and the necessary documents in the article below.

Read here how to apply for a passport for a child and how much it costs in 2024.

What documents does a child need to travel abroad?

The departure of children abroad takes place on the basis of a foreign passport (if available) or a birth certificate.

Also, citizens of Ukraine, including children who have reached the age of 14, can travel to Turkey and Georgia using the passport of a citizen of Ukraine, which contains a contactless electronic medium (ID card).

Rules for men raising one or more children on their own: a list of documents for crossing the border.

When is a child's exit permit needed?

According to the SBGS portal, for the period of martial law in Ukraine, the provisions of paragraph thirteen of clause 2-3 of the Rules apply, according to which:

Children under the age of 16, accompanied by one of their parents, grandparents, adult brother, sister, stepmother, stepfather or other persons authorized by one of the parents in a written statement certified by the guardianship and custody authority, may leave Ukraine, is carried out without the notarized consent of the other parent and in the presence of a passport of a citizen of Ukraine or a child's birth certificate (in the absence of a passport of a citizen of Ukraine)/documents containing information about the person on the basis of which the State Border Guard Service will allow crossing the state border.

At the same time, a power of attorney from the other parent is not required for a child traveling abroad without one of the parents.

List of documents for notarized consent for minors to cross the border

The following documents should be provided to the notary to issue a notarial consent:

- original passports of parents;

- registration numbers of parents' tax payers' registration cards;

- child's birth certificate.

The document is drawn up in the form of a statement, on which the authenticity of the parents' signature is notarized. Notarized consent prevents illegal removal of a child outside of Ukraine.

Departure of men with many children from Ukraine in 2024: answers to questions.

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Is it possible to prohibit a child from crossing the Ukrainian border?

One of the parents can prohibit the child from leaving Ukraine. However, this cannot be done with words. For this, it is necessary to apply in writing to the Administration of the State Border and Border Service and attach a notarized form on the objection to the departure of the child.

If there are reasonable grounds that a child's departure abroad may harm him, authorized judicial bodies may issue orders to the State Border Service to prohibit the departure of certain persons.

That is, if the State Border Service receives an order prohibiting a certain person (child) from leaving Ukraine, then data about him is entered into the relevant databases. If a person who is prohibited from crossing the border tries to do so, the State Border Service may take measures provided for by law and prevent the person (child) from being released abroad.

Accompanying persons with disabilities abroad: who is eligible and what documents are required in 2024 - read here.

When a child can leave Ukraine independently

According to Article 313 of the Civil Code of Ukraine, a person who has reached the age of 16 has the right to free independent travel outside Ukraine. That is, after reaching this age, the child does not need any permits or accompaniment to leave.

Therefore, the departure of children abroad does not require the preparation of a large package of documents. However, when planning a trip, do not forget to take care of a health insurance policy that will protect against unexpected expenses abroad and ensure the provision of high-quality medical care, which is especially important when traveling with small travelers.

We remind you! The European Union has hosted more than 4 million Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine. Despite the large number of displaced persons, EU countries continue to accept citizens in need. Read more about which countries still provide temporary residence on their territory and what conditions they offer in our previous article.

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Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

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