On what grounds do men have the right to travel abroad in 2026?

In 2026, martial law remains in effect in Ukraine, so restrictions on traveling abroad continue to apply to men aged 18 to 60. At the same time, the law provides for a number of exceptions that allow individuals to cross the state border if they have valid grounds and the necessary documents. Learn more about who is eligible to leave Ukraine in 2026, what documents are required, and under what circumstances border crossing may be denied

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The rules governing men’s travel abroad during martial law in Ukraine remain one of the most hotly debated topics in 2026. Due to constant changes in legislation and new clarifications from government bodies, many citizens are confused about who exactly is permitted to cross the border and what documents they must carry.

The main rules for travel are set out in the Law of Ukraine ‘On Mobilisation Preparation and Mobilisation’, Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 57, and official clarifications from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. It is important to understand that even if there is a legal basis, the final decision on whether to allow border guards make border crossing after they have checked all documents and information in state registers.

In this article, we explain which men are entitled to travel abroad in 2026, which categories have been granted exemptions, what documents need to be prepared, and why border crossing may be refused.

In our previous article, we discussed how the EES will work, who it applies to, and what has changed for Ukrainians as of April 10, 2026.

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Which men can travel abroad without additional grounds in 2026?

In 2026, general restrictions on travelling abroad during martial law do not apply to certain categories of men. It is these categories that most often raise questions among citizens, as the rules for them differ significantly from the standard requirements for men liable for military service aged between 18 and 60.

First and foremost, men under the age of 18 may travel abroad without additional justification. For Ukrainian minors, restrictions on crossing the border do not apply; however, the rules for departure may depend on parental accompaniment or the availability of the necessary documents.

Men over 60 also have the right to travel freely, as they are not subject to mobilisation during martial law. In most cases, a valid passport and documents confirming age are sufficient to cross the border.

In 2026, particular attention is drawn to the category of men aged 18 to 22. It is for this age group that the rules on travelling abroad have been relaxed in Ukraine. As of 2026, men of this age may cross the state border without having to provide a specific reason, although border guards will still check military registration documents and the validity of the data in the military registration system.

At the same time, even for those categories permitted to travel abroad, it is important to have properly executed documents and up-to-date information in state registers. If breaches of military registration or discrepancies in documents are detected, the border service may refuse entry.

In our previous article, we explainedon what grounds border guards have the right to refuse entry to 17-year-old men.

Travel for men not subject to mobilisation in 2026

In 2026, some men may travel abroad because they are not subject to mobilisation or have a lawful deferment. However, border guards check not only the fact of the deferment itself, but also whether the specific grounds entitle the individual to cross the border in accordance with current regulations.

The most common categories of men who may travel abroad:

- Men with disabilities;

- Individuals deemed unfit for military service by a medical commission;

- Parents of large families;

- Men who are single parents;

- Guardians and carers;

- Men providing constant care for relatives;

- Certain students, postgraduate students and participants in international educational programmes.

Separate supporting documents are required for each category. For example, people with disabilities must have a certificate from the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC) or a pension certificate, whilst parents of large families must provide birth certificates for their children and proof of their maintenance.

In 2026, the border service is paying particular attention to:

- The validity of military registration documents;

- Information in the ‘Reserve+’ system;

- The validity of medical certificates and decisions by the Medical Examination Commission;

- The consistency of data in state registers;

- The availability of original documents.

Even if there is a legal basis for travel, a man may be refused exit due to errors in documents, lack of proof of care, or discrepancies in military registration records. That is why it is recommended to check all documents in advance and update details with the Military Registration and Enlistment Office (MREO) if necessary.

Find out more about the rules for crossing the border for men with disabilities in 2026 by following the link.

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Family circumstances: which men can travel abroad in 2026

Family circumstances remain one of the most common grounds for men to travel abroad during martial law. It is this category that triggers the most checks at the border, as border guards carefully examine documents and the actual grounds for travel.

The following may be entitled to cross the border:

- Parents with multiple children;

- Men who are single parents;

- Adoptive parents, guardians and carers;

- Men accompanying a child with a disability;

- Individuals providing constant care for sick or incapacitated relatives;

- Men accompanying a wife or parents with a disability.

To confirm eligibility, you will usually need to provide:

- Children’s birth certificates;

- Court orders or guardianship documents;

- Medical certificates;

- Disability documents;

- Care certificates;

- Certificates of cohabitation or maintenance.

In 2026, the grounds for travel by parents with multiple children are being checked particularly thoroughly. The mere fact of having three children is not sufficient – border guards may require proof of the children’s maintenance, cohabitation or the fulfilment of parental duties.

The procedure has also become more complex for men applying for travel on the grounds of caring for relatives. In many cases, it is necessary to confirm not only the person’s state of health but also the fact that it is the applicant who provides constant care.

Lawyers recommend checking that all documents are up to date before travelling and taking the originals with you. If documents were issued abroad, they may require an official translation or legalisation.

In our previous article, we discussed the current rules and how men accompanying people with disabilities can successfully cross the border.

Professional and official grounds for men travelling abroad in 2026

In 2026, certain categories of men may travel abroad for professional or official reasons. Special border crossing rules apply to such citizens, and in most cases, additional permits, letters of approval or confirmation from state authorities are required.

The following may be entitled to travel abroad:

- International transport drivers;

- Seafarers;

- Railway workers;

- Athletes and coaches;

- Cultural figures and artists;

- Journalists and media workers;

- Volunteers;

- Certain civil servants and members of official delegations.

For most professional categories, a foreign passport or service ID alone is not sufficient. Border guards may check:

- A business trip order;

- Letters from ministries or relevant authorities;

- Confirmation of participation in an international event;

- Employment contracts;

- Documents from the carrier or employer;

- Military registration documents.

In 2026, the rules for certain professional categories remain quite strict due to cases of violations of exit conditions in previous years. This is why the border service often carries out additional checks on documents and the purpose of the trip for drivers, volunteers and representatives of the cultural sector.

Particular attention is paid to journalists and media professionals. To travel abroad, media representatives usually require official approval and confirmation of their professional activities. Similar requirements apply to athletes or creative groups participating in international competitions, festivals or cultural events.

Even if all documents are in order, men may be refused exit if border guards detect discrepancies in the information, expired permits or breaches of military registration rules.

We previously discussed whether it is possible to travel abroad with a booking and what is required for this.

What documents do men need to travel abroad in 2026?

In 2026, border guards will check not only the validity of the reason for travel but also the full set of documents. Even minor errors or the absence of a single document may result in being refused entry at the border.

Basic documents most commonly required for men:

- A valid passport;

- Military registration document;

- Confirmation of updated details in the TCC or the ‘Reserve+’ system;

- Documents confirming the right to travel.

Additional documents depend on the specific reason for travel. For example:

1. Parents with multiple children may need their children’s birth certificates;

2. People with disabilities – a certificate from the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC) or a pension certificate;

3. Students – documents from their educational institution;

4. Men caring for relatives – medical reports and care documents;

5. Drivers or volunteers – official letters and confirmation from organisations.

In 2026, the border service will also actively use electronic registers to verify information. Consequently, the details in your documents must fully match the information in military records and government databases.

Lawyers advise the following before travelling:

- Check the validity of all certificates;

- Update military registration details;

- Carry original documents with you;

- Where possible, prepare copies and electronic versions;

- Check the current rules for your category immediately before departure.

The final decision on border crossing is made in each case by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine after verifying all documents and grounds for departure.

Find out more about the rules for leaving Ukraine in 2026 by following the link.

Can men aged 18–22 travel abroad in 2026?

In 2026, men aged 18 to 22 are subject to more lenient rules for crossing the state border than other citizens liable for military service. It is this age group that has been granted the right to travel more freely outside Ukraine during martial law.

However, the right to travel does not mean automatic clearance across the border. Border guards continue to check:

- Military registration documents;

- The validity of data in the TCC;

- Information in the ‘Reserve+’ system;

- The absence of military registration violations.

To cross the border, men in this age group usually need to have:

- A passport;

- A military registration document;

- Updated military registration details.

In 2026, men aged 18–22 became one of the most active categories of citizens travelling abroad for study, travel and temporary stays outside Ukraine. However, the rules for this category may change, so it is recommended to check the latest guidance from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine before travelling.

Find out more about travelling abroad for men aged 18–22 by following the link.

Why might men be refused permission to travel abroad in 2026?

Even if there is a legal basis, a man may be refused permission to cross the border. In 2026, border guards are checking documents much more thoroughly than in the early years of the full-scale war, and are also actively verifying information via electronic state registers.

The most common reasons for refusal to leave the country:

- Lack of supporting documents;

- Errors or inconsistencies in certificates;

- Expired documents;

- Issues with military registration;

- Out-of-date data in the TCC;

- Lack of information in the ‘Reserve+’ system;

- Inconsistent data in state registers;

- Suspicion that documents are fraudulent.

One of the most common reasons for refusal remains the incorrect preparation of documents for deferment or caring for relatives. For example, a man may be refused if the documents do not confirm the fact of ongoing care or if the certificates have expired.

Problems also frequently arise for parents with many children. The Border Guard Service may check not only children’s birth certificates, but also the actual maintenance of the children or the existence of arrears in child support payments.

In 2026, particular attention is being paid to military registration documents. If a man has not updated his details, is wanted by the Military Registration and Enlistment Office (MREO), or has breaches of military registration, this may constitute grounds for refusing exit even if other documents are in order.

Before travelling, lawyers recommend checking in advance that all certificates are up to date, updating military registration details and carefully familiarising yourself with the current rules applicable to your category of citizens.

Qualified migration lawyers will help you understand all the legal aspects. They will provide detailed advice on the necessary documents, legal requirements and possible nuances when crossing the border. By seeking professional help, you can avoid misunderstandings and save time on preparing for your trip. 

Book an individual consultation from experienced specialists right now on the Visit Ukraine portal!

We remind you! During martial law, leaving Ukraine remains possible, but the rules for crossing the border differ depending on gender, age, and purpose of travel. Border guards are carefully checking documents, and new biometric procedures may affect the speed of control. We have already talked about the current requirements for leaving Ukraine in 2026.

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