Visit Ukraine - Travelling abroad for 17-year-olds: what are the rules and who can be denied?

en

ru
UA
de

en

ru
UA
de

1 min

24 Sep. 2024

3706

Travelling abroad for 17-year-olds: what are the rules and who can be denied?

Popular

Travel

War

For refugees

Ukraine

Table of contents

Rules for 17-year-olds travelling abroad
When can 17-year-olds be refused to leave Ukraine?

Share:

Travelling abroad for 17-year-olds: what are the rules and who can be denied?

Ukrainian citizens under the age of majority can cross the border without restrictions, but there are cases when they may not be allowed to leave Ukraine. Find out what grounds give border guards the right to refuse to allow such persons to leave

Legal advice on migration issues for Ukrainians

Legal advice on migration issues for Ukrainians

Since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, travel abroad has been restricted for men of mobilisation age. Citizens under the age of 18 can freely move across the border. However, even 17-year-old men may have problems travelling abroad. We'll tell you what we mean below.

According to Ukrainian law, teenagers who are already 16 years old can travel abroad unaccompanied by their parents. At the same time, children under the age of 16 may leave Ukraine accompanied by one of their parents, and the permission of the other parent is not required.

Rules for 17-year-olds travelling abroad

A person aged 17 does not need additional permission from their parents to cross the border. Such citizens are allowed to leave the country provided they have all the relevant documents.

It should be noted that during martial law, restrictions on leaving Ukraine will apply to citizens aged 18 to 60. However, according to the State Border Guard Service, 17-year-olds can leave Ukraine even if they are a few days away from coming of age.

If the border guards unreasonably refused to allow you to leave, you can appeal this decision. To do this, you need to file a complaint with the head of the state border guard agency whose name and address are indicated in the decision. You can also contact the Border Guard Service hotline at 1598.

At the same time, it should be understood that there are cases when 17-year-old citizens are not allowed to travel abroad legally.

Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok

When can 17-year-olds be refused to leave Ukraine?

Travelling abroad at the age of 17 may be restricted if the child is not registered for military service. Registration for men begins at the age of 16, and if a 17-year-old boy does not have a military registration, border guards may refuse to allow him to travel.

However, it is not enough to have a registration certificate. This document must contain up-to-date records from the territorial recruitment centre.

If you face any difficulties in travelling abroad, we recommend that you seek professional assistance. Our migration lawyers will always be happy to help, even in the most complex matters. You can also get advice on collecting documents for migration.

We remind you! Children living abroad who want to study Ukrainian subjects in more depth will be able to do so with the help of a new project. Read here how it will work and what you need to do to transfer your child to a Ukrainian class.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can get legal advice on migration law. Our lawyers will answer all your questions and, if necessary, help you collect, submit and receive the documents you need. You can order a specialist consultation or full legal support by following this link.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip:

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2024, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.

Frequantly

asked questions

Who is not subject to mobilization in 2024 in Ukraine?

Men under 25 and over 60 years of age, as well as persons who are declared unfit and excluded from the lists of persons liable for military service, are not subject to mobilization. In addition, caregivers for the disabled and women will not be mobilized, as they can only be mobilized voluntarily.

What professions are men allowed to travel abroad?

Who is not liable for military service?

Who is liable for military service in time of war?

Recommended articles

2 min

Transport

Which border crossing points with Poland are undergoing repairs: a complete list

Which border crossing points with Poland are undergoing repairs: a complete list

Traffic on the border with Poland will be hampered until the end of November 2024 due to repair works at the main checkpoints. Find out more about the situation at important checkpoints, as well as about the most convenient ways to travel to Poland

04 Sep. 2024

2 min

Entry rules

Ukrainians warned of possible delays at the border with Hungary: details

Ukrainians warned of possible delays at the border with Hungary: details

There may be delays on the border between Ukraine and Hungary due to works at the Kosyno checkpoint. Find out how these works will affect the border crossing and what to consider when planning your trip

21 Aug. 2024

2 min

Travel

The EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) will be launched on November 10, what will change for Ukrainians?

The EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) will be launched on November 10, what will change for Ukrainians?

Starting November 10, the European Union will introduce a new IT border control system, the Entry/Exit Scheme (EES). It will automatically record the entry and exit of non-EU citizens, including Ukrainians. Find out how this will affect the time and rules for crossing the border and who will not be able to enter the EU

24 Sep. 2024

2 min

For foreigners in UA

Residence permit in Ukraine through a sole proprietor: everything you need to know

Residence permit in Ukraine through a sole proprietor: everything you need to know

Starting a business in Ukraine has become easier for foreigners due to the simplification of the sole proprietorship registration procedure. However, in 2024, this is not a basis for obtaining a residence permit. Find out what rules apply and how to legalize your stay in Ukraine on the basis of doing business

13 Sep. 2024

Refund policy

Refund policy

Public offer

Public offer

About us

VisitUkraine.Today is a service portal for tourists traveling to Ukraine and Ukrainians planning a trip abroad.

On the portal you can order the following products/services:
• medical insurance for entry into Ukraine with coverage of military risks;
• travel and health insurance for leaving the country;
• legal advice (professional legal support on visa and migration issues);
• Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad

To order, you need to fill out an electronic form and make a payment, after which the finished insurance document will be sent to the specified e-mail within 30 minutes.

The website also contains the necessary and most up-to-date information on:
• rules of crossing the Ukrainian border by foreign citizens;
• rules of entry of Ukrainians to 200 countries of the world for tourism, work (business), study or immigration purposes;
• visa information.

All information on the website is updated daily and is available in three languages - Ukrainian, English and Russian.

Customer support (English speaking) is available - online chats (around the clock) and a call center (08:00-21:00 Kyiv time) - if you need clarification of the information provided or prompt assistance in resolving problems and misunderstandings related to ordering.

The portal was developed by the Ukrainian organization Visit Ukraine.
VisitUkraine is a public union that, since 2018, has been engaged in the promotion and popularization of Ukrainian tourism on the domestic and foreign markets, but the war made its adjustments. Now we are working on the information front.

In addition to the help portal, we have created several other projects:

Visit Ukraine Tours is the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste.
Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
Cooperation – cooperation and advertising integrations with the Visit Ukraine and Visit World projects.
Visit Ukraine Tickets- purchase tickets for several types of transport - buses, trains (in Ukraine and Europe) and flights (in Europe)
Visit Ukraine Hotel is a search engine where you can easily and affordably book a hotel in a number of Ukrainian cities.
Visit Ukraine Donate is a charity project that organizes fundraisers to support Ukrainians and the needs of the military. Anyone can donate any amount in a convenient way from anywhere in the world. Let's bring victory closer together!

We transfer 25% of the proceeds from the sale to the Armed Forces and aid to Ukrainian refugees.

PUBLIC ORGANIZATION «VISIT UKRAINE»
01012, Kyiv, Independence Square Street, 2 , office 814-А
01001, Kyiv, Krestovy lane, 8/9
EDRPOU 41805188
Tel: +380939724145
[email protected]

Cooperation

Our partners

Cooperation with guides and tour operators

Visit Ukraine is a service portal where every user can get up-to-date information on entering Ukraine for citizens of 200+ countries, as well as purchase extended war risk insurance, train/bus/plane tickets, branded merchandise and order a safe tour of Ukraine.

Currently, we have the largest bank of tours in Ukraine and we plan to expand it!

We offer cooperation to guides and tour operators who conduct a tour of Ukraine.
Namely, free placement of your tours on our website.

To get additional information about cooperation - please fill out the form and our manager will contact you!

FAQ

- - What COVID documents do I need to have with me when entering Ukraine now?
    On July 1, 2023, the Ukrainian authorities lifted the quarantine and other restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From now on, you do not need to provide proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test result or wear a protective mask to enter Ukraine.
  - Is it safe to visit Ukraine during the war?
    Recently, the number of foreign travelers has increased in Ukraine. They visit the country for various purposes: volunteering, participating in humanitarian programs, filming reports or documentaries, setting up a business, etc. There are currently no cities in Ukraine that are completely safe. And although the main fighting is concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, the entire country is subject to regular rocket attacks.
  - What are your safety recommendations before traveling to Ukraine?
    Here are some important tips:
    • Make electronic copies of all documents and save them on your electronic device so that you always have access to them.
    • Find out in advance the curfew time in the region where you are going.
    • Install the Air Alert app on your smartphone and, upon receiving the signal, immediately go to the nearest shelter. You should also do the same if you hear the corresponding signal on the street.
    • When choosing a hotel, consider the availability of bomb shelters.
    • Inform your family and friends about your route and keep in touch with them.
    • Take out health insurance with extended coverage.
    Do foreigners need to register their stay in Ukraine?
    No, if the period of stay in the country is no more than 90 days. If a foreigner arrives for a period longer than 90 days, in this case, he or she needs a temporary or permanent residence permit, as well as registration at the place of residence.
    Can I enter Ukraine with an expired residence permit?
    Yes. Foreigners (except for citizens of the Russian Federation) and stateless persons have the right to enter and legally stay in Ukraine if they have a temporary or permanent residence permit that has expired or is subject to exchange after February 24, 2022.
    How to enter Ukraine with pets?
    Currently, entry to Ukraine with pets is subject to a simplified procedure. Pet owners must provide the following documents to customs:
    • a veterinary passport of the European standard or a certificate of animal health;
    • proof of valid rabies vaccination;
    • a document on the animal's chipping.
    How do I enter Ukraine with my own car with foreign registration?
    Foreign citizens can import cars with foreign license plates into the territory of Ukraine exclusively for their own use. To cross the border in a car with foreign registration, you need the following documents:
    • foreign passport;
    • driver's license;
    • certificate of registration for the car with valid insurance;
    • international automobile insurance card "Green Card".
    Important: foreign nationals with a residence permit in Ukraine may import a car with foreign license plates for their own use after a written declaration and payment of customs duties.
    What happens to foreigners and stateless persons who are not allowed to enter Ukraine?
    Foreigners and stateless persons who are not allowed to enter Ukraine, when attempting to enter Ukraine at a checkpoint across the state border of Ukraine, do not cross the state border of Ukraine and return as soon as possible to the state from which they came or to the state that issued their passport document. If it is not possible to return a foreigner or stateless person immediately, they stay at the checkpoint across the state border of Ukraine until their return.
    What should I do if I have been banned from entering Ukraine?
    If you become aware of a ban on entry to Ukraine while trying to pass passport control at the border of Ukraine, you should politely ask for a decision to refuse to cross the border, indicating the specific reason for the entry ban. You can appeal the decision to deny entry within 30 days from the date of familiarization with it. It is strictly forbidden to argue with border guards or violate the rules of stay at the checkpoint, otherwise you may be held administratively liable. You should remember the rules of staying at the checkpoint.
  Insurance policy
  Is insurance required to enter Ukraine?
  All foreign citizens are required to have an insurance policy covering the costs of Covid-19 treatment in Ukraine.
  For how long do I have to take out an insurance policy?
  According to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1236, an insurance policy must be issued for the entire period of stay in Ukraine. The minimum period is not specified.
  Where can I get acquainted with the terms of the insurance contract?
  You can familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the insurance contract on our website in the section on insurance policy issuance.
  Is it necessary to buy an insurance policy for children?
  Yes, if a child has foreign citizenship, regardless of age, he or she must have an insurance policy for the entire period of stay in Ukraine.
  I am a foreign citizen, can I buy a policy in Ukraine?
  No, the insurance policy must be presented at the border control.
  What is war risk insurance and what war risks does it cover?
  This policy guarantees monetary compensation in the event of an accident as a result of military operations, passive military risks, terrorist acts, including emergency care, outpatient treatment, hospitalization and repatriation of the insured person (or his/her body in case of death) from the place of stay to the place of his/her permanent residence.
  Who can take out insurance?
  The insurance policy applies to foreign nationals, citizens of another state and stateless persons. There are no age restrictions: minors and people over 70 can buy insurance. In addition, insurance is mandatory for journalists, reporters, correspondents, opinion leaders, and media representatives. This is enshrined in the Law of Ukraine on Insurance (Article 7).
  What is the territory covered by the insurance policy covering war risks?
  The insurance policy is valid on the territory of Ukraine, except for the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, as well as the territories of direct combat operations (front line).
  Are there any restrictions on the validity period of the insurance policy covering war risks?
  The insurance contract comes into force from the moment the insurance premium is paid in full, but not before the date and time of crossing the state border of Ukraine. You choose the duration of the insurance - it depends on the number of days of your stay in Ukraine.
  I can't pay for the insurance, what should I do?
  If your payment fails, we recommend contacting your bank, as they often do not trust payment systems. You need to confirm that it is you who is making the transaction.
  I have taken out insurance, but I have not received a code. What should I do?
  In this case, we advise you to reload the page, clear the cache, change the language on the page, or use a different browser.
  What should I do if the policy does not arrive at the specified mail for more than 30 minutes?
  Please contact the hotline and provide the data that was specified when applying for insurance.
  Do I need to print out the electronic policy?
  You do not need to print out the electronic insurance policy. It is enough to save it to your phone or tablet to always have access to the document and present it to border control representatives.
  What should I do if I have purchased a policy but my trip is canceled?
  Please inform the portal hotline about the reasons for the trip cancellation and we will be happy to reschedule the dates for you.
  What should I do if I provided incorrect data when applying for an insurance policy?
  You can always contact the portal hotline and we will make the necessary changes to the insurance policy free of charge and promptly.