Ukraine introduces new rules for travelling abroad: who will be affected

The Cabinet of Ministers has published Resolution No. 213 amending the Rules for Crossing the State Border by Citizens of Ukraine. Find out who they will affect and how they will work
The Cabinet of Ministers has adopted a resolution amending the Rules for Crossing the State Border by Citizens of Ukraine. The amendments will affect men liable for military service who are transporting humanitarian aid or medical supplies. In addition, the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications will no longer provide assistance for the departure of artists and media professionals liable for military service.
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What are the new rules and who will they affect?
The changes apply to male drivers who transport humanitarian or medical goods for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, other military formations or the population of Ukraine.
Previously, such men were entered into the Shlyakh system, but now they can cross the border on a general basis. Information about such drivers will not be entered into the Shlyakh system and decisions on them will not be considered by regional military administrations.
‘A person must fall into the category of those who are allowed to travel abroad. For example, these are those who are excluded from military registration, or those who have three or more children in their care, or other categories that allow them to cross the border in accordance with the rules approved by the government,’ said Andriy Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, to RBC-Ukraine.
By the way, it is worth recalling that travelling abroad by car requires an international insurance policy. ‘The Green Card is a mandatory document for crossing the border, so we recommend that you apply for it in advance.
Who exactly can now allow me to travel abroad?
The decision to leave Ukraine for drivers who carry out transportation for the needs of the Armed Forces, other military formations formed in accordance with the laws of Ukraine, as well as medical and humanitarian aid cargo by road is made by the Ministry of Infrastructure or regional and Kyiv city military administrations, provided that there is appropriate justification for the vehicles of
- military, law enforcement agencies;
- military administrations;
- medical institutions;
- senders or recipients of humanitarian aid.
The decision to travel outside Ukraine, which allows crossing the state border, is valid for no more than six months.
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Changes for artists and media professionals
At the same time, the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications informs that starting from 3 March, it will suspend the issuance of letters of assistance to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine regarding the travel of artists and media professionals with military service abroad.
The reason is that due to gaps in the national legislation, there have been numerous cases where people who have received permission from the State Border Guard Service to temporarily travel abroad on the basis of a letter of assistance from the Ministry of Culture have not returned to Ukraine within the established timeframe.
‘The Ministry is aware of the importance and necessity of constant international cultural and media interaction and is currently working to eliminate this legal ambiguity,’ the statement said.
We remind you! In 2025, Ukraine will introduce rules on women travelling abroad and mobilisation under martial law. We told you which women cannot leave the country and which categories are subject to restrictions.
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