Do I need a parent's permission for my child to travel abroad in 2026?

In times of war, many mothers or other family members try to take their children abroad. However, there are situations when the father is not around and cannot give his consent to the child's departure in writing. Find out if this document is needed for a child to cross the border without any problems in 2026

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For the period of martial law in Ukraine, the procedure for crossing the border by minors was simplified. In particular, in most cases, the norm that required a notarized permission from the other parent was abolished, but certain exceptions remained. Below, we will consider in which situations the consent of the father (or both parents) for a child to travel abroad may still be required, and when it can be dispensed with.

If you have any questions about departure, mobilization or legalization abroad, contact professional migration lawyers. Get advice and avoid risks!

Rules for crossing the border with children under 16

The official website of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine states that under martial law, the rules for crossing the border by children under 16 years of age are regulated by paragraph 13, clauses 2-3 of the current Rules. According to these provisions:

Children under 16 years of age may travel abroad accompanied by:

1. One of the parents (mother or father).

2. Grandparent.

3. Adult brother/sister.

4. Stepmother or stepfather.

5. Any other accompanying person, if he has a written statement from one of the parents, certified by the guardianship and trusteeship authority.

Read also: Crossing the border with a child in 2026. Updated rules and required documents.

When planning a trip with a child, don't forget the most important thing — health. Medical insurance, which can be purchased on the Visit Ukraine portal, guarantees access to quality care abroad: from pediatric consultations to emergency hospitalization. You can purchase a policy online in just a few minutes.

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When is it not necessary to obtain the consent of the second parent?

▪️ When a child under the age of 16 is travelling with one of the parents (father or mother). It is enough to have a birth certificate, and there is no need to talk about the need for a notarised consent of the other parent.

▪️ If the child is crossing the border with close relatives - grandparents, adult brother/sister, stepmother or stepfather. You will need documents confirming the relationship (for example, a birth certificate and other papers), but it is not necessary to have them notarised.

It is important to remember that some foreign countries may have their own additional rules. Therefore, it is worth clarifying in advance whether the consent of the second parent is required in a particular country, even if Ukrainian rules do not require it.

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

When is parental consent required?

If the child is accompanied by third parties who are not relatives (for example, family friends, coaches, section leaders, etc.), you will need:

- Notarized consent of BOTH parents plus the child's birth certificate and the child's international passport;

OR

- Written application for authorization to accompany the child from ONE parent, certified by the children's services at the place of application, plus the child's birth certificate and international passport.

At the link, Visit Ukraine lawyers explain what to do if a child went abroad on an excursion and returns with his parents: what documents are needed to cross the border?

To ensure your trip is safe and without delays at the border, take out international car insurance “Green Card”. It covers liability to third parties in the event of an accident abroad and is recognized in most European countries.

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Can a child be banned from crossing the Ukrainian border?

During martial law, one of the parents has the right to initiate a ban on the child's departure outside Ukraine. In such a case, the issue of the need for permission for the child to cross the border is considered from a different legal perspective.

At the same time, such a ban cannot be established orally. To do this, it is necessary to submit a written application to the Administration of the State Border Service of Ukraine and attach a notarized statement of disagreement with the child's departure abroad.

If there are reasonable grounds to believe that the child's departure may cause harm to him, the judicial authorities may provide the State Border Service with a corresponding order to ban the departure of a specific person.

In the event of receiving such an order, information about the child is entered into the relevant state databases. If the person against whom the ban is established tries to cross the border, the State Border Service has legal grounds to refuse departure and apply measures provided for by law.

Important! From October 12, 2025, a new border crossing procedure — EES (Entry/Exit System) — began to operate in the countries of the European Union. It replaces the usual stamps in passports and introduces automatic collection of biometric data upon entry and exit from the Schengen area. This is one of the most large-scale innovations in border control in recent decades. What changed for Ukrainians — read at the link.

Free travel from the age of 16

A minor who has reached the age of 16 has the right to cross the border independently without the consent or accompaniment of his or her parents. This rule does not depend on martial law and will continue to apply in 2025. That is, after reaching the age of 16, a teenager is free to travel abroad with his or her passport.

Read here which countries accept unaccompanied minors, what is required for studying abroad and what documents need to be prepared.

Important to remember! Citizens of Ukraine who have not reached the age of majority can cross the border without restrictions, but there are cases when they may be denied entry from Ukraine. Find out on what grounds border guards have the right to deny such persons entry.

💡Do you need help collecting documents for travelling abroad with a child?

Book a consultation with migration lawyers on the Visit Ukraine portal. Our experts will help you with the collection of documents and clarification of current rules.

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.

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

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