How Journalists Can Travel Abroad in 2026: What Documents Are Required and Who Issues the Permits

New rules for media representatives traveling abroad have been in effect in Ukraine since the beginning of 2026. Find out who issues the permits for journalists, what documents need to be prepared, and for how long travel is permitted

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

BUY

Since the beginning of 2026, updated rules for crossing the state border have been in effect in Ukraine for representatives of the media and the information sector. From now on, the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine issues authorization letters for journalists, media professionals, and strategic communications specialists to travel abroad.

This was reported by the State Border Guard Service. The relevant changes are provided for by Resolution No. 1509 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated November 19, 2025, which updated the Procedure for Crossing the State Border.

The new rules took effect on January 1, 2026, and currently apply to media representatives planning business trips abroad.

Who is eligible for the travel rules for media professionals?

The updated procedure applies to men aged 23 to 60 who work in the fields of media, information activities, and strategic communications. This refers to trips related to professional activities—such as participation in international events, conferences, forums, professional meetings, or other events abroad.

Who issues the letters for crossing the border?

According to the new rules, the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting issues the notification letter for media professionals’ travel. This document is one of the key requirements for crossing the state border. It is through this document that the state agency informs the border service of the citizen’s participation in the relevant event abroad.

The letter must specify:

● the date of departure abroad;

● the estimated date of return;

● the border crossing point;

● other information necessary to identify the trip.

Based on this document, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine makes a decision regarding the person’s passage across the border.

It is important to note that until early 2026, border guards reviewed letters issued by the Ministry of Culture. After the new rules took effect, the responsibility for issuing these notification letters was transferred to the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

What documents does a journalist need to travel abroad?

In addition to the letter from the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting, a media representative must have several other mandatory documents. To cross the state border, the following must be prepared:

● an invitation from a foreign organization to participate in an event, translated into Ukrainian;

● a Ukrainian passport for travel abroad;

● a military registration document with the relevant marks from the Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (TCRSS) and the Service of Ukraine for Military Service (SP), or in electronic form.

It is the presence of a complete set of documents that allows border guards to verify the purpose of the trip and decide whether to grant entry.

By the way, during any trip abroad, it is also important to ensure medical coverage. If you are planning a business trip or participation in international events, it is advisable to arrange travel insurance in advance. On the Visit Ukraine portal, Ukrainians can quickly apply for an insurance policy online, which will help avoid significant expenses in the event of illness or an accident while abroad.

Maximum duration of stay abroad

For media professionals traveling abroad under this procedure, there is a clear limit on the duration of the trip. The maximum duration of a temporary stay abroad cannot exceed 60 calendar days. After this period ends, the person must return to Ukraine.

When can border crossing be denied?

Even if all documents are present, the final decision regarding passage across the state border is made by representatives of the State Border Guard Service. According to current legislation, border guards may deny exit if:

● the purpose of the trip is not properly confirmed;

● the documents are incorrectly filled out or contain inaccuracies;

● one of the required documents is missing.

Therefore, it is important to check the entire set of documents before traveling and ensure that the information in them meets legal requirements.

We remind you! Starting in late 2026, Ukrainians will be required to pay for entry into EU countries through the ETIAS system. Read about how much the authorization costs, how to obtain it, who is exempt from payment, and what risks to consider before traveling.

Photo: Freepik

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

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.

© 2018-2026, 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.