In February 2022, millions of Ukrainians crossed the border on the basis of an internal passport. Has the situation changed in 2024? Learn more about the rules for leaving and entering Ukraine without a foreign passport

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Since February 24, 2022, tens of thousands of people in Ukraine have been fleeing the line of attack by the russian occupiers to safe places, both in the country and abroad.

Due to the fact that not every refugee has the opportunity to collect identity documents, or no passport at all, for almost 2 months, representatives of the State Border Guard Service have been crossing the border with or without any available documents.

However, there are currently cases of citizens refusing to cross the border without a valid foreign passport.

Visit Ukraine received clarification on the current situation:

Admission of adult citizens of Ukraine is carried out on foreign passports in accordance with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of January 27, 1995 N 57.

Certain decisions may be made regarding those who travel abroad for evacuation or treatment. It is important to have the necessary documents confirming the purpose of the trip.

Note that each case is considered individually. Border guards may make exceptions for refugees without a foreign passport at their own discretion, provided that other identity documents are available and that there is hostilities in the region from which the passenger is leaving.

We will remind that in safe regions citizens of Ukraine can recover the lost documents or order registration of the foreign passport. We have already written here about the Centers of Administrative Services that work.

Departure of minor children abroad

According to the State Border Guard Service, during martial law children under 16 can leave without the notarized consent of the other parent accompanied by one of the parents, grandparents, adult brothers, sisters, stepmother, stepfather or other persons authorized by one of the parents in writing, certified by the guardianship authority.

The child must have a foreign passport or birth certificate (in the absence of a passport), on the basis of which will be allowed to cross the state border.