Liability for illegal border crossing for Ukrainians and foreigners: everything you need to know

The law provides for administrative and criminal liability for illegal border crossing in Ukraine. Find out all the details about the specifics of the punishment for the offence on the Visit Ukraine portal

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Opendatabot reports that in 2024, Ukrainians crossed the border more than 30 million times. Unfortunately, there are quite a few cases of offences during the procedure. It is also not uncommon for border crossings to be illegal and to take place outside checkpoints. In this article, we discuss administrative and criminal liability in such cases.

What is the liability for violation of the border regime?

Pursuant to Article 202 of the Code of Administrative Offences, violation of the border regime, the regime at checkpoints across the state border of Ukraine or the regime rules at entry-exit control points is punishable by a fine:

- for civilians: from UAH 850 to UAH 1700;

- for officials: from UAH 1700 to UAH 2550.

If the offence is repeated within a year, the fines will be higher:

- for civilians: from UAH 1700 to UAH 3400;

- for officials: from UAH 2550 to UAH 5100.

Please note! Pursuant to Article 16 of the Code of Administrative Offences, foreigners and stateless persons staying on the territory of Ukraine are subject to administrative liability on the same basis as Ukrainian citizens.

Read more about how to enter Ukraine in 2025 here.

What is the liability for evading mobilisation?

If an illegal border crossing is classified as mobilisation evasion, a person may be imprisoned for a term of 3 to 5 years. Evasion of conscription for military service during mobilisation, for a special period, or for military service by conscription of persons from among the reservists during a special period is punishable under Article 336 of the Criminal Code.

We have described the grounds for men to travel abroad in 2025 in our previous article.

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What is the liability for crossing the border by persons who pose a threat to the security of the state?

According to Art. 332 of the CCU, illegal border crossing is punishable by imprisonment for up to 3 years in the following cases

- the person crossed the border to harm the security of Ukraine;

- the person is banned from entering Ukraine;

- if the person is a representative of law enforcement agencies (e.g., army, law enforcement agencies) of another state and attempts to cross the border of Ukraine outside the checkpoint or does not have the relevant documents.

Please note!

1. If the offence is committed repeatedly or by a group of persons, the term of imprisonment is increased to 5 years.

2. If violent acts were committed or weapons were used during the border crossing, the term of imprisonment increases to 8 years.

The rules for crossing the border when entering Ukraine can be found here.

What is the liability for crossing the border for terrorist purposes?

Pursuant to Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the following penalties are provided for crossing the state border of Ukraine for terrorist purposes

- imprisonment for a term of 4 to 6 years;

- possible confiscation of property.

Please note!

1. If such an unlawful act is committed by an official or with the use of official position, the sentence will be from 5 to 8 years.

2. If the border crossing is carried out for terrorist purposes during a state of emergency or martial law, the sentence will be from 8 to 12 years with confiscation of property.

According to Art. 258 of the CCU, the following penalties are provided for financing the crossing of the state border of Ukraine for terrorist purposes

- imprisonment for a term of 5 to 8 years;

- prohibition to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to 2 years;

- confiscation of property.

In what cases is a person released from liability for crossing the border for terrorist purposes?

1. The person has voluntarily ceased criminal activity or its financing.

2. The person has reported the offence to a law enforcement agency.

3. The person contributed to the prevention or suppression of the crime.

Remember. Customs regulations provide for a list of items that cannot be brought across the border of Ukraine.

Photo: Pinterest

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