How to return to Ukraine without a foreign passport: step-by-step instructions

Citizens of Ukraine who left during the war found themselves abroad without a valid travel document. Find out more about how to return home without a passport, what documents are needed, how to obtain an identity card for returning to Ukraine, where to apply and what are the terms of issuance

Legal advice for Ukrainians

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Due to the full-scale invasion, many Ukrainians were forced to urgently travel abroad using their internal passports or other documents. As a result, many are now facing the problem of returning to Ukraine without a passport.

Fortunately, Ukrainian law provides for a mechanism for returning citizens who have lost or do not have a valid document for traveling abroad. In such a situation, the main document entitling you to enter Ukraine is a return to Ukraine certificate.

💡Lost your passport and don't know how to return to Ukraine? 

Don't worry! Our migration lawyers will help you quickly and easily obtain an identity card for returning to Ukraine. We will tell you what documents you need, where to apply and how to avoid bureaucratic difficulties.

What is an identity card for returning to Ukraine?

This is a temporary document that allows a citizen of Ukraine or persons with the right to permanent residence in Ukraine to return to their homeland in case of loss or absence of a passport for traveling abroad.

The certificate may be issued to:

- Citizens of Ukraine, if:

their foreign passport has expired;

the passport has been recognized as invalid;

the document was lost or stolen;

the person has never issued a passport for traveling abroad.

- Stateless persons who have the right to permanent residence in Ukraine.

- Refugees or persons in need of additional protection.

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How to get an identity card for returning to Ukraine?

Step 1: Apply to a diplomatic mission

A citizen of Ukraine or his/her legal representative must apply to the nearest diplomatic mission of Ukraine at the place of residence (embassy or consulate).

Step 2: Submitting the necessary documents

To obtain the certificate, you need to submit:

- Application form (to be filled in at the consulate).

- A document from the competent authorities of the country of residence confirming the fact of reporting the loss or theft of the passport (police report, certificate, etc.).

- Identification document (if available: internal passport, copy of foreign passport, driver's license, etc.)

- Documents confirming the citizenship of Ukraine (for example, a birth certificate for children, a certificate of citizenship).

- Document of a legal representative (if the documents are not submitted by the applicant).

- Receipt of payment of the consular fee (the amount of the fee should be checked with a particular consulate).

Step 3: Waiting for the issuance

Registration and issuance of the certificate is carried out within 1-5 business days from the date of submission of all documents and verification of information.

Validity of the certificate

An identity card for returning to Ukraine is valid for up to 30 days. In case of unforeseen circumstances (illness, accident, etc.), the validity period may be extended, but not more than for 30 days.

Is it possible to return to Ukraine without a residence permit?

In some cases, the border services of neighboring countries may allow a Ukrainian citizen to cross the border without a foreign passport if he or she has an internal passport or a copy of a foreign passport. However, this depends on the legislation of a particular country, and it is not worth the risk.

Important tips for those who have lost their passport abroad

1. Immediately contact the police in your host country if your passport has been stolen. This will help to avoid possible fraudulent use of the document.

2. Make copies of all important documents (foreign and domestic passports, birth certificate, etc.) and store them in cloud services or on a flash drive.

3. Before traveling, check the information at the Ukrainian consulate in the country of your stay - the rules may change.

Always take care of the security of your documents and find out the rules of entry in advance to avoid unforeseen situations.

Returning to Ukraine without a foreign passport is real! However, it can take a lot of time and nerves to complete the paperwork on your own. Visit Ukraine lawyers know all the nuances and pitfalls, so we will help you quickly and hassle-free get an identity card for returning to Ukraine and avoid possible refusals.

✅ We will check your documents before submission

✅ Accompany you in communication with consular offices

✅ We will help you speed up the registration process

Contact our specialists at the link and we will find the best solution for your return home!

We remind you! Visit Ukraine now offers professional translation of documents of any complexity with notarization by experienced translators in Ukraine. Read about the full range of services for the translation of passports, diplomas, certificates and other documents, as well as the terms and prices in our previous article.

Photo: Archip Vereshchagin/TASS

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