The conditions for Ukrainian citizens to travel abroad have changed since the beginning of the war. Initially, European countries accepted Ukrainians without passports. However, now neighboring countries have returned to standard requirements. Find out what changes have taken place in the conditions for Ukrainian citizens with internal passports and whether children can travel abroad with a birth certificate

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

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Since February 24, 2022, European countries have been providing Ukrainian refugees with temporary shelter and asylum in other countries. This allowed many Ukrainian citizens to cross the border with or without internal passports. However, now the neighboring countries have returned to the usual requirements, which means that you need to have a foreign passport to cross the border. 

We are going to tell you about the changes in the conditions for traveling abroad for both children and adults. 

What has changed in the conditions for traveling abroad?

According to Andriy Demchenko, a spokesman for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, in a commentary to RBC-Ukraine, neighboring countries primarily require a passport to cross the border. 

"In the first months of the war, the neighboring countries were actively working to ensure that people could cross the border with internal passports as well. However, there are agreements that define the list of documents that give grounds for crossing the border," the SBGS spokesperson comments.

According to the information, the conditions for children have remained unchanged, and they can travel abroad with a birth certificate. However, it is important to take into account all possible restrictions and requirements that may be imposed when entering other countries.

In general, although most countries have reverted to requiring a foreign passport to cross borders, there are exceptional situations where an alternative to an internal passport may be considered.

There are exceptions for those crossing the border as refugees from war zones. 

In such cases, when a person is unable to quickly obtain a foreign passport, the neighboring country may consider letting a Ukrainian citizen pass on an internal passport.

"If a person is crossing the border as a refugee, primarily from areas where hostilities are taking place, and they have objective reasons for not being able to renew their passport or make a passport quickly, then in exceptional cases, the neighboring country may let Ukrainian citizens pass on their internal passports," Demchenko explains.

The SBGS examines the circumstances of the departure and may contact the border guards of neighboring countries to find out whether it is possible to let people pass on internal passports in circumstances where they cannot obtain a foreign passport in urgent circumstances.

It should be noted that conditions are subject to change, and citizens planning to travel abroad should follow the updates and consult official sources of information before departure.

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Customs regulations of different European countries 

Everyone goes through customs control when crossing the border.  

Ukraine shares borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. Border guards check travelers' luggage for prohibited products, as many countries have restrictions on what you can bring into the country, including food, pets, and medicines.  

Even over-the-counter medications may be prohibited. 

To avoid problems at the border, you need to know the list of permitted and prohibited items, which each country establishes independently.  

Traveling abroad in your own car 

When planning to travel abroad or while already there in your own car, it is important not only to prepare the necessary documents and check the technical condition of the car, but also to take care of insurance, because the Ukrainian policy of OSAGO is not valid abroad.  

To protect yourself from unforeseen expenses, a car owner should take care of a Green Card policy in advance before traveling.   

It's worth remembering that in many countries, a policy is required to enter the country or drive within its territory. To ensure safe traveling by your own car outside Ukraine, take out the necessary insurance by following the link.

We remind you! Despite the threats associated with a full-scale invasion of russia, Ukrainians, foreign citizens and stateless persons can freely enter the territory of Ukraine during the war, but subject to certain restrictions. Read all about the current rules for crossing the Ukrainian border, required documents, visa rules, restrictions and other important aspects that will help you prepare for your trip to Ukraine here.


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