Icon
Come back

2 min

30 Nov. 2023

34842

Rules of entry to Ukraine: how underage children can get to the homeland

Entry rules
Travel
Documents
Ukraine
Rules of entry to Ukraine: how underage children can get to the homeland

Crossing the border of Ukraine is always a topical issue. However, it becomes even more relevant when it comes to crossing the border with children. Find out more about the rules minors need to follow to return to Ukraine

Do you need legal advice? Order the "Private lawyer" service online — quickly and professionally
Do you need legal advice? Order the "Private lawyer" service online — quickly and professionally
BUY


Citizens who were forced to leave the country because of the full-scale war continue to come to Ukraine. Now crossing the border of Ukraine for citizens is made without any difficulties. We tell you how underage Ukrainians to return home and what documents are needed for this.


It is worth noting that citizens of Ukraine, including minors, can return home without restrictions.


However, it should be remembered that the following rules must be observed:


- entry/entry to the territory of the checkpoint of citizens crossing the state border, stay at the checkpoint and exit/exit of citizens from it is carried out by passport documents;

- citizens crossing the state border are obliged to pass border, customs and other types of control in accordance with the legislation;

- a passport document or identity card for return to Ukraine is considered valid if it corresponds to the established sample, issued by an authorised body, is duly executed and belongs to the citizen presenting it;

- for border control citizens present passport documents, and in cases stipulated by the legislation, confirming documents without covers and unnecessary attachments to the authorised officials of the state border protection unit.


What to do if my passport is lost?


According to the legislation of Ukraine, citizens must present one of the following documents to enter the country:


1. passport of a citizen of Ukraine for travelling abroad;

2. diplomatic passport;

3. service passport;

4. a child's travel document (valid for the period for which it was issued);

5. sailor's identity card;

6. crew member's identity card.


If these documents are lost outside of Ukraine or their validity period has expired (invalid for other reasons), citizens should apply to the diplomatic mission of Ukraine in other countries, where they will be issued a certificate of return to the country.




Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok




What if the child is disabled?


If a state of emergency or martial law is imposed on the territory of Ukraine, persons with disabilities have the right to cross the State border in the presence of a certificate confirming the appointment of social assistance, which specifies the group and cause of disability, or a certificate for the receipt of benefits by persons with disabilities who are not entitled to a pension or social assistance.


Return of illegally removed children


The Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction of 25 October 1980 regulates the procedure for the return of children under 16 years of age in the event of their unlawful removal from Ukraine, provided that the country in which the child is located is a party to the Convention.


However, the Convention does not regulate cases where children are taken away by mothers who fled the war after 24 February 2022.


A child under 16 years of age has the right to leave the territory of Ukraine accompanied by one parent without the consent of the other. From the age of 16, a child has the right to cross the border independently. And the fact that during martial law the father did not give permission for the departure of the child does not mean that he was taken out of Ukraine illegally. Therefore, it will be difficult for him to return the child during martial law. 


A child who has reached the age of 16 may return to Ukraine on his/her own. The consent of one of the parents is not required. 


We remind you! The number of foreigners and Ukrainians who seek to get to Ukraine is not decreasing. We tell you about the current rules of entry, as well as what documents are required during the trip here.



Photo: AP

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




You may be interested in:


Visit Ukraine Donation - make a good deed and an important contribution to the Victory of Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal advice - comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours - the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Merch - choose patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery;

Visit Ukraine News - get the latest news and updates in our Telegram channel;

Cooperation - cooperation and advertising integrations with Visit Ukraine and Visit World projects.




© 2018-2023, 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.

Recommended articles

3 min

Travel How much does a vacation in the Carpathians cost in December?

How much does a vacation in the Carpathians cost in December?

Western Ukraine is one of the most popular tourist destinations, especially in winter, as it has an incredible number of attractions for both outdoor activities and relaxation. Find out how much a tour to the Carpathians will cost in winter 2023-2024

29 Nov. 2023

More details

3 min

Travel How to choose the right insurance policy for a trip abroad?

How to choose the right insurance policy for a trip abroad?

When choosing an insurance policy for travel, it is important to consider several key aspects: the type of coverage, its scope, the amount of insurance, etc. Find out more about what other important details you should consider when choosing insurance for traveling abroad

20 Mar. 2024

More details

3 min

Events Preparations for the winter holidays in Kyiv and the region: St. Nicholas' residences, Christmas tree sales, ice rinks

Preparations for the winter holidays in Kyiv and the region: St. Nicholas' residences, Christmas tree sales, ice rinks

Kyiv region has begun active preparations for the New Year holidays. Find out more about where you can go with your children, where to buy a Christmas tree, and what free attractions have already been opened for residents and visitors

30 Nov. 2023

More details

3 min

Documents Invitation letter to enter Ukraine: how to obtain and when is it needed?

Invitation letter to enter Ukraine: how to obtain and when is it needed?

An invitation is the basis for obtaining a B, C or D type visa to enter Ukraine. Find out when a foreigner or stateless person needs to obtain an invitation and how to do it

30 Nov. 2023

More details