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

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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.

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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

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