Travelling with children abroad requires special attention to documents, especially in the context of temporary asylum in Poland. Find out about the current requirements for crossing the border with minors, the rules for using Diia.pl and important nuances that will help you avoid problems when travelling with children

Legal advice on migration issues for Ukrainians

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Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, many Ukrainian families have taken refuge in Poland, having received special status and documents for legal stay. However, travelling with PESEL UKR status requires a clear understanding of all the rules and requirements for crossing the border. It is especially important to know the current regulations on documents for minors and the rules for using digital services. All the important aspects that will help you avoid problems when crossing the border with children are described below.

Crossing the Polish border with PESEL UKR status: what do you need to know about travelling with children?

In order to legally cross the Polish border, Ukrainian citizens with temporary asylum (PESEL UKR) must have two main documents: an electronic certificate issued by Diia.pl in the mObywatel mobile application and a valid foreign passport.

It is important to note that a paper document on obtaining PESEL UKR issued by the local administration (urzędem) is not a basis for crossing the border.

Diia pl: features of using

Access to the mObywatel app with the Diia.pl electronic certificate is regulated depending on age. Adults and minors between 13 and 18 years of age can download and use the application independently. For children under 13, the data must be uploaded to the profile of one of the parents or guardians who applied for the child's PESEL UKR. Detailed instructions can be found here.

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Residence card in Poland: important information for Ukrainians with PESEL UKR status

Keep in mind that when one of the parents receives a residence card, the Diia.pl electronic certificate becomes inactive not only for the holder of the residence card, but also for the child whose data was linked to his/her profile. In this case, in order for the child to legally enter Poland, it is necessary to issue a separate residence card for him/her on the basis of family reunification.

Particular attention should be paid to the waiting period for the residence card, as the UKR status may be lost even before the physical residence card is issued. The cancellation of temporary asylum (PESEL UKR) takes place on the day of a positive decision on granting a residence permit, but voivodeship offices do not provide information on the date of such a decision.

Crossing the border with a child accompanied by third parties

When a minor child is travelling with third parties (relatives or acquaintances), a notarised permission for the child to travel abroad is a mandatory requirement. Such permission must be granted by both parents jointly or by each parent separately.

For a better understanding of Polish legislation, we recommend that you seek expert advice. Professional lawyers of Visit Ukraine portal provide full support and advice on migration issues to successfully resolve any nuances.

Just a reminder! Next year, foreign students in Poland will have to take into account new requirements for obtaining the right to temporary residence and study. Read more about the residence card for students and the change in the criteria for obtaining it in 2025 here.

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