How many Ukrainians did not return from abroad in 2025: data from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

The State Border Service of Ukraine has published statistics on border crossings in 2025. Find out how migration dynamics have changed, who left Ukraine and how often, as well as the main trends

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

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The analytical platform “Opendatabot” has published data from the State Border Service of Ukraine on the number of border crossings by Ukrainians in 2025.

According to the analysis, 290.3 thousand citizens left Ukraine abroad last year and did not return. However, it is worth noting that this figure decreased by almost 1.5 times compared to the previous year, as the number of non-returns in 2024 reached 443 thousand people.

Current statistics on departure from Ukraine and useful tips for those planning a trip abroad in this article.

Planning a trip abroad?

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How many times did travelers cross the border of Ukraine in 2025?

At the end of the year, border guards recorded more than 37 million border crossings - namely 37,088,261 cases. The number of entries and exits was almost the same:

- 18.4 million times people entered Ukraine;

- 18.7 million times - traveled abroad.

The vast majority of crossings - 86% - were made by citizens of Ukraine.

Increasing the number of trips - a trend for 2025

Opendatabot analysts note that in 2025 the intensity of trips increased. On average, the border was crossed about 2.7 million times per month, while in previous years this figure was at the level of 2.5 million.

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How many Ukrainians did not return from abroad?

In 2025, 16.1 million citizens left Ukraine, and 15.8 million returned. The difference between these indicators formed the number of so-called "conditional non-returns" - 290 thousand people.

In total, since 2022, according to official data, 3.1 million Ukrainians have left the territory controlled by Ukraine and have not returned. At the same time, 72% of them left the country in the first year of the full-scale invasion.

Despite the fact that the total number of trips is growing, analysts note a positive trend - the difference between those leaving and those returning is gradually decreasing, which may indicate a stabilization of migration processes.

What documents are needed to cross the border and leave Ukraine?

To successfully cross the border in 2025, you must have a number of documents with you. The main list includes:

1. Biometric passport or regular passport + visa (if the destination country requires a visa).

You can check the rules for entering a specific country on the main page of Visit Ukraine in the “From Ukraine” section, by selecting the desired direction in the search.

2. Documents confirming the right to travel (for men of military age).

During martial law in Ukraine, the travel abroad of men aged 18 to 60 is limited, but some categories still have the right to do so if they have the appropriate documents and grounds.

For more information on how to leave Ukraine for men who are entitled to a deferral, see our full guide.

3. Confirmation of the purpose of the trip (may be requested upon entry into another country). This may be an invitation, hotel reservation, tickets, etc.

4. An insurance policy that covers expenses in case of illness or accident abroad. Remember that insurance is an important aspect that can save your finances in unforeseen situations. You can apply for reliable travel insurance for a safe trip abroad on the Visit Ukraine portal in just a few minutes.

You can apply for reliable travel insurance for a safe trip abroad on the Visit Ukraine portal in just a few minutes!

5. To travel abroad, a child must have a birth certificate. It is important to note that children over the age of 16 can travel abroad unaccompanied by adults if they have a valid international passport.

In the event that a child has the status of an internally displaced person or his/her parents are in a temporarily occupied territory, special rules may apply, which should be clarified with the State Border Service of Ukraine before the trip.

Find all the details of crossing the border of Ukraine with a child here.

6. To cross the border with an animal, you must: microchipping the animal in accordance with ISO standards, vaccination against rabies - valid no earlier than 21 days after vaccination, an international veterinary passport indicating all vaccinations and a veterinary certificate of form No. 1, issued before departure.

Read more about the requirements for crossing the border with an animal and the necessary veterinary documents in our special material.

If your situation is atypical or you have doubts about your right to leave, it is better to consult a migration lawyer. You can do this online through Visit Ukraine so as not to risk being refused at the border. A qualified specialist will help you understand your specific situation and prepare all the necessary documents for departure.

Book a consultation and receive qualified support while preparing for your departure!

Rules for leaving Ukraine by car

If you plan to travel abroad by your own car, you must have with you:

1. International passport (valid for at least six months from the date of your planned return).

2. Driver's license (must be valid and meet international standards; the current national driver's license on a plastic card is trilingual and valid throughout Europe; if necessary, you can additionally issue an international driver's license at the Ministry of Internal Affairs service center)

3. Vehicle registration certificate (issued in the name of the driver or passenger).

4. Ukrainian license plate on the car (UA sticker - not required if the symbols are indicated on the license plate).

5. International insurance policy Green Card for a car - it is valid in European countries and confirms the presence of an international civil car. Without it, you will not be able to cross the border, and in the event of an accident you will receive a fine and the need to cover all expenses yourself.

Don't leave the registration of the policy to the last moment - apply for a Green Card online in a few minutes and go on a trip without unnecessary hassle!

This article discusses whether it is possible to drive a car with tinted windows abroad.

Read how to prepare a car for traveling abroad in this material.

We remind you! During martial law, leaving Ukraine remains possible, but the rules for crossing the border differ depending on gender, age, and purpose of travel. Border guards are carefully checking documents, and new biometric procedures may affect the speed of control. We have already talked about the current requirements for leaving Ukraine in 2026.

Photo – Freepik.com

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