Is it possible to cross the Ukrainian border without a foreign passport in 2025?

In 2025, a foreign passport will be a mandatory requirement for most Ukrainians planning to cross the border. Learn more about why you need to apply for a foreign passport and in which cases this document is not necessary

Issuing a policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

BUY

At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, millions of Ukrainians crossed the border with their internal passports. However, over the course of three years of war, the rules and requirements have changed and been updated. Will it be possible to cross the Ukrainian border without a foreign passport in 2025? Let's find out.

What documents will be required to cross the Ukrainian border in 2025?

According to Article 6 of the Law of Ukraine ‘On Border Control’, persons may cross the state border with valid passport documents.

According to Article 2 of the Law of Ukraine ‘On the Procedure for Departure from Ukraine and Entry into Ukraine of Citizens of Ukraine,’ in 2025, the state border of Ukraine can be crossed on the basis of the following documents:

– passport of a citizen of Ukraine for travel abroad;

– diplomatic passport of Ukraine;

– service passport of Ukraine;

– seaman's identity card;

– crew member's identity card;

– identity card for return to Ukraine (gives the right to enter Ukraine).

Therefore, for civilians who do not have special identity cards, a foreign passport is a mandatory document.

Important! According to the same regulatory act, other documents may be used to cross the border if provided for by international treaties in force. Therefore, in case of any doubts or controversial situations, we recommend that you consult a migration lawyer in advance.

Follow the link and find out who is entitled to cross the state border without queuing.

Why do you need a foreign passport when crossing the border?

Any passport document (in particular, a foreign passport) performs a number of functions defined in Article 1 of the Law of Ukraine ‘On Border Control’:

– confirmation of citizenship;

– identification of the holder (determination of belonging to a specific person);

– establishing the validity of documents;

– regulating and coordinating the border crossing procedure.

Important! If your passport document was issued by a statutory organisation of the UN rather than by the authorised state bodies of Ukraine, it must be recognised by Ukraine.

Earlier, we reported that the Ustyluh-Zosin checkpoint on the border with Poland will operate with restrictions until the end of December.

How much does it cost to obtain a foreign passport in Ukraine in 2025?

The cost of obtaining a foreign passport depends on the urgency:

– if the document is issued within 20 working days (standard) – 1042.00 UAH.

– if the document is issued within 7 working days (urgent) – 1682.00 UAH.

Please note! No mark about crossing the state border is made in the passport documents of Ukrainian citizens (based on Article 12 of the Law of Ukraine ‘On Border Control’).

If you are planning a trip with your four-legged friend, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the current rules for transporting animals by rail.

How to cross the border if your foreign passport has expired?

If your foreign passport has expired or been lost while you are in another country, you can cross the border on the basis of an identity card for return to Ukraine. The relevant document is issued by a diplomatic mission or consular office of Ukraine abroad.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

How to obtain an identity document for return to Ukraine?

The processing and issuance of the document takes 1 to 5 working days.

To do this, the applicant must submit the following documents to a diplomatic mission of Ukraine abroad:

1. Application form.

2. A document (protocol, certificate, etc.) issued by a competent authority of a foreign state confirming the fact that the person has reported the loss or theft of an identity document, confirming Ukrainian citizenship and giving the right to leave Ukraine and enter Ukraine.

3. Identity document (if available).

4. Document confirming the identity and status of a stateless person who has the right to permanent residence in Ukraine (if available).

5. Certificate of registration as a citizen of Ukraine (if the child was born abroad and one or both parents are citizens of Ukraine and permanently reside in Ukraine, and if such a child has not been issued with documents certifying their identity, confirming their Ukrainian citizenship and/or giving them the right to leave Ukraine and enter Ukraine).

6. Child's birth certificate or document confirming the fact of birth, issued by a competent authority of a foreign state (if available).

7. Document certifying the identity of the legal representative (if documents are submitted by a legal representative).

8. Receipt for payment of the consular fee.

The certificate for return to Ukraine is valid for 30 days. However, it may be extended in case of illness, accident or other special circumstances.

Please note! For a safe stay abroad, it is advisable to take out reliable medical insurance in advance, which will not only help you stay healthy, but also protect you from unforeseen expenses. You can purchase an insurance policy that covers emergency medical care in case of illness and accidents, as well as inpatient and outpatient care worldwide on the Visit Ukraine website. In addition, on our portal you can immediately take out car insurance – “Green Card”, which is mandatory in 50 countries around the world, including EU countries.

Reminder! Earlier, we reported on which men will be able to travel abroad in 2025.

Photo: Freepik