Which women are prohibited from leaving Ukraine in 2026 and is their mobilization possible?

Restrictions on travel abroad will apply to certain categories of women in Ukraine in early 2026. Find out who may be denied entry, what rules apply to female military and civil servants, whether women can be mobilized, and what documents are required for legal travel during martial law

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At the beginning of 2026, Ukraine will have certain restrictions on women's travel abroad, depending on their professional status and involvement in the civil service or military. Since the introduction of martial law, travel restrictions have been imposed not only on men but also on certain categories of women.

Travel restrictions are an important element of the state's mobilization policy during wartime. They are aimed at ensuring the functioning of critical industries, retaining personnel in the security forces, and maintaining the country's defense capabilities. Women who hold certain positions or have special skills that can be useful for the state in wartime are subject to restrictions on their movement.

In this article, we will look at which women cannot leave the territory of Ukraine in 2026 and what rules apply to different groups of the population.

💡Are you sure that your status allows you to cross the border without hindrance?
 

If you have any questions about departure, mobilization or legalization abroad, contact professional migration lawyers. Get advice and avoid risks!

Women's mobilization in Ukraine in 2026: what is known

On December 3, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted in the first reading draft law No. 12076, which stipulates that women who wish to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine must register for military conscription and undergo basic military training. After completing the training, their data will be entered into the military register, and they themselves will automatically acquire the status of those liable for military service.

However, the law on mobilization does not contain provisions on the mandatory conscription of women into the Armed Forces of Ukraine - they can conclude a contract for service exclusively voluntarily. However, there are exceptions.

General rules for military registration of women in Ukraine in 2026 at the link.

Read here, which regions of Ukraine most often serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Military registration for women with medical and pharmaceutical education

From July 30, 2025, new rules for military registration for women with medical or pharmaceutical education came into force in Ukraine.

According to the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 916, such women are automatically registered for military registration - without their personal participation. Educational institutions that train specialists in the field of medicine and pharmacy - professional, professional pre-higher and higher - must submit lists of their graduates to the CCC and the Joint Military Service within 7 days after completing their studies.

However, despite automatic registration, every woman who has received a medical or pharmaceutical education is obliged to personally appear at the CCC within 60 days after graduation to pass a military medical commission (MMC). It is she who will determine suitability for military service.

Important! Forced mobilization of women with medical and pharmaceutical education is not carried out. Despite being included in the registry, women can only serve in the military voluntarily.

Read more about the new rules for military registration for women with medical and pharmaceutical education here.

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Restrictions on women's departure from Ukraine in 2026: who is subject to the ban?

Women in the military

Women who are doing military service under a contract have a status equal to men who are subject to military service. Accordingly, they are subject to general restrictions on crossing the state border during martial law.

At the same time, the legislation provides for two legal grounds for traveling abroad:

- business trip;

- official leave.

The key condition for crossing the border is the permission of the command and a complete, properly executed package of documents confirming the legality of the trip.

It is worth considering an important nuance: the border service has access to the "Oberig" register, which contains information about servicemen. However, due to the high workload at the checkpoint, the check may be carried out selectively.

If data on the military status of a person is not displayed or not checked, additional documents may not be requested. However, if the fact of military service is established, the servicewoman is obliged to present all necessary confirmations. The absence or incomplete package of documents is a reason for refusing to travel abroad.

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Civil servants

Civil servants can cross the state border of Ukraine only if they have properly executed documents confirming the purpose and legal grounds for the trip. This is noted by migration law lawyers.

There are three main reasons for civil servants to travel abroad:

1. Business trip

It is necessary to provide a full package of documents from a state institution confirming:

- status of a civil servant;

- position held;

- purpose of the trip;

- country and specific place of travel.

2. Vacation

To go on vacation, an official permit from a state institution is required, which determines the possibility of crossing the border and clear terms of stay outside Ukraine.

3. Dismissal from civil service

In the event of dismissal, if the information has not yet been updated in official registers, the person must present documents confirming the termination of civil service. The Border Guard has the right to verify their authenticity.

The key condition for successful border crossing is a complete and correctly executed package of documents confirming the purpose of the trip, the terms and place of stay abroad, as well as the fact of taking up or terminating a position.

Usually, if all the necessary documents are available, there are no problems with crossing the border. The Border Guard Service carries out a check through official state registers, in particular, the Register of Insured Persons of the Pension Fund of Ukraine, which contains information about the place of work and position.

Important! In September 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine amended the rules for crossing the state border for female deputies of local councils. Such women can travel abroad without restrictions.

In addition, female deputies who work on a voluntary basis and do not receive a salary for work in local government bodies were allowed to leave.

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Who else among women may be denied entry into Ukraine in 2026?

During martial law in Ukraine, there are no general restrictions on women's travel abroad. At the same time, there are certain categories of women who may be denied entry into Ukraine by the border service on legal grounds. The main reasons for refusal of entry are:

1. Lack of a valid passport

An invalid or missing passport is an unconditional reason for refusal of entry into Ukraine.

2. Restrictions related to legal status

Exit may also be denied to women who:

- Are under administrative police supervision - until its termination;

- Have access to information constituting a state secret - until the expiration of the relevant restrictions;

- Are suspects in criminal proceedings and have a preventive measure in the form of a ban on traveling abroad;

- Have been convicted of committing a criminal offense.

3. Financial and tax grounds

Exit may be restricted if a woman is the head of a legal entity and has a tax debt of more than 1 million UAH, which has not been repaid within 240 calendar days from the date of delivery of the tax claim - until the debt is fully paid.

4. Restrictions related to children and family obligations

A refusal is also possible if a woman:

- Has an administrative penalty for failure to fulfill parental duties - a ban on leaving with a child for a period of 1 year (with the notarized consent of the other parent, departure is allowed);

- Has arrears in alimony payments, if its amount is equal to or exceeds the amount of payments for four months.

In general, most Ukrainian women have the right to travel abroad freely, even during martial law. Restrictions apply mainly to those who are in the civil service, military or law enforcement agencies, and only within the scope of their official duties.

Women who are registered with the military but not mobilized have no restrictions on traveling abroad.

The system of mobilization measures in the country continues to change, and therefore women planning to travel abroad should closely monitor legislative updates and contact official authorities for up-to-date information.

Given the current situation, further changes in the rules of departure are expected, so women are advised to check the current regulations before planning their trips.

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: armyinform.com.ua

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