Rules for leaving Ukraine and entering the EU in 2025: a guide for Ukrainians

Ukrainians continue to face numerous questions regarding leaving the country under martial law and crossing the border with the EU in 2025. New rules, biometric systems, documents for adults and children — all of this requires clear answers and up-to-date information. Find out more about the rules for leaving Ukraine, entering the EU, the necessary documents and a verified checklist before your trip

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

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The war has forced many Ukrainians to seek temporary refuge or opportunities abroad. At the same time, the rules for leaving Ukraine and entering European Union countries are changing and require constant updating.

In this article, we have compiled the rules, tips and a list of necessary documents for 2025 that will help you cross the border safely and legally.

About queues at the border in 2025, checkpoint congestion and the best places to cross the border by car — read more at the link.

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Leaving Ukraine in 2025: who has the right to cross the border during the war?

Women travelling abroad

In 2025, most Ukrainian women have the right to leave the country freely. This applies to tourist trips as well as travel for the purpose of study, medical treatment or permanent residence.

However, women who are registered with the military and serve under contract in the Armed Forces, the State Border Service, the National Guard or other law enforcement agencies are subject to restrictions.

Female medical professionals who are registered but have not signed a contract for service may cross the border without additional permits. It should also be noted that civil servants may be subject to restrictions in connection with the performance of their official duties.

About crossing the border with a cat, dog or other pets in 2025— read here.

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Children travelling abroad

The rules for children travelling abroad from Ukraine are regulated by amendments made during the period of martial law. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This may be one of the parents, a grandmother, grandfather, adult brother or sister, stepmother or stepfather. In such cases, a notarised permission from the other parent is not required. A child's birth certificate and documents confirming family ties are sufficient.

Children aged 16 and older have the right to travel abroad independently if they have a foreign passport. This greatly simplifies opportunities for teenagers who are travelling for study, leisure or to meet relatives.

For more information about crossing the border with a child in 2025, follow the link.

Men travelling abroad

In 2025, men aged 18–60 will still be restricted from travelling abroad due to martial law. However, there are a number of exceptions. Men who meet the following criteria are entitled to travel:

– Those who have lost close relatives during the war or those who are missing in action.

– Those who have been removed from military registration.

– Have a disability of group I, II or III.

– Accompany persons with a disability of group I or II.

– Are parents of many children (three or more children).

– Are raising children alone.

– Accompany sick children for treatment.

– Military personnel travelling for treatment, rehabilitation or training.

– Drivers travelling under the “Shlyakh” system for humanitarian or logistical purposes.

– Volunteers with appropriate confirmation of their activities.

– Railway workers, sailors, athletes, coaches and cultural figures.

– Military personnel travelling on leave with official permission from their unit.

For more information on which men are eligible to travel abroad in 2025, read here.

Legal assistance from Visit Ukraine is an opportunity to save time and nerves. If you are unsure whether you are eligible to travel, our specialists will help you sort out your documents, confirmations and applications.

EU entry rules for 2025: documents for crossing the border

To cross the border with the European Union in 2025, you must have:

– A biometric passport valid for at least 6 months after your planned return.

– If you do not have a visa waiver, you must have a valid visa of the appropriate category.

– Proof of the purpose of your trip: hotel reservation, invitation, documents confirming your studies or medical examination.

– Documents proving that you have sufficient financial means, such as a bank statement or cash. How much money do you need to enter the EU — read here.

– Medical insurance covering treatment costs, including COVID-19.

– Additional documents for travelling with children, animals or men from exceptional categories.

How long must a passport be valid to travel abroad — find out at the link.

How to leave Ukraine for Europe by car: required documents

The car must be in good working order and have Latin number plates. If you have individual number plates in Cyrillic, you will not be able to travel. You will also need the following documents:

– A valid foreign passport.

– A driving licence valid in the country of entry.

– Vehicle registration certificate.

– UA sign or equivalent marking on the number plate.

– International insurance Green Card for your car.

By the way, you can quickly get a Green Card on the Visit Ukraine portal — just select the validity period, the appropriate type of transport and get your policy in just a few minutes.

EU Entry System EES: what is it, when and how will it work?

In July 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be launched, completely changing the procedure for entering the Schengen area. From now on, citizens of third countries, including Ukrainians, will not have stamps placed in their passports. Instead, biometric data will be automatically read and recorded.

What does this mean for Ukrainians?

– When crossing the border, your photo and fingerprints will be scanned.

– The data will be stored in a shared EU database, which allows information to be exchanged between member states.

– The dates of entry and exit will be recorded, making it impossible to overstay your visa.

– This will apply to both tourists and those travelling on a visa for medical treatment, work or study.

The EES also tightens controls for those travelling by car — the system will automatically detect violators.

For more information about the new rules for entering and leaving the EU border in 2025, follow the link.

Checklist before travelling to the EU

To avoid stress and inconvenience when crossing the border, we recommend that you follow this checklist:

– Check the validity of your foreign passport (valid for at least 6 months).

– Prepare documents confirming the purpose of your trip.

– Familiarise yourself with the current rules for entering your destination country.

– Book accommodation or confirm your place of stay.

– Obtain a Green Card if you are travelling by car.

– Check that you have sufficient cash or bank funds (especially for visa-free travel).

– Additionally: take copies of documents, contact details of the Ukrainian consulate and emergency numbers with you.

– Take out reliable travel insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 — this is mandatory!

Take out travel insurance at Visit Ukraine — a policy that meets all EU requirements and is available online in just a few clicks.

Choose the right package and travel with peace of mind!

Reminder! The visa-free regime has greatly simplified travel for Ukrainians, but it has limitations, so some Ukrainians need to obtain a visa to travel to the EU. Depending on the purpose of the trip, there are different types of visas, each of which requires a specific set of documents. Which Ukrainians cannot enter Europe without a visa, what types of visas exist, and what documents are required to apply — we explain here.

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Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

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