Leaving Ukraine after the age of 16: which countries accept unaccompanied minors and what documents are required?

Minors over the age of 16 can leave Ukraine, but only if they meet a number of requirements. Find out which countries accept unaccompanied minors, what is required to study abroad, and what documents you need to prepare

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In the context of martial law and constant changes in legislation, many Ukrainians are looking for answers to questions about border crossing rules, including: can a minor over the age of 16 leave Ukraine independently, which countries will accept them, and what documents are required for this. In this article, we will look at the main legal aspects of minors leaving Ukraine, including current restrictions, a list of countries that accept minors without parents, and the documents required for this.

Who can leave Ukraine after the age of 16: rules for 2025

According to the current legislation of Ukraine, minors under the age of 18 are considered children and have certain restrictions on traveling abroad. However, upon reaching the age of 16, a teenager has the right to:

● obtain a foreign passport;

● leave Ukraine independently (in accordance with Article 313 of the Civil Code of Ukraine).

However, crossing the border is regulated not only by Ukrainian legislation but also by the rules of the host country, and while a 16-year-old child can leave Ukraine without any problems, they will not be able to enter Poland, for example, without the notarized permission of one or both parents (depending on the situation) or an accompanying person. We will provide more details about restrictions in other countries below.

In addition, please note: from 2025, young men must register for military service in the year they turn 17 (from January 1 to July 31 of the year in which the person turns 17). Failure to register may affect the ability to travel abroad. For more information about military registration rules from the age of 17 and restrictions on traveling abroad, follow the link.

List of documents required to leave Ukraine at the age of 16

To cross the border, a 16-year-old must have:

● A valid foreign passport;

● Notarized consent from one or both parents, indicating the country, purpose, and duration of the trip (this document may not be checked at the Ukrainian border, but Visit Ukraine lawyers strongly advise you to obtain it before traveling, as it is required by most countries);

● Birth certificate + power of attorney for the accompanying person (to confirm family ties and the right to accompany the child if the person under 16 is not accompanied by their parents);

● Confirmation of the purpose of the trip, for example:

– certificate from an educational institution (if studying);

– medical documents (if the child is traveling for medical treatment);

– reservations, tickets, etc. (if traveling for tourism);

– documents confirming the status of stay abroad (visa, residence permit, invitation, etc.);

● Proof of financial support for the period of stay abroad (amounts may vary depending on the country and duration);

● Insurance policy (may be checked upon entry into another country).

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Which countries can teenagers travel to without their parents?

Some countries allow minors aged 16 and over to enter without their parents, provided that all necessary documents are provided, including notarized consent. Examples of countries that accept minors with permission:

These rules are subject to change, so always check the latest information at the consulate of the country concerned.

Going abroad to study at the age of 16: what you need to know

Studying abroad is the most common reason for a teenager to travel independently. If a minor has confirmation of study abroad, such as a confirmation letter or invitation from a university or school, a student visa, or a study contract, then such a departure can be considered “simplified.” Ukraine allows departure for study if the relevant documents are available, and EU countries usually issue a category D visa for long-term study.

Therefore, minors over the age of 16 can travel, but this requires careful preparation and documentation. A child may travel alone without adults only if they have:

● a complete set of documents,

● parental consent,

● and provided that this is permitted by the country of destination.

Before planning your trip, it is recommended that you consult a lawyer or contact the consulate of the country you are traveling to in order to avoid unpleasant misunderstandings at the border. The Visit Ukraine team of lawyers provides comprehensive support:

● advice on the requirements of different countries;

● preparation of sample notarized permits;

● legal support in obtaining visas, invitations, contracts;

● assistance in situations where one of the parents is absent or does not give consent;

● apostille, legalization, and translation of documents.

Contact Visit Ukraine specialists to avoid bureaucratic pitfalls and ensure a safe trip for your child.

Not sure which consultation format to choose? Contact our managers via Telegram or WhatsApp – they will help you choose the best option for your situation.

We remind you! The European Parliament has finally approved the gradual introduction of the EES control system at the EU's external borders. Read how border crossing will change for Ukrainians and when the new rules will come into force in our previous article.

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