The government has allowed men aged 18 to 22 to travel abroad during martial law: what has changed

Ukraine has changed the rules for men traveling abroad during martial law. Find out who is affected by the new relaxations and what restrictions remain in place

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The Cabinet of Ministers has adopted a decision affecting hundreds of thousands of young Ukrainians: men aged 18 to 22 have been granted the right to cross the state border without hindrance, even during martial law. This was announced by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on August 26 following a government meeting.

New rules for leaving Ukraine for men aged 18 to 22

According to Svyrydenko, the rule applies to all citizens in the specified age range, including those who are already abroad. This means that young Ukrainians will be able to legally travel, study, participate in internships, and look for work outside the country without additional permits or certificates.

“We want Ukrainians to maintain their ties with Ukraine as much as possible,” she emphasized.

The resolution will take effect the day after its official publication.

Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko stressed that the government's main goal is to create opportunities for young Ukrainians to obtain education or professional experience abroad, which they will be able to use for the benefit of the country in the future.

“We are doing our utmost to ensure that Ukrainian youth have access to quality education and international experience, while remaining a strong part of our state,” said the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Please note! As stated by Colonel Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service, in a comment to Ukrayinska Pravda, men aged 18 to 22 will need to have a military registration document in paper or electronic form in addition to their passport to cross the border. This document must be presented at the request of a State Border Service representative at border crossing points on the Ukrainian state border.

“Border guards will begin to allow this category of citizens, for whom the changes have been adopted, to cross the border after these changes are published and come into force,” he said.

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Who will not be affected by the new regulation?

First Deputy Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Taras Melnychuk clarified that the new rules do not apply to the categories of persons specified in paragraph 2-11 of the Rules. These include, in particular:

● members of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine;

● first deputies and deputies of ministers;

● heads of central executive bodies, their first deputies and deputies;

● the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and his deputies;

● heads of other auxiliary bodies and services established by the President of Ukraine and their deputies;

● the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, his first deputy and deputies;

● the Chair and members of the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting;

● the Chair and members of the Accounting Chamber;

● The head and members of the Central Election Commission, heads and members of other state collegial bodies;

● The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, his first deputies and deputies;

● People's deputies of Ukraine, etc.

Thus, this applies exclusively to citizens, not to officials, for whom certain restrictions continue to apply.

Draft law on expanding the age range

At the same time, draft law No. 13685 has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada, proposing to expand the list of men who are allowed to travel abroad. The initiative concerns citizens under the age of 24 who are not subject to mobilization.

The document proposes to maintain the current restrictions on travel for men who turn 25 in the current or following years. Thus, if the bill is supported by parliament, young Ukrainians will have even broader access to international education and employment programs.

The government's new decision effectively removes barriers for young people planning to study or gain experience outside Ukraine. At the same time, it does not lift the current restrictions on older men, who cannot cross the border without the appropriate permits while martial law is in force.

If you have any questions about the current rules for crossing the border and the documents required to legalize your stay in other countries, please contact our migration specialists. Visit Ukraine lawyers provide advice on the procedure for leaving the country, preparing documents, and the nuances of studying and working abroad. This minimizes the risks of being denied entry or problems with legalization outside Ukraine.

We remind you! The EU has set a date for the launch of the new Entry/Exit System (EES). Its gradual implementation in all Schengen countries will begin in the fall. Read about when the new rules will come into effect and what you need to know about this system in our previous article.

Photo: State Border Service of Ukraine

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