Travel abroad for men aged 18-22: new rules from August 28, 2025

Ukraine has changed the procedure for men traveling abroad during martial law. Find out who can cross the border, what documents are required, and what exceptions are provided for by law

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On August 28, 2025, new rules for crossing the state border for men of draft age came into force in Ukraine. This decision implemented the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelensky, who promised in early August to open the border for young Ukrainians. Until then, travel outside the country for men between the ages of 18 and 60 had been restricted due to martial law and general mobilization.

Which men are now allowed to travel abroad?

According to the government decree, men aged 18 to 22 inclusive have the right to leave Ukraine without hindrance during martial law. The restrictions no longer apply to citizens who have not yet reached the age of 23. In other words, the right to leave is valid until the man's 23rd birthday.

For a complete list of categories of men who can travel abroad and the documents required for this, see the link.

What documents are required for travel?

According to the explanation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, men aged 18-22 inclusive must have the following to cross the state border:

1. Passport document for travel abroad.

2. Military registration document (including in electronic form), which must be presented at the request of a representative of the State Border Service.

This set of documents is mandatory. Otherwise, the border service has the right to refuse departure.

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Who is not subject to the new rules?

Despite the relaxation for young Ukrainians, there are categories of citizens for whom the rules have not changed. The new rules do not apply to men who hold certain government positions. In particular, these are:

● members of the Cabinet of Ministers;

● deputy ministers;

● heads of central executive bodies and their deputies;

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

● the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine and his deputies;

● members of the Ukrainian parliament;

● other high-ranking officials.

For them, travel abroad is only possible on official business trips.

How long will the permit be valid?

The right to travel abroad for men aged 18-22 inclusive remains in force for the period of martial law. This means that while restrictions are in place in Ukraine, this category of young citizens will be able to cross the border without hindrance.

At the same time, draft law No. 13685 has already been registered in the Verkhovna Rada, proposing to extend the age limit for traveling abroad to 24 years. If it is adopted, even more Ukrainians will be able to legally leave the country during the war.

If you are planning a trip abroad and want to avoid problems when crossing the border or legalizing your stay in another country, take advantage of the advice of Visit Ukraine lawyers. Specialists will help you:

● prepare a package of documents for crossing the border;

● submit documents for study or employment abroad;

● avoid the risks of being denied entry or problems with legalization.

We remind you! In August 2025, the rules for crossing the border with Poland were slightly changed, in particular regarding confirmation of financial capacity. Read about what documents are required for travel to Poland and what could cause refusal of entry to Poland in 2025 at the link.

Photo: State Border Service of Ukraine

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