How men can leave Ukraine in October 2025: border crossing rules

The rules for men leaving Ukraine in October 2025 remain clearly regulated. Find out which categories are eligible to cross the border, what documents are required, and how to prepare for the trip

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

BUY

Under martial law in Ukraine, there are restrictions on men of conscription age traveling abroad. However, the law provides for a number of exceptions for those who have legal grounds to leave the country. Let's take a closer look at which categories of men can cross the state border in October 2025, what documents are required, and what to pay attention to.

This material is based on explanations provided by the State Border Service of Ukraine.

Who can leave Ukraine in October 2025

Men who have been removed from military registration or who fall into certain categories defined by law have the right to leave. In particular, these are:

● parents raising three or more children under the age of 18;

● men with disabilities of groups I, II, or III;

● parents caring for a seriously ill child or raising a child on their own;

● men whose close relatives died during the war.

Separately, military personnel are allowed to leave for treatment, rehabilitation, training, or vacation. In this case, permission from the military unit or territorial recruitment center is required.

Students: what are the conditions for leaving

Recent changes in the rules have allowed all young men between the ages of 18 and 22 to cross the border. However, if a young man holds a position in a state institution or local government body, he may only leave the country on business trips.

Can you travel abroad with a reservation

Reserved employees have the right to travel on business trips or vacations, provided that they do not hold certain positions in state structures. To do this, border guards must be presented with documents from the employer confirming the right to travel.

Thus, conscription does not automatically guarantee the possibility of leaving Ukraine, but provides legal grounds for doing so if all documents are in order.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Men with deferrals from military service

Separate legislation regulates the departure of persons who have deferrals. This primarily concerns men who care for people with disabilities. Such persons may accompany them abroad.

It is important to consider the degree of kinship: deferment is granted to first-degree relatives (in their absence, second or third degree relatives). In the case of a guardian, the decision must be made by a court that recognizes the person as the guardian of an incapacitated citizen.

What documents are required for a man to leave the country

The list depends on the reason for crossing the border. In most cases, border guards require:

● a foreign passport;

● documents confirming the reason for departure (birth certificates of children, medical certificates, court decisions, certificates from the place of study, etc.);

● military registration document.

Important: to enter EU countries, you must also have insurance with coverage of at least €30,000, a Green Card (if traveling by car), confirmation of the purpose of the trip, and proof of financial security. You can purchase various types of insurance for traveling abroad online through the Visit Ukraine service — it's convenient, fast, and affordable.

We remind you! The European Entry-Exit System (EES) will start operating on October 12. Read about all the rules and nuances so that your first trip under the EES system goes smoothly and without any unnecessary hassle.

Photo: State Border Service of Ukraine

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.