Who can leave Ukraine in 2026 and what documents are checked at the border?

During martial law, it is still possible to leave Ukraine, but the rules for crossing the border vary depending on gender, age and purpose of travel. Border guards carefully check documents, and new biometric procedures may affect the speed of passing through control. Learn more about the current requirements for leaving Ukraine in 2026

Medical insurance - the key to your safety and peace of mind while travelling outside Ukraine

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When crossing the border, Ukrainians undergo border control, which remains mandatory even during martial law. In 2026, the requirements for documents for travelling abroad depend on gender, status, purpose of travel, and type of transport.

We will tell you what documents you need to have with you to avoid problems at the border.

Planning a trip abroad?

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What categories of Ukrainians have the right to travel abroad in 2026?

In 2026, the following have the right to unhindered travel outside Ukraine: women, children (under 18 years of age) and the elderly (over 60 years of age).

The departure of military conscripts is limited. Men aged 18 to 60 cannot leave the territory of Ukraine, with the exception of those who have the right to postponement or exemption, including persons with disabilities, parents with many children, guardians, men whose relatives died in the war, as well as reserved workers, students (under certain conditions), humanitarian cargo drivers, athletes and military personnel (for treatment/training), etc.

Rules for women's travel abroad

In 2026, most Ukrainian women have the right to freely leave the country. This applies to both tourist trips and trips for the purpose of study, treatment or permanent residence.

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

Women doctors who are registered but have not signed a service contract can cross the border without additional permits. It is also worth considering that civil servants may have restrictions in connection with the performance of official duties.

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Traveling abroad by children

According to the legislation of Ukraine, children under the age of 16 are allowed to travel abroad only when accompanied by an adult. The list of documents depends on the degree of kinship with the person accompanying the child:

1. One parent or guardian: it is enough to have a birth certificate or passport of a citizen of Ukraine for children over 14 years of age. Notarized consent of the other parent is not required.

2. Close relatives: grandmother, grandfather, stepmother, stepfather, adult brothers and sisters. You must have a birth certificate or passport of a citizen of Ukraine for children over 14 years old, as well as documents confirming family ties. Notarized permission of parents is not required. However, you must provide a written statement from one of the parents, certified by the guardianship and trusteeship authority.

3. Third parties: you must have a birth certificate or passport of a citizen of Ukraine for children over 14 years old, as well as relevant documents confirming the identity of the adult.

In addition, to cross the border, you need a written consent from one of the parents, certified by the guardianship and trusteeship authority. A notarized permission for the child to travel abroad is also suitable.

To issue a notarized consent, you need the original passports of both parents, their RNOKPP, as well as the child's birth certificate.

Detailed rules for crossing the border with a child at the link.

Conditions for departure for students

The latest changes in the rules allowed all young men aged 18 to 22 to cross the border. However, if the guy holds a position in a state institution or local government body, departure is possible only on a business trip.

How can a man go abroad in 2026?

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

- International 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.

Can a man with a reservation go abroad?

Employees who have a reservation can go abroad on a business trip or during vacation, provided that they do not hold separate positions in government agencies. When crossing the border, it is necessary to provide border guards with documents from the employer confirming the right to travel.

Therefore, having a reservation does not mean an automatic permit to leave Ukraine, but with correctly executed documents it creates legal grounds for crossing the border.

Read in detail about the conditions under which a man with a reservation can go abroad in this article.

What documents do military and civil servants need to travel abroad?

Military personnel planning to temporarily leave Ukraine must have a vacation order, a military ID card and a vacation card indicating the exact dates and country of destination. All these documents must be consistent with each other, as well as the data in the ticket or hotel reservation.

The purpose of the trip must also be confirmed: if it is treatment - medical documents are required, if it is education - confirmation from an educational institution, if it is visiting relatives - documents of kinship and invitation.

The rules for crossing the border in 2026 remain complex and change frequently. Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you verify your reason for leaving, prepare the necessary documents and avoid refusal at the border.

Get individual advice and support from experienced specialists now.

What documents are needed to leave Ukraine without a visa in 2026?

In 2026, most countries require the following documents for visa-free entry:

- A biometric passport valid for at least 3-6 months after the date of return.

- A travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses (in some countries this is a mandatory requirement at the border). Details on the requirements for visa-free travel insurance policies can be found in this article.

Where to buy the most affordable insurance before travelling to the EU — read here.

- Proof of financial capacity: cash, bank card, bank statement or bank certificate (depending on the country's requirements).

- Return ticket: to confirm that the tourist plans to leave the country within the allowed period.

- Confirmation of accommodation: hotel/apartment reservation or official invitation from the host party (individual or legal entity).

EU border checks in 2026: what has changed?

Since October 2025, an additional biometric registration system has been in place at border crossings with EU countries. When crossing the border, border guards take photos of travelers, take fingerprints and scan their passports. This may slightly increase the time it takes to pass the check.

In addition, the services have access to databases of court decisions. If a person is banned from leaving, it will be impossible to cross the border even if all other documents are in place.

More details about the EES system and what Ukrainians need to know before entering the EU - we tell here.

What documents are needed to travel abroad from Ukraine by car?

To cross the border in your own or rented car, the driver and passengers need to prepare a standard package of documents, as well as documents for the car:

- Driver's license (in most countries, a Ukrainian one is enough; for some countries, an international driver's license may be required);

- Vehicle registration certificate (vehicle registration certificate);

- Document confirming the right to use the car if the driver is not the owner (notarized power of attorney or rental agreement);

- Customs documents - in case of traveling by car imported under the temporary import regime;

- International insurance policy "Green Card" (mandatory for traveling abroad).

To ensure your trip is safe and without delays at the border, take out international car insurance “Green Card”. It covers liability to third parties in the event of an accident abroad and is recognized in most European countries.

The application takes only a few minutes online, and your trip will become more peaceful and confident.

Apply for a Green Card now.

Planning a trip abroad?

Take care of your peace of mind and safety in advance – apply for medical insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal. The policy covers treatment, hospitalization, COVID-19 and other unforeseen situations during the trip. Choose the country, term and type of insurance – and get the policy online in a few minutes.

Protect yourself while traveling – apply for medical insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal!

Reminder! Many Ukrainians wonder whether it is possible to enter the EU without insurance and what the consequences of not having it at the border are. Do you need insurance to travel to Europe, what rules apply in Schengen countries, what risks do travellers without a policy face, and how to quickly get medical or travel insurance for travelling abroad — we explain it all here.

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