How to obtain a Ukrainian passport in Belarus and russia?

Due to the war, many Ukrainians found themselves in Belarus and russia, where it became impossible to obtain a foreign passport. This creates serious difficulties for those who want to return home. Learn more about the possibilities of obtaining alternative documents and what is required for this

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With the start of the full-scale war that russia launched against Ukraine, thousands of Ukrainians found themselves in territories where it is currently impossible to obtain a foreign passport. This also applies to citizens who are in Belarus, which is russia's ally in this conflict. Many Ukrainians ended up in these territories against their will and now want to return home, but face serious obstacles in obtaining documents.

In this article, we will discuss the options available to Ukrainians who find themselves in these territories, as well as the documents that can be obtained instead of a foreign passport.

Obtaining a Ukrainian foreign passport in Belarus and russia

Due to russia's military aggression and active support from Belarus, these countries are no longer places where Ukrainian citizens can legally obtain a foreign passport. After the start of the war, diplomatic relations between Ukraine and russia were severed, and consular offices ceased their work in the territory of the aggressor country.

This creates great difficulties for Ukrainians who are in these territories and want to return home or leave for other countries. However, there are alternative documents that can help solve this problem.

Travel document for return to Ukraine: an alternative to a foreign passport

If you are in Belarus or russia and do not have a foreign passport, you can apply for a so-called travel document for return to Ukraine. This is a document that confirms your citizenship and gives you the right to enter Ukraine.

In Belarus, to obtain this document, you need to contact the Ukrainian consulate in Minsk. However, it is important to remember that the consulate may require confirmation of Ukrainian citizenship through an internal passport or birth certificate, and the process itself can take up to a month. In addition, while waiting for the document, you will have to remain in Belarus.

For citizens who are in russia, the situation is complicated by the absence of consular offices and the severance of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and russia. However, even in this case, it is possible to obtain a certificate of identity for return to Ukraine, which is analogous to a travel document and entitles you to enter Ukraine.

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What documents are required to obtain a travel document or certificate for return to Ukraine?

To apply for a travel document or certificate for return to Ukraine, you must submit a number of documents, including:

– birth certificate;

– documents confirming family ties, if relatives or legal representatives are applying for the document;

– a document confirming Ukrainian citizenship (e.g., internal passport).

Please note that in order to apply for documents through relatives or legal representatives in Ukraine, you must follow clear procedures and requirements, including the collection and transfer of documents.

If you encounter difficulties in this matter, consulting qualified lawyers, such as the specialists at Visit Ukraine, will help you quickly find a solution and correctly prepare the necessary documents. Online consultations make this process even more accessible and convenient for those who are abroad.

Reminder! Citizens of russia and Belarus have limited opportunities to enter Ukraine due to strict rules and requirements regarding documents. How many citizens of russia and Belarus entered Ukraine in 2024 and for what purpose — read here.

Photo: Depositphotos

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