Do I need a parent's permission for my child to travel abroad in 2025?

In times of war, many mothers or other family members try to take their children abroad. However, there are situations when the father is not around and cannot give his consent to the child's departure in writing. Find out whether this document is necessary for the child to cross the border without any problems

Legal advice for Ukrainians

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Since the beginning of full-scale hostilities in Ukraine, the procedure for crossing the border by minors has been simplified for the period of martial law. In particular, the provision requiring a notarised permission from the second parent was cancelled in most cases. Below, we will consider in which situations the consent of the parent (or other parent) may still be required and when it can be dispensed with.

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Rules for crossing the border with children under 16

The official website of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine states that under martial law, they are guided by paragraph 13 of paragraph 2-3 of the current Rules. According to these provisions:

Children under the age of 16 may travel abroad without additional documents if accompanied by:

1. One of the parents (mother or father),

2. Grandparents,

3. An adult brother/sister,

4. Stepmother or stepfather,

5. Any other accompanying person, if he/she has a written statement from one of the parents, certified by the guardianship and custody authority.

In these cases, the notarised consent of the second parent is not required, and the border crossing is carried out on the basis of a passport of a citizen of Ukraine or a birth certificate (if the child does not have a passport).

Read also: Crossing the border with a child in 2025. Updated rules and required documents

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When is it not necessary to obtain the consent of the second parent?

▪️ When a child under the age of 16 is travelling with one of the parents (father or mother). It is enough to have a birth certificate, and there is no need to talk about the need for a notarised consent of the other parent.

▪️ If the child is crossing the border with close relatives - grandparents, adult brother/sister, stepmother or stepfather. You will need documents confirming the relationship (for example, a birth certificate and other papers), but it is not necessary to have them notarised.

It is important to remember that some foreign countries may have their own additional rules. Therefore, it is worth clarifying in advance whether the consent of the second parent is required in a particular country, even if Ukrainian rules do not require it.

Rules for men raising one or more children on their own: list of documents for crossing the border.

When is parental consent required?

If the child is accompanied by third parties who are not relatives (e.g. family friends, coaches, section leaders, etc.), a written permission from one of the parents will be required.

This document, unlike the consent previously required from both parents, must be certified either by the guardianship authorities or by a notary. The accompanying person must also have the child's birth certificate and a document proving his or her own identity.

Free travel from the age of 16

A minor who has reached the age of 16 has the right to cross the border independently without the consent or accompaniment of his or her parents. This rule does not depend on martial law and will continue to apply in 2025. That is, after reaching the age of 16, a teenager is free to travel abroad with his or her passport.

We remind you! Newborn children can obtain citizenship at the place of birth. Learn about the specifics of obtaining citizenship based on the birth of a child.

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