Can a reserved employee travel abroad during the war?

Booked employees may indeed temporarily travel abroad, but only in compliance with all procedures and exclusively within the scope of business trips. Free movement is not provided for such persons. Find out under what conditions booked persons will be allowed to cross the border

Legal counselling on migration issues

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During martial law, men are restricted from travelling abroad, but there are exceptions provided for by law. One of these concerns the so-called ‘reservation’ of employees — a deferral of mobilisation for key specialists in enterprises, institutions and organisations that are critical to the functioning of the state.

Contact us for advice and get comprehensive answers to all your questions about travelling abroad!

What is reservation and who does it apply to?

Reservation is the official registration of a deferral from mobilisation for employees who are necessary for the stable operation of critical infrastructure, the economy or public administration. These may be specialists in the fields of energy, transport, IT, the defence industry, medicine, etc.

This status is granted in accordance with a resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers and confirmed by relevant orders from the employer and state decisions on reservation.

Can a reserved man leave the country?

Yes, but with certain conditions. In 2025, men with valid reservations will be allowed to leave Ukraine for both business and leisure purposes. This is a temporary permit with a specific purpose and duration of stay abroad.

Mandatory conditions for departure:

▪️ A business trip order specifying the dates and purpose of the trip;

▪️ A military registration document indicating the reservation;

▪️ Official confirmation of the reservation from the company or organisation;

▪️ Documents confirming the purpose of the trip, such as invitations to negotiations, participation in conferences, contracts, etc.

As for leaving the country on holiday, the State Border Service of Ukraine states that male Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 60 who are subject to conscription cannot leave the country on holiday if they hold certain positions in the civil service and fall under paragraph 2.14 of the Rules on Crossing the Border, approved by Government Resolution No. 57, and if the structure where they work has provided information to the State Border Service, crossing the border is only possible on official business.

Those who do not hold such positions may travel abroad on holiday. However, the documents of such men must indicate that the organisation where the man is registered allows him to take a holiday abroad.

It is important to remember that the employee is obliged to return to Ukraine strictly within the time limit specified in the order.

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Who else has the right to leave under martial law?

In addition to booked employees, other categories of citizens also retain the right to leave in 2025, in particular:

▪️men who are unfit for service due to health reasons (according to the Military Medical Examination Commission);

▪️parents of three or more minor children;

▪️single parents who are raising a child on their own;

▪️citizens who have minor children and a spouse in military service.

A complete list of these categories can be found in Article 23 of the Law of Ukraine ‘On Mobilisation Preparation and Mobilisation.’

Reminder! In wartime, travel abroad for men is significantly restricted, but certain categories of persons may still do so. These categories include men who have a deferral and can prove it. Find out in which cases you can travel abroad with a deferral and how to do so.

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