Will they let you cross the border with a laminated birth certificate for your child: rules for 2025

A laminated birth certificate may become an obstacle when crossing the border. Find out more about why border guards do not accept such documents, how to obtain a new duplicate, what to do if the certificate is in “Dii,” and what documents are required to travel with a child

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Many parents, trying to keep their children's documents in good condition, resort to laminating birth certificates. It seems convenient — it protects the paper from damage. However, such “care” can become an unexpected obstacle when crossing the border.

We will tell you whether a laminated certificate is valid, what to do if it is rejected, and what else to pay attention to when traveling with a child.

Is it allowed to laminate a birth certificate?

Although Ukrainian law does not prohibit the lamination of documents, state authorities have the right not to accept them in this form. The reasons are purely technical:

- lamination makes it difficult to check security features (watermarks, holograms, microtext);

- it is impossible to apostille or legalize the document in the future;

- there is a risk of falsification or alteration of the document.

The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine does not officially recommend laminating official documents, including birth certificates, which may be required for travel abroad.

Why might border guards refuse to accept a laminated certificate?

When a child travels abroad, border guards are required to verify the authenticity of documents. If the protective elements are covered with film, the State Border Service employee has the right to refuse entry.

In practice, this happens quite often. Especially in cases where:

- the border guard cannot verify the authenticity of the document;

- there are doubts about the accuracy of the data;

- it is impossible to confirm the family relationship.

What to do if the certificate is laminated?

You cannot remove the laminate yourself — this will definitely damage the document. The best solution is to order a duplicate birth certificate from any department of the Civil Registry Office.

This is a standard procedure that usually does not require any explanation. If all the data is in the registry, a new document can be issued on the day of application.

To obtain a new certificate, you must have:

- the applicant's passport (of one of the parents or another authorized representative);

- if the document is not being obtained by the father/mother, a power of attorney or other supporting document.

What if the certificate is in Diya?

Ukrainian border guards accept electronic birth certificates displayed in the Diya app. However, it is important to open the full information, including the full name, date of birth, series, and document number.

However, please note that not all border services of other countries are required to recognize the digital version, so it is still better to have the original in paper form when traveling outside Ukraine.

Current rules for crossing the border with children in 2025

During martial law, simplified rules apply for a child to leave with one parent. The consent of the other parent is not required.

Required documents:

- the child's foreign passport;

- the original birth certificate (not laminated);

- documents confirming family ties (if different surnames);

- travel insurance for the child;

- if necessary, international car insurance “Green Card.”

Is a certificate required to obtain travel insurance?

No, travel (medical) insurance for a child can be obtained without a certificate. To do this, the insurer uses the information from the child's foreign passport.

A laminated birth certificate may be a reason for refusal to cross the border. To avoid trouble, it is better to obtain a duplicate original in advance or use a digital version in “Diia” — but taking into account the requirements of each specific border service.

Prepare all the necessary documents in advance and don't leave the check until the last minute — then your trip with your child will be calm and predictable.

Need help with documents or insurance?

Visit Ukraine is a reliable assistant for every Ukrainian abroad. Before traveling abroad with a child, it is important not only to collect all the necessary documents, but also to take care of medical insurance, which is often a prerequisite for crossing the border into European countries. You can purchase a policy easily, quickly, and securely on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Lawyers provide online consultations in Ukrainian, help you avoid mistakes, and prepare you for a safe trip.

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Reminder! Before travelling abroad by car, it is important to familiarise yourself with the entry rules and document requirements of your destination country. Pay particular attention to the validity of all documents and ensure that you have the originals with you. What documents are required for travelling abroad by car — find out here.

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