Information on the conditions for citizens travelling abroad
When planning a trip outside Ukraine, it is worth checking in advance not only the route and tickets, but also the current border-crossing rules. Legislation and by-laws are updated from time to time, so before your journey we recommend clarifying the requirements specifically for your departure date.
This page brings together basic reference information for passengers who plan international passenger transport or a trip by their own car. If you need a consultation about the route, booking a seat or planning a trip to Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands or other European countries, contact the carrier to clarify the practical details of the journey.
Main documents for travelling abroad
Which documents confirm the right to cross the border
The general rule is as follows: the state border of Ukraine is crossed at checkpoints using documents that grant the right to leave and enter Ukraine. In most cases a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for travelling abroad is required for the trip. For certain categories of persons, other documents are provided for by law.
- a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for travelling abroad;
- on certain grounds — other documents expressly provided for by law;
- additional supporting documents, if they are required specifically for your category of departure.
What to take into account during martial law
During martial law, the procedure for the departure of certain categories of citizens, in particular men, is governed by special rules. That is why, before a trip, it is important to check not only that you have a passport, but also the grounds for departure and the package of supporting documents.
Departure of men during martial law
Men aged 18 to 22 inclusive
As of March 2026, the restrictions on crossing the state border do not apply to male citizens of Ukraine aged 18 to 22 inclusive, except in the cases expressly specified by the Rules for crossing the state border. Therefore it is advisable to mention this category of citizens separately on the page so that the information is up to date.
Men aged 23–60
Special rules apply to men aged 23 to 60. There is no general automatic permission to leave for everyone in this age category. Crossing the border is possible only if there are legal grounds and supporting documents expressly provided for by the current Rules for crossing the state border by citizens of Ukraine.
In practice this means that before a trip you need to check in advance whether you belong to the category of persons entitled to leave during martial law, and whether you have the full set of documents to confirm this right.
Military registration documents
For some categories of citizens who cross the border during martial law, a military registration document or information in electronic form is mandatory. If the trip is made on the basis of a deferment, reservation, accompaniment or another special ground, we recommend checking the documents especially carefully before arriving at the checkpoint.
An important clarification regarding the wording “up to 25 years”
In everyday speech the wording “conscripts up to 25 years” is often used, but for this page it is better to state the exact current rule. As of now, a separate direct provision in the Rules for crossing the border concerns specifically men aged 18 to 22 inclusive. For men aged 23–24, you should rely not on a general phrase, but on a specific legal ground for departure and a list of documents.
Departure of children abroad
Children aged 16 and over
A person who has reached the age of 16 has the right to freely and independently leave Ukraine. To travel, they must have a valid document for crossing the border.
Children under 16
Children who have not reached the age of 16 travel abroad with the consent of their parents, adoptive parents or guardians and accompanied by them or by persons authorized by them, except in cases expressly provided for by law. The list of documents and practical examples for children’s departure should be additionally checked on the website of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine before the trip.
Crossing the border by car
Which documents are usually needed for a trip by car
If you plan a trip abroad in your own car or someone else’s car, you usually need to have:
- a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for travelling abroad;
- a national driving licence;
- an international driving licence — if the country of the trip requires it;
- a vehicle registration certificate;
- in the case of a trip not in your own car — the proper registration documents for travelling abroad;
- an international “Green Card” insurance certificate;
- a distinguishing mark of Ukraine, if this is required for the specific vehicle and licence plate.
Before departure it is worth separately checking the requirements of the country you are heading to, since the rules on driving licences may differ depending on the international convention applied by the respective state.
Transporting pets to EU countries
If you plan to travel with a dog, cat or ferret, be sure to check the current veterinary requirements right before departure. For the non-commercial movement of animals you usually need:
- identification of the animal with a microchip;
- a valid rabies vaccination;
- if necessary — a serological test for rabies antibodies;
- a veterinary document of the established form;
- an advance exchange of the domestic veterinary document for an international veterinary certificate before the trip.
Since the rules may differ depending on the country of entry and the way of travelling, it is advisable to rely on the current explanations of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection and on the requirements of the destination country.
What to check before the trip
- Whether your international passport is valid and whether it is valid for long enough for the trip.
- Whether you have a legal ground for departure, if such a ground is required specifically for your category.
- Whether all supporting documents are properly executed.
- Whether the entry rules of the destination or transit country have changed.
- Whether you have checked the route, the checkpoint and the conditions of international transport.
For planning a trip to Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and other European countries, we recommend additionally clarifying the entry and transit regime, the rules for transporting children and animals, as well as the document requirements immediately before departure.
Legislation of Ukraine and official resources
- Law of Ukraine “On the procedure for leaving Ukraine and entering Ukraine by citizens of Ukraine”
- Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 57 “On approval of the Rules for crossing the state border by citizens of Ukraine”
- Law of Ukraine “On border control”
- Civil Code of Ukraine, Article 313
- Law of Ukraine “On mobilization preparation and mobilization”
- Law of Ukraine “On military duty and military service”
- Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1487 “On approval of the Procedure for organizing and maintaining military registration of conscripts, persons liable for military service and reservists”
- SBGSU: general requirements for crossing the border
- SBGSU: departure of minor children abroad
- MFA of Ukraine: useful information for travellers
- MIA service centres: documents for travelling abroad by vehicle
- State Service on Food Safety: requirements for the non-commercial movement of animals
This information is for reference only. The final decision on allowing a person to cross the state border is taken by authorized officials of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine on the basis of current legislation and the documents provided.