How men can travel abroad in 2024: questions and answers

In 2024, the question of traveling abroad for men from Ukraine remains relevant. With the onset of full-scale war by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, certain restrictions on crossing the border apply to men aged 18 to 60.

Why is it important to be informed about changes in legislation regarding conditions and restrictions for traveling abroad and why do you need to know the new border crossing rules for men?

• Legislation can change. Conditions and restrictions for traveling abroad may change over time. Therefore, it's important to stay informed about current changes to avoid losing the opportunity to travel.

• Necessity of planning. Knowledge of the travel rules will help you plan your trip in advance, gather all necessary documents, and avoid unpleasant surprises at the border.

• Avoiding problems. Ignorance of the law does not exempt you from responsibility. If you attempt to travel abroad in violation of the rules, it may result in fines, travel bans, or even criminal prosecution.

What documents are needed for men to travel abroad?

First of all, as mentioned earlier, before traveling abroad, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the legislative framework regulating border crossing procedures. The most important documents include the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 57 "On approval of the Rules of crossing the state border by citizens of Ukraine" and the Laws of Ukraine "On the procedure for leaving Ukraine and entering Ukraine by citizens of Ukraine" and "On mobilization preparation and mobilization." We will further discuss who among men can travel abroad and what documents are required for this.

For parents of many children

Men who have three or more children under the age of 18 in their care can travel outside Ukraine. The determining factor is not parenthood, but the responsibility for three or more children. To cross the border, you need to provide documents confirming that you are supporting three or more children under the age of 18:

1. birth certificates of children (three or more);

2. certificate of father of a large family;

3. court decision on depriving one of the parents of parental rights;

4. death certificate of the child's mother;

5. court decision on depriving the mother of parental rights without depriving her of parental rights;

6. court decision declaring the mother missing;

7. court decision declaring the mother deceased.

A man who has three or more children has the opportunity to cross the border without the children if he has the appropriate documents or their notarized copies.

Also, if a man does not live with his children, he must provide evidence that he supports his children. This evidence may include a court decision on alimony and a certificate from the enforcement service confirming the payment of alimony.

A man who independently raises a child

Citizens of Ukraine who are raising at least one child under the age of 18 can travel abroad if they present one of the following documents:

• child's birth certificate(s);

• death certificate of the child's mother.

Or any of the following court decisions:

• deprivation of the mother's parental rights;

• recognition of the mother as missing;

• declaration of the mother's death.

People with disabilities

People with disabilities, regardless of the group, can leave Ukraine if they have one of the following documents:

• an identification confirming the status of a disabled person;

• a pension certificate or a certificate confirming the appointment of social assistance, indicating the group and the reason for disability;

• a certificate to receive benefits for people with disabilities who are not entitled to a pension or social assistance.

Men who accompany persons (children) with disabilities or persons who require constant care

Men aged 18 to 60 who accompany persons with disabilities, children with disabilities, persons who require constant care, or children under 18 years of age can leave Ukraine. They must return to Ukraine no later than the return of the persons they accompany to the territory of Ukraine. To travel, men need:

• A certificate of registration of persons you are accompanying at the consulate.

• Documents (their notarized copies) giving you the right to travel (e.g., disability certificate, child's birth certificate).

• Passport of a citizen of Ukraine.

Age restrictions and categories of persons to which these restrictions do not apply

The new border crossing rules for men also include exceptions. Although men aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving Ukraine without a valid reason, there are categories of persons to whom age restrictions do not apply if they are:

1. Exempted from military service.

2. Temporarily unfit for military service. Persons recognized as disabled according to established procedures or temporarily recognized as unfit for military service for up to six months due to health reasons with further passage of a military medical examination.

3. Parents of three or more children, including those from different marriages.

4. Independently raising one or more children.

5. A person with a disability of the I, II, or III group (rules, conditions, and necessary documents were described in the previous section).

6. Servicemen traveling for treatment due to injuries sustained in the war.

7. Employed by enterprises.

8. Drivers as part of international transport crews (bus drivers, truck drivers, members of railway transport crews).

9. Each of these points needs to be proven with the help of necessary documents that grant the right to cross the state border. If a man is under 18 years old or over 60 years old, a foreign passport will be sufficient.

Special conditions allowing men to travel abroad

In the conditions of martial law in Ukraine, certain restrictions on traveling abroad for men aged 18 to 60 apply. However, there are special conditions that allow them to travel abroad:

• Family circumstances. (Caring for sick family members, supporting three or more children under the age of 18).

• Volunteer activities.

• Participation in sports competitions, cultural events, etc.

• Members of international transport crews (bus drivers, truck drivers, members of railway transport crews).

The list of valid reasons for traveling abroad may change, so we recommend checking the current information on the official websites of government agencies before planning a trip abroad.

Procedure for Obtaining Permission to Travel Abroad

Depending on the basis granting the right for men to travel abroad, the procedure for obtaining permission may vary. Let's outline the main steps for obtaining permission, the documents required for men to travel abroad, and the procedure for obtaining such permission for key categories.

Men with Disabilities, Fathers of Many Children, or Men Raising a Child Alone

Which men can travel abroad for family reasons? In most cases, the procedure is quite simple. To successfully cross the border, you need to have the necessary documents for your category at the checkpoint.

A few tips to avoid problems:

1. Bring the original documents. If this is not possible, notarize all documents.

2. If any of the documents can be uploaded to the "DIIA" system, do so. This will serve as additional proof of the validity of your reason for crossing the border.

It is also recommended to call the border service hotline before your departure to clarify the current requirements for the category of men eligible to travel abroad that you belong to.

Volunteers

Here, the procedure takes more time to correctly obtain permission to travel abroad. First, you need to submit documents for registration in the "SHLYAKH" system.

The "SHLYAKH" system is an online system created by the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine that allows male drivers aged 18 to 60 to legally travel abroad during martial law.

To obtain permission to cross the border as a volunteer, you need to contact the relevant regional military administration and submit the following documents:

1. Your personal data (Full Name, date of birth, passport number);

2. Purpose of the trip;

3. Information about the vehicle (license plate, model);

4. Additional documents confirming your purpose (if any).

Pay special attention to the justification of the trip's purpose. Incorrect or incomplete information in this section is the main reason for most refusals to issue documents for crossing the state border. Unfortunately, merely being registered in the "SHLYAKH" system does not guarantee the right to travel abroad. The final decision on travel is made by the border service.

Drivers and Members of International Transport Crews

How can men who are drivers of international commercial transport travel abroad? As in the previous case, men in this category need prior registration in the "SHLYAKH" system. However, in this case, the company you are employed by will handle this issue.

For the company to register you, the following documents and conditions are required:

1. A license for international transport (passengers or cargo).

2. Availability of the transport in the licensed database that you will use to cross the border.

3. The order number for your employment.

4. Series and number of your passport.

5. Series and number of your driver's license with the right to drive the corresponding category of vehicle.

At the time of crossing the border, you must have an Employment Agreement or Contract confirming your employment with the company that registered you in the "SHLYAKH" system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does marital status affect men's ability to travel abroad?

Only the presence of three or more children under 18 years old or the fact of independently supporting a minor child affects the ability to travel abroad.

Is it possible to travel abroad for study or internships?

No, currently, studying or interning abroad does not provide men aged 18 to 60 the ability to cross the state border.

What are the options for men with dual citizenship?

Men with dual citizenship can travel abroad if, when crossing the state border, they present documents that confirm their status as a foreigner.

Do medical conditions affect the ability to travel?

Only documented evidence of a disability group or removal from military registration due to health reasons provides the right to cross the state border.

What are the options for legal travel?

For legal travel, men aged 18 to 60 must meet the requirements or belong to the categories described above. More detailed information can be found on the Ukrainian Border Service's website.

Travel abroad for men of conscription age during martial law in Ukraine is possible with a valid reason and permission, which can be obtained from the district (city) TCC and SP or Military Administration.

Remember, the situation with travel abroad is constantly changing. The information provided here is general in nature. For detailed information regarding your specific situation, it is recommended to consult a lawyer or the district (city) TCC and SP.