How men can travel abroad in 2025: questions and answers

In 2025, 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.

Crossing the border by a father with many children

Men who have three or more children under the age of 18 can go abroad, provided that they are not in arrears of alimony payments for more than three months. Required documents:

• birth certificate of children (three or more) indicating the paternity of the conscript;

• one of the documents: marriage registration certificate with the mother (father) of children (three or more) or a court decision on divorce and determining the place of residence of the children with the father (mother), or the decision of the guardianship authority to determine the place of residence with the one of the parents who is conscripted, or a written agreement between the parents about who the children will live with and the participation of the second parent in their upbringing, or a court decision establishing the fact that the child is dependent on a conscript in accordance with the provisions Article 315 of the Civil Procedure Code of Ukraine, as well as an agreement on the payment of child support;

• a certificate of deferment and a certificate of the father of a large family.

Crossing the border by a man raising a child on his own

Men who have a child under the age of 18 and are their sole guardian can cross the border if they have the following documents:

• child's birth certificate; 

• ofrom the documents: a death certificate of one of the parents or a court decision to declare one of the parents dead or a court decision to deprive one of the parents of parental rights or a court decision to recognize one of the missing parents as absent or an extract from the Unified Register of Persons Disappeared Under Special Circumstances or a court sentence according to which the person is serving a sentence in places of deprivation of liberty or documents confirming that the person independently raises and supports the child (a court decision establishing the fact of independent upbringing of a child or an extract from the State Register acts of civil status of citizens on birth indicating information about the father in accordance with the part the first Article 135 of the Family Code of Ukraine).

• a certificate of deferment.

Border crossing by persons with disabilities

Persons with disabilities can travel abroad if they have a certificate, pension document or a certificate confirming the status of disability.

Support of persons with disabilities

Persons accompanying family members with disabilities may travel abroad under the following conditions:

• Accompanying a spouse (husband) with a disability - in the presence of documents confirming family ties and disability status.

• Accompanying a child with a disability - in the presence of a child's birth certificate, a certificate confirming the appointment of social assistance, respectively, or a certificate of receipt of state social assistance for children with disabilities, or an individual rehabilitation program for a child with disabilities, issued by the medical advisory committee of a health care institution, or a medical report on a child with disabilities under the age of 18 (notarized copies thereof).

• Accompanying one of the parents or parents of the wife/husband with a disability of group I or II - in the presence of documents confirming family ties, disability and cohabitation.

Crossing the border by persons who need constant care

Persons in need of care may leave accompanied by a member of the first degree of kinship or a carer. Required documents:

• The conclusion of the medical and advisory commission on the need for constant care.

• Documents on receipt of compensation or allowance for care.

• The act of establishing the fact of providing care.

Compliance with these rules will ensure a quick and smooth crossing of the border. Before traveling, it is recommended to check the validity of the requirements, as they may change.

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

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

1. Excluded from military registration.

2. Temporarily unfit for military service. Persons who have been recognized as disabled according to the established procedures or have been temporarily recognized as unfit for military service for a period of up to six months due to their state of health, with subsequent passing of a military medical commission.

3. Parents of three or more children.

4. Raises one or more children independently.

5. A person with a disability (rules, conditions and necessary documents were described in the previous section).

6. Military personnel who go for treatment due to war injuries.

7. Booked by enterprises.

8. Drivers as part of crew members of international transportation.

Each of these points must be proven with the help of the necessary documents that grant the right to cross the state border. If the man is under the age of 18 or over 60, 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.