Which men can go abroad: current rules in 2023

Archived material. Date modified on the old website: 2023-04-07. Prices, dates and terms have been preserved from the original and may be outdated.

Martial law continues in Ukraine, and at the same time restrictions on men's travel abroad continue. Currently, there are 11 categories of men who have the right to go abroad.

11 categories of men liable for military service who have the right to travel abroad:

1. Unfit for military service

Men who have a disability and a pension ID (a certificate will not suffice), or a medical commission decision finding them unfit for military service. However, men with limited fitness for military service still cannot leave Ukraine during martial law.

2. Temporarily unfit for military service

Citizens who have the status of temporarily unfit for military service. This status is granted for a period of up to 6 months on the basis of a certificate of disability or a conclusion of the military medical commission. To cross the border, all documents confirming the status of temporarily unfit are required.

3. Fathers of large families

Men who raise three or more children have the right to travel abroad. For this, it is necessary to be the father of a large family. If the children are from different marriages, a certificate on the deprivation of the mothers’ parental rights is required as a basis for departure. To cross the border, it is necessary to have birth certificates of children, a marriage certificate or a court decision on divorce, a decision of a guardianship authority or a certificate of the father of a large family.

4. Single fathers

Men who independently raise a child under the age of 18 have the right to travel abroad. In order to leave, you must have the following documents: a child's birth certificate, a certificate of the mother's death or deprivation of the mother's parental rights, or a document recognizing the mother as missing.

5. Men with disabilities

In order to cross the border, men with a documented and confirmed disability of groups I-III must have the following documents: a certificate in form No. 157-1/о; an ID confirming disability status; a pension ID or a document confirming the award of social assistance. A disability certificate obtained abroad is not a basis for travelling abroad.

6. Accompanying the patient abroad

Men can leave Ukraine if they accompany a person with a disability of the I or II group, as well as if they go to take care of sick parents, spouse or children. There must be all documents confirming the state of health of the person being accompanied. In this case, departure of men is possible only with the person they accompany, even if all documents are available.

7. Men who live abroad on a permanent basis

Traveling abroad is possible if a citizen's passport has a stamp confirming his permanent residence in another country.

8. Military assignments

A military serviceman can go abroad for treatment or rehabilitation after an injury. For this, a referral for treatment and a letter from the Ministry of Health stating that a foreign health care institution accepts a citizen for treatment are required. Departure is also possible for specialized studies abroad, for which there is a standard set of documents.

9. Drivers and volunteers

Drivers of companies that have a license for international cargo transportation, whose data are entered into the Ukrtransbezpeka system, have the right to cross the border. Volunteer drivers who transport goods for the Armed Forces, humanitarian and medical aid also have the right to leave.

10. Unfit for military service

Employees of railway transport, as well as seafarers working on international routes, are allowed to leave the territory of Ukraine, provided they have an employment contract and a letter from the shipowner or operator about the intention to conclude a contract.

11. Sportsmen and artists

Athletes, trainers, specialists in preparation for participation in official competitions can go abroad if there is a decision of the Ministry of Sports regarding inclusion in the competition.

Artists and cultural figures can leave the territory of Ukraine for a charity performance abroad to collect funds or to represent Ukraine on the international stage. For this, it is necessary to have permission to cross the border from the Ministry of Culture, which is granted on the basis of a request for departure and an invitation from the organizer of the event.