New regulation on border crossing for men 18–22: conditions and timeline

Ukraine has officially adopted a government resolution allowing men aged 18 to 22 to travel abroad during martial law. However, the regulation sets clear restrictions and exemptions, particularly for government officials and employees reserved from mobilization.

This was reported by the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The government has published Resolution No. 1031 of August 26, 2025, amending the Rules for Crossing the State Border by Citizens of Ukraine. The document was made public on August 27 and entered into force immediately.

Under the new regulation, men aged 18 to 22, inclusive, are now allowed to travel abroad. In practice, this means that the general border-crossing restrictions during martial law no longer apply to this age group.

However, exceptions remain. Restrictions continue to apply to a wide range of officials and representatives of state institutions, including members of the Cabinet of Ministers, their deputies, state secretaries, heads of central government bodies, the Verkhovna Rada Secretariat, the Office of the President, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Accounting Chamber, the Central Election Commission, and other state collegial bodies. The list also covers members of parliament, local council deputies, prosecutors, judges, and heads of state-owned enterprises in which the state holds more than 50%.

The resolution separately regulates the departure of single parents or guardians from these categories. They may cross the border to visit or accompany their children abroad, provided they present supporting documents.

The changes also affected several provisions where the wording “18 years” was replaced with “23 years.” This applies, in particular, to paragraphs 2-1, 2-8, 2-12, 2-13, 2-20, and 2-22.

Previously, paragraph 2-19 allowed travel only for men aged 18 to 22 who were enrolled full-time at Ukrainian universities and participating in academic mobility programs.

The new regulation, therefore, significantly expands travel opportunities for this age group, while maintaining strict restrictions for officials and reserved employees.

As a reminder, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced that the Cabinet of Ministers has adopted a resolution that allows Ukrainian men aged 18 to 22 to cross the state border without hindrance, even during martial law.

As reported, men aged 18 to 22 will need to have a military registration document to travel abroad.

By the way, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has adopted new rules that allow female deputies of local councils working on a voluntary basis to cross the state border during martial law.

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