The rules for crossing the border with underage children have changed since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Find out how to leave Ukraine with a child in 2024 and what documents you need to have

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine

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The martial law regime introduced in Ukraine has simplified the rules for children traveling abroad. In particular, in 2024, minors can cross the border with one of their parents without the notarial consent of the other. Also, from now on, it is enough to have a birth certificate to leave.

Children over the age of 16 can generally leave Ukraine independently.

What documents do you need to have for travel? Rules for crossing the border with a child in 2024 and necessary documents further.

What documents does a child need to travel abroad?

The departure of children abroad takes place on the basis of a foreign passport (if available) or a birth certificate.

Also, citizens of Ukraine, including children who have reached the age of 14, can travel to Turkey and Georgia using the passport of a citizen of Ukraine, which contains a contactless electronic medium (ID card).

When is a child's exit permit needed?

According to Ukrainian legislation, a child under the age of 16 is allowed to travel abroad only when accompanied by an adult. Depending on the degree of kinship, it is necessary to provide a certain list of documents:

● If the child is traveling with a parent or guardian.

The notarial consent of the second parent is not required, it is enough to have the child's birth certificate.

● When leaving with close relatives - grandmother, grandfather, stepmother, stepfather or adult brothers or sisters.

Child's birth certificate and documents confirming family ties (not notarized). It is also not necessary to issue a parent's permission to leave.

● Persons who are not relatives.

If the child is traveling abroad with a third party, a written statement from one of the parents (must be certified by the guardianship authority) or a notarized permission for the child to travel abroad is required to leave the country. In addition, you will need a child's birth certificate and an adult's identity document.

List of documents for notarized consent for minors to cross the border

The following documents should be provided to the notary to issue a notarial consent:

- original passports of parents;

- registration numbers of parents' tax payers' registration cards;

- child's birth certificate.

The document is drawn up in the form of a statement, on which the authenticity of the parents' signature is notarized. Notarized consent prevents illegal removal of a child outside of Ukraine.

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Is it possible to prohibit a child from crossing the Ukrainian border?

One of the parents can prohibit the child from leaving Ukraine. However, this cannot be done with words. For this, it is necessary to apply in writing to the Administration of the State Border and Border Service and attach a notarized form on the objection to the departure of the child.

If there are reasonable grounds that a child's departure abroad may harm him, authorized judicial bodies may issue orders to the State Border Service to prohibit the departure of certain persons.

That is, if the State Border Service receives an order prohibiting a certain person (child) from leaving Ukraine, then data about him is entered into the relevant databases. If a person who is prohibited from crossing the border tries to do so, the State Border Service may take measures provided for by law and prevent the person (child) from being released abroad.

When a child can leave Ukraine independently

According to Article 313 of the Civil Code of Ukraine, a person who has reached the age of 16 has the right to free independent travel outside Ukraine. That is, after reaching this age, the child does not need any permits or accompaniment to leave.

Therefore, the departure of children abroad does not require the preparation of a large package of documents. However, when planning a trip, do not forget to take care of a health insurance policy that will protect against unexpected expenses abroad and ensure the provision of high-quality medical care, which is especially important when traveling with small travelers.

We remind you! The European Union has hosted more than 4 million Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine. Despite the large number of displaced persons, EU countries continue to accept citizens in need. Read more about which countries still provide temporary residence on their territory and what conditions they offer in our previous article.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

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