TL;DR: Men aged 18 to 22 (inclusive – until the day before their 23rd birthday) can cross the border of Ukraine in both directions without military registration documents regarding deferment or booking. A foreign passport and a military registration document (paper or in the "Reserve+" application) are sufficient. The rule is effective from the end of August 2025 and remains valid.
Who the new rule applies to
Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated August 27, 2025, introduced changes to the rules for crossing the state border during martial law. Male citizens of Ukraine aged 18 until the day preceding their 23rd birthday received the right to freely leave the country – both once and repeatedly.
The rule also applies to those already abroad: age restrictions for returning to Ukraine and re-leaving for this category do not apply.
What documents you need to have with you
- Foreign passport – valid, without term restrictions.
- Military registration document – paper form or electronic in the "Reserve+" application. The border guard checks the status of military registration.
- If necessary – a document for the reason for departure: for some persons holding certain public positions, the procedure for departure on a business trip is preserved.
Ukrainian foreign institutions (consulates) can also issue documents for this category on general grounds.
At which checkpoints does this work
The new rule applies at all existing checkpoints for road, pedestrian, rail and bus connections. The busiest directions towards the EU:
- Krakovets – Korczowa (UA–PL, auto)
- Shehyni – Medyka (UA–PL, auto and pedestrian crossing)
- Yahodyn – Dorohusk (UA–PL, auto)
- Rava-Ruska – Hrebenne (UA–PL, auto)
Actual waiting times and live webcams for these checkpoints – on the Ukraine → Poland queues page. On the Hungarian, Slovak and Romanian directions, the rule works the same way.
Exceptions: who will not be able to use the simplification
The rule does not apply to men aged 18-22 who:
- hold positions in public service and local self-government (departure only on a business trip),
- are performing military service (departure is regulated by the general procedure for servicemen),
- have personal restrictions by court decision or other bodies.
What about mobilization age
The mobilization age in Ukraine starts at 25 years. This means that men aged 18-22 are not subject to mobilization under the general rule – hence the logic of simplification. For ages 23-60, the rules remain unchanged: departure is possible only if there are legal grounds (deferment, booking, other exceptions). More details – on the Border Crossing Rules page.
Can I return
Yes. Return to Ukraine for this category is without restrictions, as for any citizen. The number of exits and entries is not limited. If a man is 22 years old at the time of departure, but turns 23 while abroad – no special permits are required for return, but the next departure after his 23rd birthday will already be subject to general rules.
How to check queue status before departure
On the pages of each checkpoint nakordoni.eu displays the current waiting time for exit and entry, historical graphs by hours of the day, forecast for the next day and live webcams. For the "Ukraine → Poland" direction, summarized statistics – here.
Frequently asked questions
Is permission from the military enlistment office required for men aged 18-22 to leave?
No. Special permits from the TCC and SP are not required. A passport and military registration document are sufficient.
Is it possible to leave if you are not yet 18 years old?
For minors, separate rules for crossing with parents or an accompanying person apply – the new simplification does not change them.
What to do if there is no paper military registration document?
An electronic version in the "Reserve+" application or a citizen's passport of Ukraine with a military registration mark is sufficient.
Does the rule apply to those with dual citizenship?
Yes, if the person enters and leaves with a Ukrainian foreign passport and has the status of a citizen of Ukraine.
Can I cross the border on foot?
Yes. The rule does not depend on the type of crossing – car, pedestrian, rail or bus.
Official sources
- Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 27.08.2025 (changes to the rules for crossing the state border during martial law).
- Statement by the Prime Minister of Ukraine dated 26.08.2025.
- Clarifications from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
This material is not legal advice. Before traveling, check the current versions of resolutions on the official government portal.