Complete list of documents for travel abroad (2025)
Due to martial law in Ukraine and fast-changing regulations, the rules for crossing Ukraine’s state border may change.
This guide reflects information as of 2025, but before travelling you must verify details via official sources.
The rules below describe the Ukrainian side.
Before departure: see live queues and estimated waiting-time forecasts.
On the road: share a quick update from the queue to improve forecasts for everyone:
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After you submit: track your record via unique ID:
check status.
Basic documents for international travel
Most Ukrainian citizens (not subject to additional restrictions) need the following basics:
Biometric passport. Recommended validity at least 6 months.
Visa (if required by the destination). Always verify specific visa rules.
Proof of purpose of travel. Border officers in other countries may ask for:
Accommodation booking.
Return tickets.
Invitation from a host or an organisation.
Documents confirming business trip, study or medical treatment.
Travel medical insurance. Often required for entry to the Schengen Area — must cover the entire stay.
Vehicle documents. If driving: registration certificate and international
“Green Card” insurance.
What Polish (Schengen) officers may check
At entry to Poland, officers may verify:
Valid passport.
Evidence of purpose and conditions of stay (booking, invitation, host/hotel contact).
Sufficient financial means for the stay.
Visa — if required for your route/purpose.
Medical insurance valid in the Schengen Area.
What you can/cannot bring into Poland (personal use)
Products of animal origin: generally, meat and dairy from non-EU countries are prohibited. Some exceptions exist (limited amounts of fish, honey, eggs) — check official tables.
Medicines: for personal use only, in reasonable quantities; prescriptions may be required.
Alcohol/tobacco: duty-free limits apply according to customs rules.
Cash: amounts from €10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared when entering the EU.
For a consolidated overview, see our guide:
Customs rules for travellers (Ukraine & EU).
Also consult the Polish customs authority and the European Commission websites for exact thresholds (links below in “Official sources”).
Specific rules for men aged 18–60 during martial law
Under Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 57 (as amended), travel abroad for male Ukrainian citizens aged 18–60 is restricted.
Only those falling under specific exceptions may cross. Besides the passport, carry documents proving your right to leave.
Main exception categories include:
Health-related:
Persons with disabilities (Groups I–III) with supporting documents.
Escorts/carers of a person with disability or a sick relative (with proof).
Temporarily or permanently unfit for military service (medical board decision).
Family grounds:
Parents supporting three or more children under 18.
Lone parents of a child/children under 18.
Parents/guardians of a child with disability.
Men whose close relatives died or went missing during ATO/JFO or repelling aggression.
Other grounds:
Service members on treatment/rehabilitation/study trips abroad (with orders).
Employees reserved by critical-infrastructure entities (official business trips only; order + enterprise status confirmation).
Students studying abroad (with documents from the institution).
Important: men of conscription age must present a military registration document (paper or e-form).
Border officers may refuse exit if documents are missing or inconsistent.
Travelling with children
Under 16:
With one parent: child’s birth certificate and child’s passport. During martial law a notarised consent from the other parent is typically not required, though it can help avoid questions.
With close relatives (grandparents, adult sibling, step-parent): birth certificate + documents proving kinship.
With other persons: notarised statement from one parent, endorsed by the guardianship authority.
16 and older:
Persons aged 16+ may travel independently with their own passport.
Travelling with pets
Requirements depend on the destination country. In most cases you will need:
The temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainians has been extended at least until 4 March 2026.
Conditions may change — always check the latest Council of the EU decisions and the destination country’s rules.
ℹ️ Shift change & peak times
Around 08:00 and 20:00 (shift change) local delays may occur in processing.
Before travelling, check live queues and read the FAQ.
Refusal of entry: common grounds
Incomplete documents or data inconsistencies.
Doubts about purpose/conditions of stay (no booking, invitation, travel plan).
Insufficient financial means.
Existing entry ban/previous migration violations.
Suspected document forgery or other security risks.
If refused, request a written decision stating the grounds.
Key recommendations
Verify recency: always check official websites (SBCU, SMSU) as rules can change quickly.
Originals: carry originals of all required documents and keep digital copies.
Destination rules: review current vaccination and COVID-19 requirements.
Avoid scams: do not use services offering fake documents or illegal border crossing — it’s a criminal offence.