As of May 20, 2026, Ukraine has officially lifted border crossing restrictions for all women, regardless of their positions in government, local authorities, state enterprises, or the judiciary. This change was confirmed by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
Border control officials have begun implementing this new policy at various checkpoints. The previous restrictions, which had been in place since January 2023, were enacted following a decision by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) to limit the travel of civil servants, including women in specific roles. Under the earlier regulations, these women were only permitted to travel abroad for official duties.
Since the declaration of martial law in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, specific travel restrictions have been imposed. Men aged 18 to 60, who are subject to mobilization, have been prohibited from leaving the country. However, certain categories are exempt, including individuals with disabilities, parents of multiple children, guardians, companions of persons with disabilities, foreign students, and a few other designated groups.
Each exempt category has its own set of required documents, and border guards make individual decisions regarding entry at checkpoints. On August 26, 2025, Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko announced updates to the border crossing rules, allowing men aged 18 to 22 to travel abroad freely during the martial law period. This applies to all Ukrainian citizens within that age range.
For men aged 18 to 22 wishing to cross the border, the necessary documents include:
- A passport that permits international travel;
- A military registration document, which may be presented in electronic form upon request by border officials.
Ukraine has lifted border restrictions for women in government roles, allowing them to travel freely. This change follows a period of strict regulations imposed during martial law, which limited the movement of certain groups.