The Ukrainian government has removed all border crossing restrictions for women, regardless of their positions in state bodies, local governments, state enterprises, or courts. This decision was announced by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on May 15.
Previously, the government had lifted travel restrictions for female employees in various government roles, but this did not apply to women in higher offices, including ministers and central executive authorities, as well as staff from the President’s Office, the Verkhovna Rada, the National Security and Defense Council, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the National Bank.
The restrictions also excluded female members of parliament, judges of the Supreme and Constitutional Courts, prosecutors from the Office of the Prosecutor General, and heads of state enterprises and agencies operating across Ukraine.
Since the declaration of martial law in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, men aged 18 to 60 have faced travel restrictions due to mobilization requirements. However, certain categories of individuals are permitted to leave the country, including those with disabilities, parents of multiple children, guardians, escorts for persons with disabilities, and students enrolled in foreign educational institutions.
Each category has specific documentation requirements, and border officials make individual decisions at crossing points. On August 26, 2025, Prime Minister Svyrydenko announced an update to border crossing procedures, allowing men aged 18 to 22 to exit Ukraine without restrictions during martial law.
For this age group, the necessary documents for crossing the border include:
- A passport allowing international travel;
- A military registration document (which can also be in electronic form) to be presented upon request by border guards.
The Ukrainian government has lifted border restrictions for women in government roles, allowing them to travel freely. This change follows previous limitations and aligns with broader updates to border policies amid ongoing martial law.