Ukraine's 2026 exit rules: new categories allowed to leave under martial law

What changed

Throughout 2026, Ukraine gradually expanded the list of cases in which citizens may cross the state border during martial law. The changes affected three distinct groups and did not take effect all at once — they came through separate Cabinet of Ministers resolutions issued across the year.

Since January 1, 2026, Cabinet Resolution No. 1509 of November 19, 2025 has been in force: approval letters for men aged 23–60 who work in media, information, and strategic communications are now issued by the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting (Derzhkomteleradio) instead of the Ministry of Culture. The letter must state the exit date, the checkpoint, and the expected return date, and the maximum stay abroad is up to 60 days.

Since May 11, 2026, Resolution No. 587 of May 6, 2026 has eased the rules for women holding positions in state authorities, local self-government bodies, state enterprises, and courts. Previously, such women could mostly travel abroad only on official business trips; the restriction has now been lifted for most of them, allowing travel for private purposes as well. The exception is a narrow group of top officials (Cabinet members, first deputy and deputy ministers, heads of central executive bodies and their deputies, state secretaries), for whom the restrictions still apply.

As of August 2026, no major easing has occurred for reserved men (those with a military draft deferment through their employer). Despite rumors of possible changes from August 1, the relevant agencies confirm that exit conditions are still governed by Resolution No. 1608 of December 8, 2025, which updated the rules for reserving conscripts (amending base Resolution No. 76 of January 27, 2023). The key point often overlooked: having a reservation alone does not grant the right to cross the border — you also need active special military registration, up-to-date data at the recruitment center (TCC), and, typically, documented proof of a business trip.

Who this affects

Media and information sector workers. Men aged 23–60 professionally employed in media, journalism, or strategic communications. To exit, you need: an approval letter from Derzhkomteleradio stating the exit date, checkpoint, and expected return date; an invitation from a foreign organization with a certified Ukrainian translation; a foreign travel passport; and a military registration document. Stay abroad is capped at 60 days.

Women in leadership and specialist positions. Employees of state authorities, local self-government bodies, state enterprises, and courts whose posts previously fell under the restriction in clause 2.14 of the Border Crossing Rules. Since May 11, 2026, they may travel abroad for reasons beyond business trips. Restrictions remain only for a narrow list of top posts defined by Resolution No. 587.

Reserved men. Employees of defense-industry enterprises and companies designated as critically important who hold an active reservation. The reservation itself is not grounds for exit: you also need special military registration, up-to-date TCC data, and documents confirming the purpose of the trip (most often, a business trip). Exit for a private vacation is not clearly regulated by law, so the final decision at the border is made individually by border guards.

Baseline rules (regardless of category). Male citizens aged 18–60 fall under the exit restrictions set by Resolution No. 57. Men aged 23–60 must confirm one of the recognized grounds for exit and carry: a foreign travel passport, a valid military registration document with a QR code (an electronic e-VOD via the Reserve+ app, or a paper document with TCC marks), and documents confirming the ground for exit itself.

What to do now

1. Identify which category applies to you, and check in advance which specific resolution governs your case — document requirements differ.
2. For media and information workers: apply for the Derzhkomteleradio approval letter well in advance — the procedure takes time to process, including preparing the translated invitation.
3. For reserved workers: check your reservation and special registration status in Reserve+, and confirm with your employer's HR department how the business trip should be documented — without it, crossing may be refused even with an active reservation.
4. Generate an up-to-date military registration document (e-VOD) no more than a few days before travel — an outdated document will not be accepted at the border.
5. Check your status and any possible exit restrictions in advance through the State Border Guard Service's online Personal Cabinet, to avoid unpleasant surprises right at the border.
6. After crossing, keep the exit stamp in your passport — for men of conscription age applying for temporary protection in the EU, it is increasingly required as proof of a lawful exit.

Common mistakes

The most common mistake is treating the reservation itself, or simply belonging to an eligible category, as automatic permission to cross the border. In reality you need a complete package: a valid document, up-to-date registry data, and documentary proof of the ground for exit (a letter, a business trip order, an invitation). A second common mistake is relying on an outdated e-VOD: if the document was generated long before the trip, border guards may refuse entry. A third is confusing the rules for different categories: conditions for media workers, women officials, and reserved men differ significantly and are governed by different resolutions.

Rules change frequently — before taking action, always check the current requirements on the official government source listed above.