After the introduction of martial law on the territory of Ukraine, the state simplified the border crossing procedure for children. In particular, the list of documents required for a child to leave with other relatives or authorized persons has decreased.
Children who have reached the age of 16 can travel abroad independently.
Going abroad with one of the parents
If earlier, in order to travel outside of Ukraine with one of the parents, in addition to the child’s passport, the parents had to take with them a notarized permission from the other spouse, now such permission is not needed.
Before the introduction of martial law, only those Ukrainians who were married to citizens of other countries were allowed to take their children abroad without the permission of the second parent. Also, sometimes the need for permission was canceled by a court decision – for example, if one of the parents had debts regarding the payment of alimony.
Departure with grandparents or other authorized persons
Under the conditions of martial law, a child under the age of 16 can cross the border with a grandparent, an adult brother or sister, as well as a stepmother, stepfather or other persons, if the person accompanying the child is authorized by one of the parents in a written statement certified by the guardianship authority and care. The procedure is carried out without the notarized consent of the other parent and in the presence of a passport of a citizen of Ukraine or a birth certificate of the child.
We will remind, from now on the state provides free issuance of foreign passports for orphans and children deprived of parental care. Issuance of such documents is free of charge both directly in Ukraine and in diplomatic missions of the state abroad (consulates, embassies).
