Who Can Leave Ukraine During Martial Law: A Guide to Military Registration and Border Crossings.

Crossing the Border During Wartime

According to Novyny.live: Under current regulations, Ukrainian citizens who are registered for military service and are under 23 years old are permitted to leave the country while martial law is in effect. To do so, they must present their military registration documents to border guards. However, conscripts aged 23 to 25 are not allowed to exit, while 17-year-old conscripts are not required to carry a registration certificate.

For those over 25 who are liable for military service, the right to travel abroad has been revoked. Wartime measures have tightened border controls, especially for potential draftees. Border officials can demand military paperwork from young people who have turned 18, but no such requirement exists for those under that age.

“Border guards cannot demand military registration documents from a young man until he turns 18.”

Vladyslav Deriy, military registration expert

Legal specialist Yuriy Ayvazyan adds: “For a 17-year-old in 2026, a military registration document is not mandatory for crossing the border.” This highlights that young Ukrainian citizens enjoy certain exemptions when traveling abroad.

In short, the rules for leaving Ukraine under martial law are clearly defined for young citizens. It is crucial for conscripts under 23 to understand their rights and responsibilities, as well as to comply with the requirements regarding military registration papers.

Why Border Exit Rules Matter Now

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the issue of young citizens traveling abroad has become especially pressing. On one hand, it offers opportunities for education or employment overseas; on the other, it requires balancing military obligations. The regulations governing exits aim to strike a balance between the state’s defense needs and the rights of young people to travel.