Cecily Zamora
Ukraine has been under martial law twice in modern times: for 30 days in 2018 and since February 24, 2022, in response to the Russian invasion. Under martial law, Ukrainians' rights and freedoms are restricted, and a curfew is imposed. Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60 are prohibited from leaving the country, although there are some exceptions. Foreigners and dual citizens are also affected by the travel restrictions. This article explores the implications of martial law on the ability of Ukrainians to travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current status of martial law in Ukraine | In effect since 24 February 2022 |
| Legal basis for martial law | Constitution of Ukraine, Law "On the legal status of martial law" (No. 389-VIII from May 12, 2015), and presidential decrees |
| Restrictions | Curfew, ban on men liable for military service from leaving the country, ban on elections, restrictions on freedom of movement, property confiscation |
| Exemptions to travel ban for men | Single fathers, fathers of three or more minor children, men unfit for military service, athletes, drivers, sailors, aviation personnel, men with permanent residence abroad, men with dual citizenship |
| COVID-19 restrictions | None as of July 1, 2023 |
| Border crossing with Poland | Unblocked until March 1, 2023 |
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What You'll Learn
- Ukrainian men aged 18-60 are banned from travelling abroad
- Exemptions include fathers, those unfit for service, and drivers
- The constitution allows for restrictions on rights and freedoms
- Public holidays become working days during martial law
- Martial law was introduced in 2022 in response to Russia's invasion
Ukrainian men aged 18-60 are banned from travelling abroad
Martial law was introduced in Ukraine in 2018 for 30 days and again in 2022 in response to the Russian invasion. It is still in effect as of March 2025. The Ukrainian Constitution allows for certain restrictions on rights and freedoms when martial law is in effect. One such restriction is a ban on Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 from travelling abroad. This restriction was imposed following the introduction of martial law and is intended to be temporary, only in effect during the period of martial law.
Ukrainian men who are not subject to conscription or have the right to deferment are allowed to travel outside of Ukraine, but they must prove it with appropriate documents. For example, men who are single fathers or have three or more dependent minor children are allowed to travel abroad during martial law and must provide relevant documents as proof. Men who are crew members of sea and river vessels are also allowed to travel abroad, but they must be working on these vessels at the time of crossing the border.
Ukrainian men who permanently live abroad are also allowed to leave Ukraine during martial law, but they must provide documentary confirmation. This includes having a stamp from the migration service or diplomatic institution of Ukraine in their passport. However, long-term and work visas from foreign countries do not confirm permanent residence abroad and do not entitle conscripts to leave. Men who have the citizenship of another country along with Ukrainian citizenship can cross the border with a non-Ukrainian passport, as customs control cannot track the presence of a second passport. However, it is important to note that dual citizenship is not allowed in Ukraine, so obtaining citizenship of another country may result in the loss of Ukrainian citizenship.
There are other specific categories of men who have permission to travel abroad during martial law. This includes aviation personnel, state inspectors for aviation supervision, and employees of the State Aviation Enterprise "Ukraine" who are travelling for work or training. Undergraduate students of Ukrainian universities aged 18 to 22 in certain medical, pharmaceutical, and veterinary fields are also allowed to go abroad for internships. Additionally, men who are temporarily unfit for military service due to health reasons for a period of up to six months are allowed to leave the country.
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Exemptions include fathers, those unfit for service, and drivers
Martial law in Ukraine was introduced on February 24, 2022, in response to the Russian invasion. It has resulted in a reduction of certain fundamental rights and freedoms for Ukrainian citizens and foreign visitors, including a ban on travel abroad for men aged 18 to 60. However, this ban is not absolute, and there are several exemptions in place for specific categories of men.
Fathers who independently raise a child under the age of 18 are permitted to travel abroad during martial law. They must provide the child's birth certificate and a document confirming their status as a single father, such as a decision to deprive the mother of parental rights or a death certificate. Fathers with three or more minor children, including those with children from different marriages, can also travel abroad during the war by providing the necessary documents. Additionally, men who accompany a child with disabilities or severe and rare diseases are allowed to leave the country.
Men who have been deemed unfit for military service by the military medical commission are also exempt from the travel ban. This includes those who are temporarily unfit for service due to health reasons for a period of up to six months. These individuals must present appropriate documentation confirming their unfitness for service.
Drivers, along with railway workers, sailors, athletes, and volunteers, are permitted to travel abroad during martial law but must adhere to certain conditions. Men who are crew members of sea and river vessels are allowed to cross borders as long as they are working on these vessels at the time of crossing. Additionally, men who are citizens of Ukraine but permanently reside in another country can leave Ukraine during martial law with documentary confirmation, such as a stamp from the migration service or a diplomatic institution in their passport.
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The constitution allows for restrictions on rights and freedoms
The Constitution of Ukraine allows for specific restrictions on rights and freedoms when the state of martial law is in effect. The Constitution explicitly extends the five-year authority of the Verkhovna Rada (the national parliament of Ukraine) in the state of martial law until the first meeting of the new parliamentary term, which is elected after the cancellation of martial law.
The Constitution of Ukraine, the Law of Ukraine "On the legal status of martial law" (No. 389-VIII from May 12, 2015), and presidential decrees form the legal basis for the introduction of martial law in Ukraine. Modern-day martial law has been imposed twice in Ukraine: in 2018 for 30 days and from February 24, 2022, onwards in response to the Russian invasion.
During the 2018 imposition of martial law, Ukraine banned all Russian men aged 16 to 60 from entering the country, citing security concerns. This restriction was extended by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine in late December 2018.
The current period of martial law has resulted in a reduction of certain fundamental rights, including the freedom of movement. Men between the ages of 18 and 60 are prohibited from leaving the country, with exemptions possible but difficult to obtain. This restriction also applies to dual citizens of Ukraine and other countries, as Ukrainian law does not recognize dual citizenship.
According to Article 64, Section II of the CCU, certain rights and freedoms may be restricted under martial law or a state of emergency, but only for a specified duration. The rights outlined in Articles 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 40, 47, 51, 52, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, and 63 of the Constitution cannot be restricted. These protected rights include equality before the law regardless of race, color, gender, religious beliefs, or property status (Article 24), the right to Ukrainian citizenship and protection abroad (Article 25), and the right to own, use, and dispose of property (Article 40).
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Public holidays become working days during martial law
Ukraine has been under martial law since 24 February 2022, in response to the Russian invasion. This has resulted in a number of restrictions and prohibitions, including a ban on men liable for military service from leaving the country.
During martial law, public holidays in Ukraine become working days. While there are usually 11 public holidays in Ukraine, these now become days when citizens are expected to work. This means that citizens will not get time off on holidays such as Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, Europe Day, Memorial Day, and the Day of Remembrance and Sorrow.
The Constitution of Ukraine allows for specific restrictions on rights and freedoms during martial law. The authority of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's national parliament, is extended during this period. As a result, national elections are not held while martial law is in effect. The 2023 Ukrainian parliamentary election and the 2024 Ukrainian presidential election were both postponed due to the ongoing martial law.
In addition to the restrictions on public holidays and elections, martial law in Ukraine has also impacted labor relations. Employers may suspend labor relations with certain employees for up to 90 days, and the Ukrainian Parliament has passed laws regulating various relations during this time. There are changes to work hours, annual vacations, unpaid leaves, weekly social guarantees, and timely salary payments.
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Martial law was introduced in 2022 in response to Russia's invasion
Martial law was introduced in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, in response to Russia's invasion. The Ukrainian government imposed martial law to protect the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This was the second time Ukraine had declared martial law in modern times, with the first instance occurring in 2018 for a duration of 30 days.
The 2022 declaration of martial law in Ukraine entailed a range of restrictions and prohibitions for both Ukrainian citizens and foreign visitors. One of the most notable restrictions was the ban on men of fighting age, typically those between 18 and 60 years old, from leaving the country. This restriction applied to all Ukrainian men, including dual citizens, and was implemented to support the mobilization of all reserve forces.
During this period of martial law, Ukraine also banned Russian men between the ages of 16 and 60 from entering the country, citing security concerns and preventing the formation of "private" Russian armies on Ukrainian soil. There were exceptions made for humanitarian purposes.
The introduction of martial law in Ukraine also impacted the political landscape. It resulted in the suspension of activities of several opposition political parties, including those with pro-Russian leanings, for the duration of the martial law. Additionally, public holidays became working days, and there were concerns about the potential impact on international aid payments.
To facilitate the implementation of martial law, Ukraine established military administrations with special powers and subordination. These administrations were formed based on regional, district, and Kyiv city state administrations. The martial law regime also allowed for interference with personal life, including the control of communication and inspection of belongings, documents, and housing.
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Frequently asked questions
Men between the ages of 18 and 60 are not permitted to leave Ukraine during martial law. However, there are certain exceptions, such as for men with children under the age of 18, men with three or more dependent minor children, and men who are unfit for military service.
There are a number of restrictions and prohibitions in place during martial law, including a curfew, restrictions on certain civil liberties, and a ban on elections. There are also increased security measures at the border, and foreign journalists should be aware of the potential risks.
The US government currently advises against all travel to Ukraine, particularly for US citizen males aged 18 to 60 with Ukrainian citizenship or a claim to Ukrainian citizenship. If you are already in Ukraine, you should be prepared to shelter in place and obey all local orders, as the security situation can change quickly.
