Changes will affect journalists, cultural figures, and volunteers, as well as update requirements for men transporting humanitarian cargo. Who will be able to cross the border, and who will have to stay in the country? Let's delve into the details.
Who can leave Ukraine in March 2025?
Men aged 18 to 60 can leave the territory of Ukraine only if they possess a military registration document. However, there are specific categories eligible for departure:
- Individuals exempted from military registration due to health reasons;
- Citizens with disabilities of any category;
- Parents of many children (if raising three or more children under 18 and have no outstanding alimony debts);
- Parents of children with disabilities;
- Single parents;
- Citizens accompanying family members with disabilities of I or II group;
- Guardians of individuals with disabilities recognized as legally incompetent by a court;
- Students aged 18-22 traveling for education or internship for one semester;
- Military personnel aged 18-25 who have completed their contract service;
- Relatives of those killed or missing during the war.
Who will face travel restrictions in March 2025?
Starting March 3, new border crossing restrictions will apply to certain categories of citizens:
- Cultural figures and journalists will no longer be able to obtain letters of assistance for leaving Ukraine. This decision is linked to numerous violations where citizens did not return within the established deadlines.
- Volunteers transporting humanitarian and medical cargo will fall under the general exit rules for military conscripts. They will now need to have official grounds for crossing the border.
Previously, the decision regarding the departure of volunteers was made by the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development or regional military administrations. This regulation has now been abolished. Consequently, men aged 18 to 60 engaged in transporting humanitarian aid will only be allowed to leave if they have three or more children or other legal grounds.
What comes next?
The Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications has already prepared amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 57, which are currently under coordination. This indicates that new adjustments to the exit rules for military conscripts may emerge in the future.