Border crossing rules for teenagers

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the issue of free crossing of state borders has become especially relevant for Ukrainians. For men between the ages of 18 and 60, travel is limited in accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On Mobilization" of 2023. However, is it possible to go abroad during the war at the age of 17? Let's talk further.

Is it possible to go abroad at the age of 16-17?

In accordance with Part 2 of Art. 313 of the Civil Code, individuals who have reached the age of 16 have the right to travel outside Ukraine without being accompanied by parents or other guardians. This means that additional permits and documents for crossing the border are not required, except for a passport of a citizen of Ukraine or a foreigner. Therefore, the unequivocal answer to the question of whether it is possible to go abroad at the age of 17 is yes.

Departure rules for minors

For children younger than 16, the procedure is different. According to Part 3 of Art. 313 of the Civil Code, they can cross the border of Ukraine only with the consent of parents, adoptive parents or guardians, as well as accompanied by them. The child must have a birth certificate or foreign passport with him.

Peculiarities of crossing the border during the war

Due to the introduction of martial law on the territory of the state, the rules regarding the departure of minors abroad may be changed. Before its expiration, children under the age of 16 may leave Ukraine with:

• one of the parents;
• grandmother or grandfather;
• an adult brother or sister;
• stepmother or stepfather;
• by other adults authorized by one of the parents (by a written statement certified by a representative of the local guardianship authority).

The notarized consent of the second parent is not required for this. However, a mandatory condition is the presence of a minor passport of a citizen of Ukraine or a birth certificate if the person is younger than 16 years old.

If a child under the age of 16 goes to another country not accompanied by parents, but with other relatives, it is necessary to have with him not only the birth certificate of the person, but also a document confirming the existence of family ties (without notarized consent).

Documents for minors to travel abroad

For such a trip it is necessary:

• birth certificate or passport of a citizen of Ukraine;
• foreign passport.

If the teenager is not traveling with a family member, but with another authorized person, an application on behalf of both parents is also required. It must be notarized (at a public or private notary). For this you will need:

• birth certificate of a minor;
• original passports of both parents;
• registration numbers of the tax payers' registration cards of both parents

This protects the child from being illegally taken abroad by third parties without proper documents. Before the trip, it is worth clarifying whether the person accompanying the minor belongs to the list of those who can go abroad during martial law. According to Art. 23 of the Law of Ukraine "On Mobilization Training and Mobilization", are not subject to conscription for military service and may cross the border:

• persons booked at the place of work;
• persons with disabilities recognized by the military medical commission as temporarily unfit - only for 6 months;
• persons who support three or more minors;
• persons who independently raise a minor child;
• persons who raise and take care of minors with disabilities, seriously ill children;
• persons who maintain an adult child with a disability of the I or II group;
• persons who have a disabled or seriously ill legal partner.

The full list is given in the Law.

Going abroad without parents

In the second section of the material, we have already established whether it is possible to go abroad without parents at the age of 17. Yes, from the age of 16, a person has the right to drive independently. However, for this it is necessary to observe certain conditions, because some employees of the State Border Service may abuse the norms of the law and do not allow youths from 16 to 18 years of age. In the year when a boy is supposed to turn 17, he must register for the military, although he will not be considered a military serviceman until he comes of age.

The purpose of departure is also important. For example, is it possible to go abroad for work at the age of 17? Of course, however, in addition to the passport of a citizen of Ukraine and a foreign one, it is also necessary to obtain a work visa in the country where the person will work. Regarding the immediate working conditions of the minor, the laws in the country where the job is offered should be analyzed. It is they, and not the labor standards of Ukraine, that will regulate conditions, labor protection, decent pay and other rights.

The most important advice is to research all the nuances of crossing the border at least a month before the trip. This gives enough time to apply for free legal aid, consult with a professional lawyer, or find the necessary information and documents yourself if necessary.