Ukrainians who have lost their foreign passport abroad, damaged it, or have a document that has expired, can return home with a special certificate. The so-called white passport is only valid for entry into Ukraine and does not replace a regular foreign passport. 24 Channel reports on this.
Who receives the white passport for return to Ukraine in 2026
The official name of the document is a certificate of identity for return to Ukraine. It is issued by foreign diplomatic institutions, including embassies and consulates of Ukraine.
You can obtain the certificate if the foreign passport is lost or stolen, its validity has expired, the document is damaged or invalid. It is also intended for adults and children who do not have a foreign passport and need to return to Ukraine.
An application from a person aged 16 and older is submitted independently. For children under 16, this is done by one of the parents or another legal representative. The document can also be processed for separate categories of foreigners and stateless persons who have the appropriate status in Ukraine.
The maximum validity period of the certificate is 30 days unless otherwise specified by international treaties of Ukraine.
What documents are needed to return to Ukraine without a passport
To obtain the certificate, you need to contact the nearest Ukrainian embassy or consulate. Depending on the circumstances, the following may be required:
- application form;
- a certificate or other police document regarding the loss or theft of the passport;
- the damaged or invalid foreign passport, if available;
- internal passport or other document confirming identity and citizenship;
- documents of the child and the legal representative if the certificate is processed for a minor;
- confirmation of payment of the consular fee or exemption from it.
A photograph is usually taken during the appointment. Foreign documents must be properly certified if required by law, and submitted with a translation into Ukrainian.
What the white passport allows Ukrainians abroad
The main purpose of the certificate is to give a person the opportunity to return once to the territory controlled by Ukraine. It simultaneously confirms the identity and belonging to Ukrainian citizenship during border crossing.
At the same time, the document cannot be used instead of a full-fledged foreign passport. It does not grant the right to leave Ukraine or travel from Ukraine to other countries, nor does it replace the internal passport.
For men aged 18 to 60, the electronic military registration document is not required when obtaining such a certificate. If a person is in a country where there is no Ukrainian embassy or consulate, the ready certificate can be sent by mail under certain conditions.
A separate mechanism operates for Ukrainians forcibly deported to Russia. For them, the State Migration Service can issue a certificate without personal presence and free of charge within five days. Designated relatives or legal representatives may apply as specified by law.