Ukraine's Updated Exit Rules for Military-Age Men: Key Changes Effective March 1, 2026

Revised Regulations for Military-Age Men Leaving Ukraine

According to Главком: Ukraine will implement a revised set of rules governing the departure of military-liable men from the country, effective March 1, 2026. These changes introduce simplified procedures for specific groups, including men aged 18-22, those over 60, and media workers. However, stricter requirements remain in place for the core demographic of men aged 23 to 60, who must present a military registration document containing a VIN code. The updated regulations also modify the reservation system for employees of the defense-industrial complex and other enterprises deemed critically important to the state.

Eligibility and Required Documentation

Under the new framework, men aged 18-22 may cross the border under standard conditions, while those over 60 can leave on general grounds. For military-liable men aged 23 to 60, the primary requirement is a valid military registration document with an embedded VIN code. Separately, media workers within the 23-60 age bracket will be permitted to travel abroad for periods of up to 60 days starting March 1.

The required documents for men aged 18-22 are:

• International passport;
• Military registration document (paper or electronic).

Military-liable men aged 23-60 must provide:

• International passport;
• Military registration document with VIN code;
• Document confirming deferment or reservation.

Media personnel and journalists are required to submit:

• International passport;
• Military registration document;
• Approval letter from the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting;
• An invitation from a foreign organization, accompanied by a translation.

Individuals with reserved status must depart with:

• International passport;
• Military registration document;
• Official reservation order;
• Permission from their employer for the trip.

Those with medical conditions requiring treatment or who have a disability must present a military medical commission conclusion of unfitness or a disability certificate. Men over 60 need only an international passport to leave.

Grounds for denying exit may include:

• The individual being subject to a search warrant;
• Discrepancies between their documents and data in the Oberih registry or the Reserve+ application;
• Absence of a deferment mark in the military registration document.

Exit may still be permitted for individuals with health issues, those caring for disabled relatives, volunteers, and students enrolled in foreign universities.

The updated reservation rules further stipulate that defense-industrial enterprises can reserve employees for up to 45 days, while the fixed verification period for lists from critical enterprises has been abolished. Reserved individuals may travel on vacation with official employer permission, with the exception of state servants in category 2.14.

These regulatory adjustments reflect an effort to balance national security needs with societal and economic demands during a prolonged period of conflict. The easing of restrictions for younger men and media professionals aims to facilitate mobility and professional development. Conversely, maintaining stringent controls for the majority of military-liable men underscores the ongoing priority of national defense. These rules are part of a broader legal framework adapting to the realities of wartime Ukraine.