The application process for an international passport has changed in Ukraine: new rules

Ukraine is returning to the standard system of issuing international passports. Starting from October 29, 2025, the temporary procedure for extending documents and adding children's data to parents' passports, introduced at the beginning of the full-scale war due to a failure in the passport system, will be canceled.

This was reported by the Department of Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Why the application process for international passports is changing now

After stabilizing the operation of the state system and launching international branches of the State Document, the temporary mechanism is no longer needed. Moreover, many countries around the world allow crossing borders only with passports that have a full validity period, so 'extended' documents created difficulties for Ukrainians during travels.

Citizens are advised to apply in advance to consulates or State Document centers, administrative service centers, or migration service departments for a new biometric passport. It is also possible to issue a passport for a child - now every minor citizen must have their own document for traveling abroad.

What has changed in the application process for international passports since October 29, 2025

• passport from 16 years old - valid for 10 years

• passport for children under 16 years old - valid for 4 years

• each child must have a separate passport.

What Ukrainians should do abroad

Those who have an 'extended' passport and cannot return to Ukraine may be prevented from exiting or re-entering by European border guards. In this case, they should contact the consulate of Ukraine to obtain a return certificate. This document is issued on the day of application. It is free for children, while a consular fee applies for adults.

If the problem occurred during entry into the EU from Ukraine, a new passport should be issued at the nearest migration service unit, administrative service center, or State Document.

Air travel and dual passports

Airlines have the right not to check in passengers with extended documents according to ICAO standards. Ukrainians are also reminded: the law allows holding two international passports, which can be helpful for frequent travel.

Previously, we reported that the Verkhovna Rada abolished the Russian language in passport booklets.