Government Lifts Ban on Foreign Travel for Female Civil Servants

Travel Restrictions Eased for Women in Public Service

According to Главком: Ukraine’s government has ended the ban on international travel for women employed in state authorities, local government bodies, state-owned enterprises, and several other institutions during martial law. The decision was announced via a post from Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, marking the removal of restrictions that had been in place for over two years. This change comes as part of broader adjustments to wartime policies affecting public sector employees.

Previously, under Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 69 of January 27, 2023, foreign travel was prohibited for:

• officials;
• judges;
• prosecutors;
• civil servants.

These restrictions applied to rank-and-file female civil servants who did not hold top-tier leadership positions (Category A) and were not subject to military service obligations.

Despite the lifting of these restrictions for the mentioned groups, travel bans remain in effect for the highest-ranking officials. This list includes:

• members of the Cabinet of Ministers;
• heads of ministries and central executive authorities, along with their deputies;
• leadership of the Office of the President of Ukraine;
• the Verkhovna Rada Secretariat;
• the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC);
• the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU);
• the National Bank of Ukraine;
• people’s deputies (MPs);
• judges of the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court of Ukraine;
• prosecutors from the Prosecutor General’s Office;
• heads of state enterprises and bodies with jurisdiction over the entire country.

Gradual Relaxation of Travel Bans

In September 2025, the Cabinet also exempted female deputies of local councils from the travel ban, except for those serving as local government officials. This signals a phased easing of restrictions for women working in local governance, though certain exceptions persist for top-tier representatives.

The removal of travel curbs for female public servants may indicate a reduction in national tension and a gradual return to normal functioning for state institutions. However, by retaining bans for the highest officials, the government aims to maintain stability and oversight in critical areas of administration during martial law. This decision could enhance mobility and professional development opportunities for women in the public sector, while underscoring the need for selective restrictions amid extraordinary circumstances.

The recent decision to lift travel restrictions for female civil servants reflects a broader trend of reassessing policies in Ukraine's public sector. This is particularly significant in light of the recent developments regarding the status of women in the military and public service. For instance, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's recent clarification regarding women previously listed as wanted highlights ongoing efforts to address discrepancies and support female personnel during these challenging times.