Which passport to cross the Ukrainian border with multiple citizenship

Starting from January 16, 2026, updated rules will come into effect in Ukraine, which for the first time at the legislative level recognize the possibility of multiple citizenship. For millions of Ukrainians abroad, this means new conditions for legalization and maintaining legal ties with the state, while the procedure for crossing the border will remain unchanged. Visit Ukraine writes.

The state is effectively fixing the reality in which a second passport has long existed but was not clearly regulated. Since 2014, and especially with the onset of full-scale war, the number of Ukrainians who have integrated abroad and obtained foreign citizenship has significantly increased. This is what prompted the review of the approach.

Multiple citizenship in Ukraine from 2026: what is changing

The new law stipulates that obtaining a foreign passport will no longer automatically mean losing Ukrainian citizenship. Ukrainians will be able to legally combine several citizenships in cases defined by law.

In practice, this means:

• no automatic sanctions for a second passport;

• retention of all rights and obligations of a Ukrainian citizen;

• reduction of legal uncertainty for Ukrainians abroad.

Crossing the Ukrainian border with a second passport

Despite the legalization of multiple citizenships, border crossing rules remain unchanged. For exiting Ukraine and re-entering, citizens are required to use Ukrainian documents. A foreign passport cannot serve as a basis for crossing the border from the Ukrainian side.

The new approach also stipulates that multiple citizenship will primarily be possible with states that have transparent and mutual legal mechanisms. Among them are:

• USA;

• Canada;

• Germany;

• Poland;

• Czech Republic.

At the same time, the law simplifies the integration of Ukrainians abroad and opens opportunities for foreigners from these countries regarding obtaining Ukrainian citizenship.

Earlier, we reported why Ukrainian refugees need multiple citizenship.