The new Mobilization Law that entered into force on 18 May 2024 introduced a number of changes regarding the rules for crossing the state border of Ukraine.
What border-crossing rules were changed by the Mobilization Law effective 18 May 2024?
- State Border Guard Service officers will check the military registration documents of individuals who have the right to leave Ukraine under current legislation.
- The military registration document provided to border guards must contain a VIN code, which is scanned with a special device and grants access to the serviceman’s electronic personal file.
Which categories of individuals are allowed to cross the state border?
- men over 60 years old or younger than 18;
- men whose close relatives (wife, son, daughter, father, mother, biological siblings, etc.) were killed or went missing during the Anti-Terrorist Operation or while repelling armed aggression against Ukraine during martial law;
- men removed from military registration due to health conditions;
- temporarily unfit men;
- men with disabilities of groups I, II, or III;
- men accompanying a person with disability of groups I or II, or a seriously ill relative;
- men with three or more minor children (large families);
- men who raise children on their own;
- men who have permanent residence abroad;
- men (military personnel) traveling for medical treatment, rehabilitation, education, etc.
A key requirement for crossing the border today is updating one’s military registration data. This can be done at the Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC) or through the mobile application Reserve+.
To cross the border with peace of mind and have all the necessary documents with you, it is essential to consult lawyers familiar with military law and recent legislative changes.
Increasingly, military-liable individuals face difficulties when attempting to cross the border. Border guards often deny exit due to missing documents or the absence of confirmation from the local TRC regarding deferment from mobilization. In some cases, the demands of the State Border Guard Service do not comply with current legislation. Therefore, to ensure a successful border crossing, it is advisable to seek legal advice from a lawyer specializing in border-crossing issues for military-liable individuals.
The Legal and Real Estate Association of Ukraine “AROU” has already helped many people protect their right to cross the state border. You must exercise your rights properly and without fear of fines or penalties!
