Ukraine may allow citizens under 22 to travel abroad
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has instructed the government to ease border-crossing rules for Ukrainians up to 22 years old, the My—Ukraine TV channel reported on Aug. 12.
“Right now, the restriction is up to 18 years old,” Zelenskyy said. “I propose raising it to 22 so there are no limits when crossing the border.”
The president said he tasked Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, together with military leadership, to explore options for relaxing border rules for young Ukrainians.
“I believe this is a positive step that will help many young Ukrainians maintain ties with Ukraine and pursue education here,” Zelenskyy said.
On July 19, Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk said the Verkhovna Rada is considering allowing men under 25 to travel abroad.
Currently, men eligible to leave the country include those under 18, over 60, or those exempted from military service due to health reasons.
On May 27, Education and Science Minister Oksen Lisovyi noted that some students leave for abroad after completing 11th grade, though he said the trend is not widespread.
On May 29, Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence member Fedir Venislavskyi said lawmakers are working on allowing men aged 23–24 to travel abroad, but called the age limit a “sensitive” issue. He signaled potential legislative changes in the near future.
The military war may be swinging in our favor, but the information war continues.
Just as an army needs soldiers, so does a free society need its journalists to ensure that people have access to honest, trustworthy voices to understand the world around them.
For the past five years, The New Voice of Ukraine has been working tirelessly to push back against Russian narratives and defend democracy. But we cannot do it alone.
Please consider supporting us on Patreon for just $5 a month – your donation does directly to supporting journalists and ensuring that this front of the infowar says solid and defended.
Thank you.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
