New rules for issuing international passports for Ukrainian citizens

Dear friends, please note the recent changes regarding the issue and use of biometric passports for Ukrainian citizens travelling abroad.

Most countries around the world allow entry only with a valid biometric passport whose total validity period is no longer than 10 years. Because of this, passports that include information about children, or have been officially extended may cause difficulties at border control.

New rules from 29 October 2025

• 🔹 Age 16+ — passport valid for 10 years

 • 🔹 Children under 16 — passport valid for 4 years

 • 🔹 Children will no longer be entered into a parent’s passport — every child must have their own passport

How to apply for a new passport

• Abroad: at a Ukrainian consulate or at a branch of DP “Document”

• In Ukraine: at an Administrative Service Center or at an office of the State Migration Service

If your passport has been extended or contains information about children, please check its validity in advance to avoid problems when entering other countries.

If you cannot return to Ukraine

If you are abroad and cannot return home because your passport is invalid or extended, a Ukrainian consulate can issue a temporary travel document (often called a “white passport”).

📄 Issued on the same day

 👶 Free for children under 16

 🧍 For adults — issued at the current consular fee

Important to remember:

If EU border officers refuse your entry because of an invalid or extended passport, please contact the nearest Ukrainian embassy or a branch of "State Enterprise "Document."

A new biometric passport is the only official document that guarantees smooth border crossing and confirms your legal status outside Ukraine.