Exit of Seafarers from Ukraine Today: How to Obtain Permission
Is the exit of seafarers from Ukraine permitted during martial law? Absolutely. Border crossing rules have changed several times over the past years. However, representatives of the maritime profession remain among those categories of draft-age men who have the right to leave the country. What conditions must be met, and what is the procedure for seafarers' departure — read on if you want to know the details.
Resolution on Seafarers' Exit Abroad During the War
As of today, the rules for seafarers' exit abroad during the war continue to apply, as stipulated by Resolution No. 992 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. This regulatory act was adopted immediately after the Russian invasion and the introduction of martial law. The government has legislatively limited the categories of seafarers who can leave. Exclusive rights were granted to:
Categories of Seafarers with Exit Rights
Active Crew Members
Sailors, electromechanics, and other crew members traveling to work on vessels exporting Ukrainian agricultural products. That is, a seafarer's exit under an employment contract remains legitimate.
Cadets of Maritime Educational Institutions
Who need to undergo practical training as part of their education. To refine necessary skills and abilities, they are allowed to join both Ukrainian and international crews.
Other Seafarers
In practice, the procedure for seafarers' exit from Ukraine today is quite complicated and operates with restrictions. An important condition is obtaining a diploma before February 24, 2022, or completing studies during martial law.
What Documents Are Needed for a Seafarer's Exit
For exit, a seafarer will need to present border guards with the following documents:
International Passport
Valid international passport of a citizen of Ukraine.
Seafarer's Passport
Seafarer's identity document.
Confirmation from the Shipping Administration
About receiving copies of educational and qualification documents.
Employment Contract
Valid employment contract or confirmation from the shipowner about work on a vessel.
Certificate from Maritime Educational Institution
For cadets — certificate of practical training.
Military Registration Documents
Military ID or temporary certificate of a person liable for military service (paper or in the "Reserve+" app), as well as permission from TCC to seafarers to leave their place of residence.
Please Note!
Men aged 18 to 22 inclusive in 2026 have the right to cross the border unimpeded if they have a military registration document. This legislative norm significantly simplifies exit for maritime college cadets and young seafarers.
Possible Reasons for Refusing Seafarers Exit
Sometimes problems may arise when crossing the border. According to statistics, the main reasons for refusal:
Document Issues
Incomplete set of documents, errors in documents, lack of English translation, outdated data.
Military Registration
Presence of mobilization order, status of a person liable for military service without a confirmed contract.
Legal Restrictions
Mismatch of travel purpose, unfulfilled court decisions, being in the debtors' register, unpaid fines.
Other Reasons
Untimely return from the previous voyage, access to state secrets.
Summary
To avoid refusal of exit to a seafarer, it is critically important to have a complete set of documents and current status in the military reserve. For successful crossing of the State Border of Ukraine, especially under martial law, we recommend checking the relevance of legislative rules before each work trip.
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