UKRAINE: Stricter Border Controls for Russian Nationals Under Martial Law

November 30, 2018


Effective 26 November 2018 until 27 December 2018, Ukraine has declared martial law in the regions of Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Kherson, Odessa, Nikolaev and Vinnitsa.

During this period, Russian nationals crossing the Ukrainian border are being more carefully checked.

Over the past few days, more than 70 Russian nationals have been stopped from crossing the Ukraine border at Borispol and Kiev airports. The vast majority were not allowed because they could not confirm the purpose of their trip to Ukraine, while others had made illegal visits to the occupied territories, in particular Crimea.

Russian nationals are therefore advised to carry the following documents if crossing the Ukraine border:

  • Passport
  • Residence and work permit (if applicable). If the residence permit has been replaced by an ID card, then a registration sheet is required
  • Documents confirming financial status, such as a copy of an employment contract, or an employer statement. Business travellers should carry at least USD 35 in cash per day of stay
  • Accommodation documents – a copy of a rental agreement or hotel reservation confirmation
  • Insurance policy documents
  • Proof of return travel
  • For dependent family members of work and residence permit holders – a copy of the residence permit of the working spouse with registration and a copy of the notarized translation of the marriage certificate. For children, a notarized translation of the birth certificate of the child, and a certificate of attendance from the school

Our Advice

Companies should ensure that any Russian national employees travelling into Ukraine carry the above documents to minimize problems and delays.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Ukraine, please email us at [email protected]