Can a foreigner enter and stay in Ukraine under martial law?

Is Ukraine open to foreigners

Martial law is in force in Ukraine and is extended from time to time by decrees of the President, which the Verkhovna Rada approves. It does not, however, close the country to foreigners. A foreigner enters on the same conditions as in peacetime. How long you may stay after entry is explained in the guide to how long foreigners may stay in Ukraine.

Article 8 of the Law "On Border Control" lists the conditions for entry. The foreigner must hold a valid passport and, where required, a visa, and must not be subject to an entry ban. They must also prove the purpose of the trip and respect the permitted periods of stay. Citizens of states on a separate Cabinet of Ministers list additionally have to show sufficient funds. The border crossing itself is described in the article on crossing the border under martial law.

Permanent residence permit

Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1202 sets a separate rule for the посвідка на постійне проживання (permanent residence permit). If such a permit expired, or became due for exchange, after 24 February 2022, it still confirms the right to permanent residence and to entry into Ukraine for the period of martial law and 30 calendar days after it ends.

Once martial law ends or is lifted, the holder of such a permit must file documents for its exchange within 30 calendar days. Neither rule applies to permits issued to citizens of the Russian Federation.

Temporary residence permit

Resolution No. 1202 used to protect temporary residence permits too. Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 141 of 5 February 2026 changed that, and since May 2026 the relief covers permanent residence permits only. Resolution No. 141 gave holders of expired temporary permits a window in which to apply for an exchange.

In practice the rule today is simple. A holder of a посвідка на тимчасове проживання (temporary residence permit, TRP) needs a current document. An expired temporary permit confirms neither lawful residence nor the right to enter. If your permit has expired, contact the ДМС (State Migration Service, DMS) or a lawyer as soon as possible. The exchange procedure is explained in the article on exchanging a residence permit.

Russian citizens

For citizens of the Russian Federation the Resolution No. 1202 relief does not apply. Their expired permanent residence permits do not confirm a right to reside in or enter Ukraine. Citizens of states on a list set by the МЗС (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MFA) together with the СБУ (Security Service of Ukraine, SBU) are issued visas only after a personal interview and clearance by the bodies authorised to ban entry.

A separate restriction applies to passports. The DMS accepts an expired passport of the aggressor state only in specific cases, and almost all of them are linked to military service or to helping the Defence Forces. Civilian categories, including spouses of Ukrainian citizens, have no such exception.

Journalists and volunteers

For foreign correspondents and representatives of foreign media, the Procedure approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 150 lifts the limits on the period of temporary stay for the period of martial law and 30 days after it ends. Details are in the article on the residence permit for foreign journalists.

Volunteers and staff of humanitarian organisations can obtain a residence permit without a visa D. This exception applies for the period of martial law and one year after it ends. Details are in the article on the residence permit through volunteering.

Foreigners in military service

Separate rules apply to foreigners serving under contract in the Armed Forces, the National Guard or the State Special Transport Service, and to their family members. Among other things, they are considered to be in Ukraine lawfully even if their passport has expired. The DMS runs a dedicated line for enquiries from these foreigners.

Migration service offices during air raid alerts

While an air raid alert is on, DMS offices do not provide administrative services. Keep this in mind when only a few days remain before your period of stay ends or a filing deadline passes. Plan your visit with time to spare and bring every document with you, so you do not have to come back a second time.

Lawyer's experience

Under martial law I most often see one particular problem. A foreigner leaves Ukraine holding a temporary residence permit, the permit expires while they are abroad, and they assume the relief for expired documents still applies. Since May 2026 it does not, and returning on such a permit is no longer possible.

So before every trip abroad I advise checking the expiry date on your permit. If it runs out soon, it is better to apply for renewal before you leave. For those whose permit has already expired, we help work out how to return and restore lawful status.

If you are not sure whether your documents are valid for entry right now, we will review your situation at a migration law consultation.

Frequently asked questions