The war conditions have forced many Ukrainians to seek refuge abroad, leading to changes in border crossing regulations. One significant update is the ability to extend the validity of foreign passports, allowing Ukrainians abroad to continue their travels. However, before planning a trip, it's important to consider potential risks and ways to mitigate them.

Who Can Travel with an Expired Passport?

According to the Ukrainian government's decision, due to the war, the validity of foreign passports can be extended by five years. This provides legitimacy for international travel documents. To do this, one should visit the Ukrainian consulate and obtain a special stamp. Under current Ukrainian law, extending a passport is possible:

• no earlier than two months before its expiration;
• the extension is marked by a special notation placed in the passport.

However, not all EU countries view this the same way. Three years after the full-scale invasion, many countries have tightened their document acceptance policies for Ukrainians. According to embassy information, an extended foreign passport is not always considered valid for entry into Schengen Area countries.

Another issue is that not all countries have updated their databases to reflect changes in Ukrainian legislation, which may lead to misunderstandings at border crossings, especially in countries with strict document requirements. Therefore, it is advisable to contact embassies for the latest information before traveling to any EU country.

Additionally, airlines are responsible for checking the validity of passengers' passports, and if staff are unaware of the extension, this may result in boarding denial. Thus, it is important to contact the airline in advance to clarify their passport requirements.

How and Where to Apply for a New Passport?

For those who wish to avoid risks, the best option is to apply for a new foreign passport. Ukrainians abroad can do this at Ukrainian embassies or at separate branches of the "Document" state enterprise in some European countries (Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Italy) and in Turkey.

Always carry documents that confirm your right to stay abroad, as well as copies of those documents. This will help avoid unnecessary issues in case of unexpected situations. It is also crucial to continually check for current information regarding necessary documents before planning a trip.