Changes in the procedure for entering and exiting the Russian Federation for Ukrainian citizens

Edict No. 734 of the President of the Russian Federation of 29 September 2023 (the “Edict”) and Regulation No. 2723-r of the Government of the Russian Federation of 6 October 2023 (the “Regulation”) make changes in the procedure for entering and exiting the Russian Federation for Ukrainian citizens.

• From 16 October 2023, entry into the Russian Federation from third countries is restricted for Ukrainian citizens

Under the Regulation, from 00:00 on 16 October 2023, entry into the Russian Federation is restricted for Ukrainian citizens arriving from third countries.

Entry will be permitted via only two checkpoints: Sheremetyevo Airport (Moscow) and Ludonka Road Checkpoint (Pskov Region).
The Regulation does not place any time limits on the restrictions.

• Documents that Ukrainian citizens may use to enter and exit the Russian Federation (from Ukraine or from third countries via the permitted checkpoints)

Under the Edict, from 29 September 2023, Ukrainian citizens may enter and exit the Russian Federation without a visa on the basis of the following documents:

• Ukrainian passport
• Ukrainian international passport
• Diplomatic passport
• Service passport
• Birth certificate (for children up to the age of 16)
• Ukrainian international passport for a legal representative of a minor, including information on the child traveling abroad with such representative
• Seafarer’s ID (if a crew list or excerpt therefrom can be provided)
• Ukrainian re-entry ID (only for returning to Ukraine)
• Flight crew ID

Ukrainian citizens may use these documents to enter Russia even if the documents have expired, provided they enter from Ukraine.

A Ukrainian citizen who lacks current documents as listed above may exit the Russian Federation to a bordering country by land (provided the bordering country accepts such person) based on a copy of a conclusion verifying the identity of a foreign citizen, issued by a regional office of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

• Entry and exit by children who are Ukrainian citizens

Under the Regulation, restrictions on entry from third countries do not apply to Ukrainian citizens up to the age of 14 entering the Russian Federation independently or in the company of a legal representative, guardian or trustee who is a Russian citizen. If an accompanying legal representative, guardian or trustee is not a Russian citizen, such a minor may enter the country only via the permitted checkpoints (Sheremetyevo, Ludonka).

Under the Edict, minor Ukrainian citizens may leave the Russian Federation with a legal representative or in the company of a competent adult if a legal representative has given notarized consent for the minor to leave the country in the company of such adult.

B1 will continue to monitor the situation and keep you up to date on the latest legal developments.