Why the State Border Guard Service requires paper birth certificates for children and whether it is possible to cross the border with a laminated certificate
13 June 2025 20:45
Recently, information has been spreading among Ukrainians about new requirements at the border that have allegedly appeared recently: some border guards have begun to demand paper versions of birth certificates – without lamination – when checking children’s documents. This issue gained traction after a series of stories told by parents and travelers on social media, including TikTok, and covered by the media.
In particular, journalist Sana Bohdanova spoke about a new problem when leaving Ukraine on social media.
Are children allowed to travel abroad with a laminated birth certificate? After trying to find out through the official authorities, my advice is that it’s better not to risk it. Personally, I will have my son’s certificate laminated. Despite the fact that he has a foreign passport,” Bogdanova wrote.
The media person added that she could not explain why border guards require a paper birth certificate when a family with children crosses the border, citing a 1995 decree.
There is no logic. And time and nerves are expensive. And by the way, having all the documents in your smartphone doesn’t save you. “Border guards do not recognize the electronic certificate in Diia – we were told this officially,” the journalist clarified.
Why are there issues with laminated certificates?
About two to three weeks ago, the State Border Guard Service began to pay attention to the condition of children’s birth certificates. Previously, this document could be covered with a laminate, which helped protect the paper from damage. Today, however, some border guards refuse to accept laminated versions, explaining that they do not always allow for the verification of all security features, such as a watermark.
Is this an official requirement?
Not quite. Travel expert Yuriy Khayev, who commented on the situation to "Komersant Ukrainian", said the following:
There is no such rule in the legislation. And this does not mean that everyone will face inspections.
The requirement to have only a paper birth certificate is a temporary phenomenon. Accordingly, some travelers may be spared this requirement, while others may be affected.
Do all border crossing points require paper versions of documents?
There is no officially confirmed statistics on the checkpoints where this happens most often. It is only known that such checks are carried out, in particular, at the Polish border. This suggests that the issues are more likely to be spotty and situational, rather than a general practice for all departures from Ukraine.
Should those leaving with children obtain a non-laminated duplicate of their birth certificate?
Not necessarily, but for those who want to avoid possible complications at the border, Yuriy Khayev recommends reissuing paper versions of birth certificates. Moreover, it is quick and easy.
Not everyone will check this, but to be on the safe side, you can contact the civil registration department in your city or district. There you can get a new document in a matter of hours, which will help you avoid questions at the border,” he says.
Thus, officially, there is no rule about leaving Ukraine with only a paper birth certificate, but some employees of the State Border Guard Service temporarily check only paper versions of children’s birth certificates.
Traveling with children: basic rules for comfortable border crossing
During the summer season, many women with children travel abroad for vacation, study or temporary residence. To avoid surprises at the border and to ensure quick and easy crossing, you should check all documents in advance and familiarize yourself with the rules for taking children outside Ukraine.
First, you need to check the validity of your passport, the availability of the necessary documents, as well as the border crossing rules of the country you are going to. Border guards recommend that parents and guardians check the official information on the websites of the relevant institutions – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Border Guard Service – in advance to avoid surprises at the border.
Secondly, the rules for children under 16 years of age have been simplified for the period of martial law. This should help people to leave their place of permanent residence faster due to the threat of active hostilities.
To cross the state border with a child, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has announced the following requirements
- if a child is traveling with one parent, the notarized consent of the other parent is not required;
- if accompanied by a grandparent, older brother or sister, stepmother or stepfather, it is also possible to cross the border without the officially certified consent of the other parent;
- in case of traveling with other persons who are not immediate relatives, a written statement from one of the parents, certified by the guardianship authority, or a notarized permission from both parents must be provided.
Officials of the State Border Guard Service will check the following documents:
- passport of a citizen of Ukraine for traveling abroad;
- if available, an internal passport;
- the child’s birth certificate;
- documents confirming the relationship with the person accompanying the child.
One of the issues of concern to many is the legitimacy of a laminated birth certificate. The State Border Guard Service has clarified that lamination of a document is not in itself a reason to refuse to cross the border. At the same time, if an SBGS officer has any questions or doubts about the authenticity of such a document, he or she has every reason to initiate an additional check.
Thus, in order to avoid possible difficulties, you should check all papers in advance and have the necessary set of documents with you. This will help you quickly pass all checks at the border and ensure a safe and easy trip with your children.
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