Ukraine advises citizens seeking EU protection to get border exit stamp

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens traveling to European Union countries to obtain an exit stamp in their international passports when leaving the country. This recommendation is intended to help individuals prove they departed Ukraine legally, particularly as they apply for temporary protection status in EU member states.

The advisory comes in response to new EU rules adopted on July 30, which stipulate that new applicants for temporary protection must comply with their military obligations under Ukrainian law, with applicable proof required. The Ukrainian Embassy in Belgium first published this guidance on August 20.

Reports indicate that authorities in some EU countries have requested information from Ukraine's Reserve+ military registration app from applicants, including women. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry stated it has provided the necessary information to the European Commission, but noted that EU member states have not yet received centralized instructions for implementing the new regulations.

For Ukrainians already abroad without an exit stamp, the ministry advised that they can request an official certificate confirming their border crossing from Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service online. The European Commission is anticipated to provide updated operational guidance to member states in the coming weeks.