Ukraine Clarifies Ban on Foreigners Entering the Country

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has updated the rules under which foreigners, Russians in particular, can enter the country while martial law is in place in some regions.

Foreign citizens could be denied entry into Ukraine if they do not have a “clear reason” for doing so, the Border Guard Service website reads.

The Border Guard Service have also clarified that foreign citizens will be allowed into the country if they have diplomatic status in Ukraine, are transport service personnel, have documents proving temporary or permanent residence, can prove the purpose of their visit, as well as for several humanitarian reasons including death or serious illness of a close relative, for treatment, education, participation in certain projects or competitions.

On November 30, it was reported that all Russian men aged 16-60 would be denied entry into the country, with exceptions granted for certain humanitarian reasons.

The Border Guard Service have also updated the conditions in which foreign media, humanitarian missions and human rights groups can enter annexed Crimea and Donbas after it was previously announced that these groups would face a total ban. Now, according to the Border Guard Service, foreign journalists will be allowed into those areas if they have the correct documents and permits from the State Migration Service of Ukraine.

According to the Border Guard Service, on December 1, 99 Russians were denied entry to Ukraine, while 780 were.