Answer: The extended‑validity passport issued by Ukraine is no longer valid for travel, and holders must apply for a standard or biometric passport immediately.
On Monday morning, a handful of Kyiv airport counters displayed a stark red sign: “Extended‑validity passports no longer accepted. Obtain a new passport now.” The notice caught dozens of families mid‑journey, forcing them to queue for emergency replacements.
Ukraine introduced the extended‑validity passport in 2022 to help citizens fleeing conflict avoid frequent renewals. It granted a ten‑year lifespan, double the usual five‑year term, and could be used for travel within the EU, the US, and NATO states.
But on 15 June 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the document’s expiration, citing a new EU regulation that demands biometric data for all third‑country nationals. The decision came just days before a scheduled NATO‑Ukraine summit in Brussels.
Why the change matters now
Without a valid passport, Ukrainians cannot board international flights, cross borders, or claim consular assistance abroad. For a country still battling Russian aggression, the timing raises concerns about military mobility and humanitarian aid.
“The new EU biometric requirement is non‑negotiable,” the ministry statement read. “All Ukrainian travel documents must meet the latest security standards by 1 July.”
Experts warn that the abrupt policy shift could disrupt evacuation plans for civilians in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, where frontline conditions remain volatile.
What should passport holders do?
1. Book an appointment at the nearest State Migration Service office – walk‑ins are no longer accepted.
2. Bring the expired extended‑validity passport, a national ID, and two recent photos.
3. Pay the standard fee of 1,200 hryvnias for a biometric passport, which is processed within 10 business days.
For those already abroad, contact the nearest Ukrainian embassy or consulate. Emergency travel documents can be issued within 48 hours, but they are limited to a single‑entry visa.
Businesses that rely on cross‑border staff, such as logistics firms and NGOs, should update their travel‑risk protocols immediately. The economy and markets sector fears a ripple effect on supply chains already strained by war‑time disruptions.
Who is affected?
More than 3 million Ukrainians obtained the extended‑validity passport since 2022, according to the State Migration Service. That includes soldiers on NATO‑backed training missions, aid workers, and diaspora members returning for family reunification.
For ordinary citizens, the loss of a ten‑year travel document feels like another blow in a series of wartime hardships.
What happens next?
The government promises a fast‑track digital application portal launching on 20 June. In the meantime, diplomats urge western allies to recognize the interim emergency papers to avoid leaving stranded travelers.
Stay tuned as the situation evolves – the next NATO summit could bring fresh concessions or stricter travel controls for Ukrainian passport holders.
Meta description: Ukraine’s extended‑validity passport is now invalid; travelers must obtain biometric passports or emergency documents before 1 July.