Issuance and extension of a foreign passport during martial law

How to Obtain a Foreign Passport During Martial Law

Obtaining foreign passports during martial law remains a pressing issue for many Ukrainians planning to travel abroad, pursue education, work, or reunite with family. The procedure for obtaining or extending a foreign passport has undergone changes due to war-related restrictions but remains accessible through the operations of territorial units of the State Migration Service (SMS), embassies, and consulates. In this article, we will thoroughly examine what documents are needed for a foreign passport, how to obtain or extend a passport for yourself or a child, the cost of producing a foreign passport, and how legal assistance can simplify the process. We will also address common questions to help you avoid issues and quickly secure your foreign passport order.

Martial law has introduced adjustments to the procedure for issuing foreign passports, particularly regarding timelines, processes, and service availability. For instance, applications through electronic services have become more popular, but technical errors or missing documents can complicate the process. Is it possible to extend a foreign passport of the old format? What should be done if a child's foreign passport has expired? These and other questions frequently arise among citizens, and proper preparation combined with legal support can significantly ease document processing. Our goal is to provide a clear action plan and practical advice for successfully obtaining or extending a passport.

What Documents Are Needed to Obtain a Foreign Passport

To obtain a foreign passport, you must prepare the documents required for issuing a foreign passport. The primary list includes:

• Internal passport or ID card to verify identity.
• Taxpayer identification number (if available).
• Previous foreign passport (if applicable).
• Application for passport issuance (completed at a territorial unit of the SMS or via an electronic service).

For citizens abroad, an embassy or consulate may require additional documents for identity verification, such as a residence registration certificate. If the application is for a child, consent from a legal representative is needed. What documents are required for a foreign passport may vary depending on the situation, so it’s advisable to clarify requirements with the SMS or through a lawyer. Improper document preparation can lead to refusal, making legal assistance crucial for avoiding errors.

During martial law, some SMS units may have limited operating hours, and the urgency of processing affects the administrative fee. A lawyer can assist in compiling a complete document package, verifying their accuracy, and overseeing submission to expedite the process.

Can an Old-Format Foreign Passport Be Extended?

Extending a foreign passport of the old format (non-biometric) is technically not possible, as such passports cannot have their validity period extended. If a foreign passport has expired, a new biometric passport must be obtained. However, in some cases, such as when abroad, embassies or consulates may place a temporary extension mark to allow use of the passport until a new one is issued.

• The same document package is required for a new passport as for the initial issuance.
• The old passport is surrendered or canceled upon receiving the new one.

If you’re unsure whether your passport can be extended, a lawyer can perform a foreign passport verification and recommend the best course of action—obtaining a new document or using temporary solutions via a consulate. During martial law, potential delays in passport delivery should be considered, so timely consultation with a lawyer can help avoid issues.

Cost of Producing a Foreign Passport

The cost of producing a foreign passport depends on the urgency and place of application. As of 2025, approximate prices are:

1. Standard processing (up to 20 working days): approximately 856 UAH (administrative fee).
2. Urgent processing (up to 7 working days): about 1,496 UAH.
3. Processing through an embassy or consulate: an additional consular fee applies, varying by country.

For children under 16, the administrative fee may be lower. If processed abroad, passport delivery may incur extra costs. A lawyer can clarify the exact cost of producing a foreign passport, verify payment accuracy, and prevent overpayments due to errors in the procedure.

During martial law, production delays may occur, influencing the choice between standard and urgent processing. Legal consultation can help optimize costs and expedite the process, especially if rapid document issuance is needed.

How to Obtain/Extend a Child’s Foreign Passport

Obtaining a foreign passport for a child or extending a child’s foreign passport has specific requirements, particularly during martial law. Key requirements include:

• Child’s birth certificate.
• ID card or passport of one parent (or legal representative).
• Child’s photographs (depending on age, 2–4 photos, 3.5x4.5 cm format).
• Consent of both parents or a court decision (if one parent is absent).

If a child’s foreign passport has expired, a new document must be issued, as children’s passports cannot be extended. For children under 12, biometric data (fingerprints) are not collected, simplifying the process. Applications can be processed at the SMS or through a consulate abroad. A lawyer can assist in gathering the documents for a foreign passport for a child, verifying parental consent, and overseeing the process to avoid delays.

During martial law, processing for children may be complicated by the limited operations of territorial SMS units. Legal support ensures swift resolution of issues, such as the absence of one parent or the need for urgent processing.

How to Extend a Foreign Passport for a Serviceman

Extending a foreign passport for servicemen has specific considerations due to martial law restrictions. Servicemen can apply for or extend a passport only with permission from their command. The procedure includes:

• Permission from the military unit confirming eligibility for processing.
• Standard document package: internal passport, taxpayer identification number, previous foreign passport.
• Submission of documents through the SMS or, if abroad, an embassy.

A lawyer can assist in obtaining permission from the command, compiling the documents required for issuing a foreign passport, and overseeing submission to expedite the process. If the serviceman is abroad, the consulate may arrange processing via video link for identity verification. During martial law, delays in passport delivery are common, so legal support can help mitigate issues.

Procedure for Obtaining a Foreign Passport

The procedure for obtaining a foreign passport involves several steps that must be completed to successfully receive the document:

1. Collecting documents for a foreign passport (list varies by age and circumstances).
2. Submitting documents to a territorial SMS unit, administrative service center, or consulate.
3. Collecting biometric data (fingerprints, photo) for individuals over 12 years old.
4. Paying the administrative fee (depends on urgency).
5. Waiting for production and receiving the passport.

For submission via an electronic service, you can use the SMS portal or the Reserve+ app (for status tracking). A lawyer can help prepare the application, verify documents, and avoid errors, such as incorrect completion or missing certificates. If processed abroad, passport delivery may take additional time, which should be considered.

Passport Production Timeline

The passport production timeline depends on the chosen processing type:

• Standard processing: up to 20 working days.
• Urgent processing: up to 7 working days.
• Processing through an embassy: 30–60 days due to logistical specifics.

During martial law, the passport production timeline may increase due to limited SMS operations or delays in passport delivery. A lawyer can help expedite the process by contacting the territorial SMS unit or consulate on your behalf and tracking status via an electronic service. If issues arise, such as delays or errors, legal support ensures swift resolution.

What to Do If You Can’t Obtain a Foreign Passport

If you can’t obtain a foreign passport, the reasons may vary:

• Incomplete document package or errors in preparation.
• Issues with identity verification, especially abroad.
• Technical glitches in the electronic service or delays at the TCC for servicemen.

In such cases, legal assistance in obtaining a foreign passport is invaluable. A lawyer can:

• Conduct a foreign passport verification and identify document errors.
• File a complaint against an unjustified refusal or delay.
• Arrange a video link with a consulate to resolve issues abroad.

Legal support helps avoid bureaucratic delays and accelerates your foreign passport order, especially if urgent processing is needed. For example, if the TCC does not issue permission for a serviceman, a lawyer can liaise with the command to resolve the issue.

Legal Assistance in Obtaining a Foreign Passport

Legal assistance in obtaining a foreign passport significantly simplifies the process, especially during martial law. A lawyer can:

1. Advise on the documents required for issuing a foreign passport and verify their completeness.
2. Assist in submitting the application through the SMS, consulate, or electronic service.
3. Monitor the passport production timeline and address delay issues.
4. Challenge refusals or errors in processing by filing complaints or appeals.

Legal support is particularly crucial for complex cases, such as obtaining a foreign passport for a child, extending a serviceman’s passport, or resolving issues abroad. A lawyer can arrange a video link with an embassy, assist with passport delivery, and ensure prompt resolution of bureaucratic matters. If you encounter difficulties, consulting a lawyer guarantees the protection of your rights and accelerates the process.