Cabinet defines entry-exit procedure to temporary occupied territories of Ukraine for foreigners, stateless persons

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has defined the procedure of issuing special permits for travel to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and the list of the documents required to obtain these permits.

This is mentioned in order No. 722 "On Introducing Changes to the Order of Entering-Exiting the Temporary Occupied Territories of Ukraine," which was approved on September 16, 2015.

The order states that foreigners and stateless persons can only enter the temporarily occupied territories via checkpoints and by showing the passport or a special permit issued by the territorial agency of the State Migration Service of Ukraine, or by the territorial agency of the State Migration Service of Ukraine in Novotroitske or Henichesk districts in Kherson region.

A special permit to enter the occupied territory is issued in the following cases: close relatives or family members of one partner of a married couple resides in the temporarily occupied areas, in the case of death or if the burial places of close relatives or family members of one partner of the married couple are in the temporary occupied territories, and if the applicant has rights of ownership to real estate located in the temporary occupied territories of Ukraine.

A special permit may also be issued if diplomatic or consulate functions needed to be carried out, in particular, as part of international organizations. In this case, a special permit may be issued if agreed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Permits for journalism activities will be issued if agreed with the Ministry of Informational Policy of Ukraine. Also, permits will be issued to applicants who wish to engage in religious activities if agreed with the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.

Special permits will also be issued to railways workers who are required to regularly enter the temporary occupied territory of Ukraine due to their work, as well as to members of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People to participate in their meetings.

Information on what documents are required to apply is included in the order.