For a significant portion of Ukrainians who permanently or temporarily reside outside the country, the issue of replacing their foreign passport becomes relevant when the old document's validity is expiring or has already expired. In 2026, obtaining a new passport is possible directly in the host country, without needing to return to Ukraine. According to Styler (a RBC-Ukraine project), two main channels are available for this: consular institutions and foreign branches of the state enterprise "Document". At the same time, it is important to understand that there is no single universal scenario: application conditions, service costs, and passport issuance times may vary depending on the specific place of application.
Where to Apply for a Passport Abroad
The primary points for document replacement remain Ukrainian consular offices and foreign branches of SE "Document". It is precisely these entities that accept applications for the issuance of a new foreign passport for citizens staying abroad. A key feature emphasized by Styler is the lack of standardized conditions: different countries and even different branches may have their own rules regarding document requirements, fee amounts, and processing times. Therefore, before visiting, it is recommended to clarify the current requirements at the specific institution where you plan to apply.
What Documents to Prepare
Preparing the document package is one of the main stages. As a rule, the applicant will need to confirm their identity, provide a valid or previously issued foreign passport, and fill out the corresponding application. The exact list of necessary papers depends on the specific consular institution or SE "Document" branch and may include additional confirmations (for example, information about the place of stay). Since the document requirements may vary, it is worth checking the current list on the official channels of the chosen institution before submitting your application to avoid repeat visits.
What to Do If the Validity Period Has Already Expired
The expiration of a foreign passport's validity does not deprive a citizen of the right to obtain a new document abroad, but in such a situation, the process may require additional clarifications. According to Styler information, if the document has expired, it is important to contact the relevant institution in advance and find out whether the old passport can serve as proof of identity when submitting the application, as well as what additional steps will be required. In some cases, processing times for replacing an expired document may be longer than for planned replacements before the expiration date.
What to Pay Attention to Before Applying
The main practical advice to take from the material is not to rely on universal internet instructions and to check the conditions at the specific location of application. The cost, document set, and issuance times for a foreign passport abroad in 2026 are not identical across all processing points, so the most reliable way to avoid errors and delays is to clarify the current requirements in advance at the chosen consular institution or SE "Document" branch. This allows you to plan your visit, prepare a complete set of papers, and realistically estimate when the new document will be ready.
