Customs declaration for satellite phones and drones in Ukraine 2026: regulatory requirements

Quick answer. Satellite phones (Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya, Starlink Mini, Garmin inReach, Spot X) — dual-use goods under Cabinet Resolution No. 1807. Import without a permit from the State Special Communications Service is prohibited, confiscation + Customs Code Art. 200. Drones of any type are prohibited for private flight under Presidential Decree 64/2022 (martial law); import is possible for NGOs/journalists with accreditation from the State Special Communications Service + the State Aviation Service. Amateur radios (Baofeng, CB radio) — require a licence from the National Commission for Electronic Communications. Exception: journalists, humanitarian aid, NGOs with documented assignment + accreditation — simplified declaration regime.

Equipment categories — what counts as "special equipment"

Satellite communications (State Special Communications Service):

• Voice/SMS: Iridium 9555/9575, Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro/2, Thuraya XT-LITE/Pro, Globalstar GSP-1700.
• Internet terminals: Starlink Mini, Starlink Standard, Inmarsat BGAN, VSAT stations.
• Handheld trackers: Garmin inReach Mini/Explorer, ZOLEO, Spot X, Spot Gen 4.
• Hybrid smartphones: iPhone 14+ Emergency SOS via Satellite — not counted as separate special equipment (basic emergency SOS, no active communication).

UAV / drones (State Aviation Service + State Special Communications Service):

• Amateur (Mini category, up to 250 g): DJI Mini 3/4, Autel Nano. Import possible, but flights are prohibited during martial law for private persons.
• Consumer (Open category, 250 g – 2 kg): DJI Air 3, DJI Mavic 3, Skydio 2+. Prohibited for private flight; import only with a permit.
• Professional (Specific/Certified, 2 kg+): DJI Matrice, Inspire 3, professional surveying UAVs. Only for registered entities (NGOs, media, state bodies).
• FPV drones and components: controllers, motors, ESCs, AT9 transmitters — regulated separately.

Radio communications (National Commission for Electronic Communications):

• CB radio (Citizens Band 27 MHz): separate licence.
• Amateur (HAM) radio (VHF/UHF/HF): without a licence — prohibited.
• PMR/LPD (FRS/GMRS): limited by power and frequencies.
• Baofeng, Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood — for all powers above 5 W or non-standard bands, registration required.

Thermal imagers and night-vision devices (dual-use goods):

• Thermal imagers — monocular / scopes (Pulsar, ATN, Flir Scout) — Cabinet Resolution No. 1807, permit from State Export Control.
• Night vision / NVG (NVG, night scopes) — stricter category, effectively prohibited for private import.

Why this is regulated

Ukraine has been under martial law since February 2022 (Presidential Decree 64/2022, with extensions). This led to:

1. Presidential Decree 64/2022 — ban on private drone flights across all of Ukraine without a special permit.
2. Cabinet Resolution No. 1807 — updated list of dual-use goods requiring an import permit from State Export Control / State Special Communications Service.
3. Law "On the Radio Frequency Spectrum" — using unauthorised frequencies = administrative fine or confiscation.
4. Customs Code Art. 200 + Criminal Code Art. 201 — smuggling of special equipment.

This isn't mere formality: special equipment in civilian hands can harm defence (e.g., an unauthorised drone may be intercepted by air defence as hostile), so the control regime is strict.

How to obtain a permit — State Special Communications Service (satellite, radio)

Procedure for journalists, NGOs, humanitarian organisations with documented assignment:

1. Apply in advance (minimum 30 days before arrival) at dsszzi.gov.ua → "Permit documents".
2. Submit documents:
   • Application for an import permit.
   • Technical equipment specifications (model, serial number, frequencies, power).
   • Status confirmation: editorial letter with accreditation, NGO letter with Ukrainian registration, humanitarian-aid contract.
   • Passport copy + entry / exit dates.
   • Purpose of use + region.
3. Wait approximately 15-30 working days for review.
4. Receive the permit with a registry number — print and bring.
5. At the border: red corridor → present permit + MD-2 declaration → pass.

Fees:

• Administrative review fee: ~510-1,700 UAH (€10-35) depending on category.
• Permit itself — free.
• Accelerated review (5-10 days): additional ~3,000 UAH (€60).

How to obtain a permit — State Aviation Service (drones)

For Specific/Certified UAV classes or flights during wartime:

1. Apply at avia.gov.ua → "Unmanned Aerial Vehicles".
2. Confirmation of registered UAV operator status (for organisations): legal entity registered in Ukraine, accreditation.
3. For journalists and NGOs: separate simplified path via the State Special Communications Service + coordination with the Ministry of Defence for frontline-adjacent zones.
4. Documents:
   • UAV description (model, serial, tech specs, weight, range).
   • Airworthiness certificates (for professional UAVs).
   • Letter on purpose of use.
   • Approved flight route (for frontline zones).
5. Wait: 15-45 days.

Alternative path: for journalists — through the Centre for Strategic Communications and Information Security (SPRAVDI) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — coordination support centre for foreign media.

What happens at the border

If you have a permit:

1. Red corridor.
2. The inspector verifies: permit + equipment serial number (cross-checked) + passport + visit purpose.
3. Customs declaration MD-2 is filled with detailed description.
4. Entry stamp + a copy of the permit remains with customs.
5. On exit — the same equipment must be carried out for accountability (inward-Border accountability).

If you have no permit:

1. The inspector finds a satellite phone / drone / thermal imager in the bag.
2. Confiscation with seizure act.
3. Administrative fine 100% of equipment value under Customs Code Art. 472.
4. Criminal proceedings under Customs Code Art. 200 or Criminal Code Art. 201 if equipment is of significant value (over ~$25,000) or evidence of intentional concealment.
5. Possible entry ban of 1-5 years.

Edge cases — typical pitfalls

1. "I'm bringing a Starlink Mini for my work in Lviv." Starlink Mini = dual-use good + 5G transmitter. Without a State Special Communications Service permit — confiscation + fine. Simplification for NGOs: letter from Ukrainian recipient NGO + accreditation document.

2. "I have a Garmin inReach Mini for mountaineering — not for war." Garmin inReach operates over Iridium = a satellite system. Counts as a satphone, permit required. No exception.

3. "iPhone 14 Pro has emergency satellite SOS. Is it a satellite phone?" No. Apple's Emergency SOS is a limited emergency-only service, not active communication. Doesn't count as special equipment.

4. "I have a DJI Mini 3 for tourism — it's under 250 g." Size/weight don't exempt from the ban. Decree 64/2022 bans all drones for private flights. Import without permit + flights are prohibited. Confiscation.

5. "I'm a journalist with MFA accreditation — I'm coming without a State Special Communications permit." MFA accreditation eases the process but does not replace the State Special Communications Service permit. Apply in parallel.

6. "I'm bringing 3 Baofeng UV-5R radios for a volunteer battalion." Transfer of special equipment to the military is a separate procedure through the Ministry of Defence + NCEC permit. Without — confiscation.

7. "I'm bringing a thermal imager for civilian evacuation from a frontline zone." Classic humanitarian aid — simplified regime, but a permit from State Export Control is mandatory + letter from a Ukrainian recipient (NGO, fund, military organisation).

8. "An old satphone without an active subscription — is it equipment?" Yes. The mere presence of a transponder = subject to regulation, regardless of activation status.

9. "I have a drone without a camera — for aerial photography." Drone class in regulation is determined by weight and tech specs, not by presence of a camera. Private flight ban = total.

10. "I'm bringing a military-grade DJI from China — is it legitimate?" Some DJI models fall under special sanctions regimes (US Treasury OFAC). In Ukraine — imported only with a permit + sanctions screening. For critical modes — prohibition.

Simplified path for journalists and NGOs

A separate coordination channel through:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mfa.gov.ua) — for foreign journalists.
• Ministry of Culture and Information Policy — for media accreditation.
• Centre for Strategic Communications and Information Security (spravdi.gov.ua).
• MFA coordination centre — separate support channel for foreign journalists in wartime.

What accreditation provides:

• Accelerated review of import permits for special equipment (3-7 days instead of 30).
• Reduced fees.
• Coordination with military administration for work in frontline zones.
• Permitted drone flights for media filming in approved locations.

Locale-aware notes (for English-language readers)

This English version covers anglophone journalists, NGO workers, humanitarian-aid operators, and researchers — primarily US, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland.

• US export control context. Some satphones (Iridium, Inmarsat) and thermal imagers fall under EAR (Export Administration Regulations) — pre-export licence from BIS may be required for export to Ukraine. Check bis.doc.gov/index.php/all-articles/3-licensing. Higher-end drones (DJI Matrice, professional UAVs) may require ITAR check.
• UK export control context. Export from the UK requires checking the UK Export Control Joint Unit (great.gov.uk). Dual-use goods category 5A002 (encryption) often applies to satphones.
• EU dual-use export rules. Regulation 2021/821 covers dual-use exports. Most EU exporters file via the national export control authority (BAFA Germany, ANCEX Italy, etc.).
• Canadian export rules. Export Controls List (ECL) classification required. Global Affairs Canada (international.gc.ca) issues permits.
• Australian export rules. Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL); Defence Export Controls Office (defence.gov.au/dec).
• Journalist accreditation in Ukraine. Foreign journalists obtain accreditation through MFA — mfa.gov.ua/diplomatic-corps. Application via your embassy in Kyiv or directly online. Process: 5-15 working days.
• NGO registration in Ukraine. Foreign NGOs operating in Ukraine register through the Ministry of Justice or through a Ukrainian partner organisation. Registration simplifies all import permits.
• Insurance. Most US/UK/CA/AU travel insurance excludes Ukraine. Specialised NGO insurance (Aon, AIG NGO, Battleface) may cover war zones; equipment confiscation coverage varies. See the Ukraine travel insurance guide.
• Embassy contacts (English-language). US Embassy Kyiv: kyiv.usembassy.gov. UK Embassy: gov.uk/world/ukraine. Canadian Embassy: international.gc.ca/country-pays/ukraine. Australian Embassy: ukraine.embassy.gov.au. All have specialised staff for journalist support.