Estonia: from 14 August 2026, no protection for new applicants without a lawful basis to leave Ukraine due to military obligations

CORRECTION 23.10.2026 The previous version did not state what the restriction is. It now follows the source: protection is not granted to people without a lawful basis for leaving Ukraine due to military service obligations; people already granted temporary protection in the European Union are exempt. [1] WHAT CHANGED A decree of the Government of Estonia in force from 14 August 2026 added a restriction on new applications: temporary protection is not granted to persons who do not have a lawful basis for leaving Ukraine due to military service obligations. [1] Temporary protection applied for from 13 August 2025 is valid until March 2027; applied for from 14 August 2026, until March 2028. [2, 3] WHO IS AFFECTED Only new applicants. The restriction does not apply to persons already granted temporary protection in the European Union. [1] WHAT TO DO Before applying, the authority asks you to make sure you are not subject to military service obligations in Ukraine and, where applicable, can provide evidence of this. [4] VERBATIM FROM THE SOURCE (English) [1] “Pursuant to a Decree of the Government of the Republic of Estonia that entered into force on 14 August 2026, an additional restriction applies to new applications for temporary protection. Under this restriction, temporary protection is not granted to persons who do not have a lawful basis for leaving Ukraine due to military service obligations. This restriction applies only to new applicants for temporary protection and does not apply to persons who have already been granted temporary protection in the European Union.” [2] “Temporary protection applied for from August 13, 2025, is valid until March 2027.” [3] “Temporary protection applied for from August 14, 2026, is valid until March 2028.” [4] “Make sure that you are not subject to military service obligations in Ukraine and, where applicable, are able to provide evidence of this.” Source: kriis.ee — https://kriis.ee/en/security-situation-europe/ukrainian-war-refugees/temporary-protection Quotes checked against the official source on 23.10.2026.