Germany Requires Men 17-45 to Get Military Approval for Extended Travel Abroad

Germany requires males aged 17 to 45 to obtain approval before leaving the country for more than three months.

“Germany requires most men age 17-45 to get military approval for stays abroad Officials say rule aims to track men liable for military service and boost country's defense BRUSSELS Germany has introduced a significant change to its military service regulations, requiring most men age 17-45 to obtain approval from the military (Bundeswehr) before leaving the country for extended periods, daily Frankfurter Rundschau reported on Saturday”

Anadolu Ajansı

The defense ministry confirmed the change was meant to ensure a reliable military registration system.

Anadolu Ajansı

Approvals are generally to be granted since military service remains voluntary.

The measure triggered little public debate before implementation.

The legal foundation lies in Germany's 1956 Conscription Act.

Previously permission was required only during a declared state of defense.

BBC

The new legislation extends the requirement into peacetime for the first time since the Cold War.

The Bundeswehr plans to expand from around 184,000 to up to 270,000 by 2035.

Enforcement mechanisms are still being developed.

“A new military service law took effect in Germany at the start of 2026 aimed at boosting the strength of the armed forces amid threats to European security in the wake of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine”

DW

The Bundeswehr has begun tracking individuals who stayed abroad without approval.

The change has sparked broad concern over civil liberties.

Political momentum is building to reinstate conscription by 2028.

The requirement comes amid heightened security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

German Foreign Minister Wadephul accused Putin of using the Iran conflict to divert attention from Ukraine.

Euronews

Efforts to streamline recruitment and mobilization are intensifying despite public opposition.

The survey is mandatory for men but remains voluntary for women.