Germany suspends military approval for long stays abroad for men under 45

Boris Pistorius says men of military age in Germany do not need to report lengthy stays abroad. He is introducing an exemption, stating, "Whether they are 17 or 45, or anywhere in between - everyone is, of course, free to travel and currently does not need permission to do so." He added that during this peacetime period, there will be no permission procedures, and the permission requirement is being suspended as long as military service is voluntary.

This statement follows controversy over the possible consequences of the Military Service Modernisation Act, which came into force on January 1. A defence ministry spokesman confirmed in April that males aged 17 and older were required to obtain prior approval for stays abroad lasting longer than three months. This requirement had gone largely unnoticed until it was reported by a German newspaper last week and is not believed to have been applied. The Military Service Modernisation Act aims to boost defences following threats from Russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Appropriate procedures will be established in the event of a crisis. As of January of this year, all 18-year-olds in Germany are being sent a questionnaire asking if they are interested and willing to join the armed forces. The questionnaire is mandatory for men and voluntary for women. From July 2027, all 18 year-old-men will have to take a medical exam to assess their fitness for possible military service.