Sun, 07 Jun 2026 Berlin 00:23 DE / UKR / EN

Defense Minister Clarifies Regulations on Foreign Travel During Military Service

Following uncertainties regarding the approval requirement for long stays abroad, the Defense Minister has issued a clarification.

Defense Minister Clarifies Regulations on Foreign Travel During Military Service
Photo: Tagesschau

In a recent statement, the Defense Minister clarified that men aged 17 to 45 who are subject to military service do not need approval for longer foreign trips. This statement follows confusion arising from different interpretations of the Military Service Act.

According to ministry officials, the regulation is designed to avoid unnecessarily restricting the mobility of young men. Previous information had created the impression that approval was required for longer stays abroad, leading to uncertainties and questions within the affected age group.

The Defense Minister's clarification aims to clarify the rights and obligations of military service members. It emphasizes that the regulation not only respects the personal freedom of those affected but also takes into account the necessity of being readily available in case of military service.

The ministry points out that the regulation applies to all men who are subject to conscription or have already completed military service. The decision not to impose an approval requirement was made considering the current social and economic conditions.

Additionally, it is noted that short-term trips or stays abroad still require notification to ensure that military service members can be reached if needed. This measure is intended to help maintain the readiness of the armed forces.

The confusion surrounding the regulation had also sparked discussions on social media, where many young men expressed their concerns. The Defense Minister urged military service members to contact the relevant authorities directly with any questions to avoid misunderstandings.

The clarification is seen as an important step to strengthen trust in the regulations of military service and to ensure that the rights of conscripts are upheld. The ministry also plans to further disseminate information about the regulations in the Military Service Act to avoid future uncertainties.