Germany imposes travel restrictions on men aged 17-45

2026-04-05 08:06:04Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Germany imposes travel restrictions on men aged 17-45
Germany imposes travel restrictions on men aged 17-45

Germany has imposed new rules requiring men aged 17 to 45 to obtain official authorization before leaving the country for periods longer than three months.

According to the Berliner Zeitung report, the rule came into effect on January 1, 2026, and applies to all those planning to stay abroad for more than three months, for reasons of study, work or long-term travel.

Affected persons must obtain permission from a Bundeswehr career center before leaving.

This obligation is now a permanent part of German law, enacted through the Military Service Modernization Act, and has been implemented without much public attention.

Previously, such permits were only required in cases of high threat or in a state of defense, such as in the event of a direct attack on federal territory. With the new changes, the rule also applies in peacetime.

A spokesman for the Federal Ministry of Defense in Germany confirmed the measure, stressing that the aim is to ensure a reliable registration of persons who may be subject to military service if necessary.

The move is part of a broader effort to boost the German military's capabilities, with the aim of increasing the number of troops from around 184,000 currently to 255,000 to 270,000 soldiers by 2035.

Under this initiative, all young men born in 2008 or later must complete a questionnaire on their readiness for military service. For women, this process remains voluntary.


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