Berlin, April 4, 2026 German men must now obtain permission from the Bundeswehr before leaving the country for more than three months under a new military service law passed by the federal government. The Bundeswehr requires this information to track citizens abroad in case of emergencies, according to a spokesperson. The regulation applies to all men aged 18 to 45, regardless of their reason for departure, and remains in effect even outside periods of tension or defense. The Bundesverteidigungsministerium confirmed the requirement but noted that permission is automatically granted while military service remains voluntary. A ministry spokesperson stated: *"Die Auswirkungen dieser Regelung auf junge Menschen sind weitreichend, insbesondere da der Wehrdienst weiterhin freiwillig ist."* (*"The consequences of this regulation for young people are far-reaching, especially since military service is still voluntary."*) The Wehrdienst-Modernisierungsgesetz, enacted in December 2025, establishes a framework for military service registration and monitoring. It includes provisions for mandatory muster procedures introduced on January 1, 2026. Exceptions to the travel permission rule are under development to minimize bureaucratic hurdles. A similar regulation existed during the Cold War but had little practical impact. The updated law responds to shifting foreign policy conditions, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.