Why are foreign troops allowed to travel through Germany?

Foreign armed forces must obtain prior authorisation for any transit through or deployment to Germany.

The NATO Status of Forces Agreement (original version dating from 1951) obliges all allied nations to support the armed forces of their partners when they are stationed in or transiting through their respective countries. Host nation support is therefore an important part of the NATO commitments. Nevertheless, host nation support is always also agreed on an individual basis. If the Bundeswehr is unable to provide certain requested services, for instance a special fuel, the requesting nation must seek alternative solutions, such as using commercial suppliers.

Non-NATO countries that are part of the Partnership for Peace programme between NATO and non-NATO countries may request transit and support for their troops, but they are not covered by the agreement. Decisions are therefore made on a case-by-case basis. Binational agreements to provide mutual support also exist, for example between Germany and Austria.