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Can I travel on military orders without a passport?

Can I Travel on Military Orders without a Passport?

As a member of the military, you may have heard the term "no passport required" when it comes to traveling on military orders. But what does this really mean? Can you really travel internationally without a passport? In this article, we’ll dive into the details and provide you with a comprehensive answer to this question.

What is a Passport?

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Before we get into the details, let’s define what a passport is. A passport is a travel document issued by a country’s government that certifies the identity and nationality of its holder. It’s a must-have document for international travel, as it serves as proof of citizenship and allows you to enter and leave foreign countries.

Do Military Members Need a Passport?

In general, military members do need a passport to travel internationally. Like civilians, military personnel are required to have a valid passport to enter and exit foreign countries. However, there are some exceptions and special circumstances that allow military members to travel without a passport.

What are the Exceptions?

There are several scenarios where military members can travel without a passport:

Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel: If you’re traveling on TDY orders, you may not need a passport if you’re traveling to a country that has a special agreement with the United States. These agreements, known as Visa Waiver Programs, allow U.S. citizens, including military personnel, to enter and stay in the country for a specific period without a visa or passport.
Deployments: When you’re deployed, you’ll typically be traveling on Military Travel Orders, which may not require a passport. Your chain of command will provide you with specific guidance on what documents you need to carry.
Temporary Assignments: If you’re being assigned to a foreign country for a short period, you may not need a passport. Your command will likely provide you with guidance on the necessary documents and procedures.

What Documents Do I Need?

While a passport may not be required in some cases, you’ll still need to carry certain documents when traveling internationally as a military member. These may include:

Military Travel Orders: Your travel orders will serve as your primary document, providing authorization for your trip and outlining the details of your travel.
Common Access Card (CAC): Your CAC is a government-issued identification card that contains your personal and biometric information. It’s often required for international travel.
Government-issued ID: You may also need to carry a government-issued ID, such as a state-issued driver’s license or ID card.

Table: Documents Needed for International Travel

DocumentRequired forPurpose
Military Travel OrdersTDY travel, deployments, temporary assignmentsAuthorization for travel
Common Access Card (CAC)International travelGovernment-issued identification
Government-issued IDInternational travelAdditional identification

What About Visa Requirements?

Even if you don’t need a passport, you may still need to obtain a visa before entering a foreign country. A visa is a document issued by the country you’re visiting that allows you to enter and stay for a specific period. Military members are subject to the same visa requirements as civilians.

How to Obtain a Visa

To obtain a visa, you’ll need to:

  1. Check the visa requirements for the country you’re visiting.
  2. Apply for a visa through the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Waiver Program (if applicable).
  3. Provide required documents, such as your military travel orders, CAC, and government-issued ID.
  4. Pay any applicable fees.

Conclusion

In summary, while military members may not always need a passport to travel internationally, there are specific scenarios and requirements that apply. Temporary Duty (TDY) travel, deployments, and temporary assignments may not require a passport, but you’ll still need to carry other documents, such as military travel orders, a Common Access Card, and government-issued ID.

Remember to always check the visa requirements for the country you’re visiting and to follow the necessary procedures for obtaining a visa. Traveling without a passport can be complex, so it’s essential to understand the requirements and regulations that apply to your situation.

Additional Resources

For more information on international travel and visa requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Travel.State.gov website or consult with your chain of command or travel agency.

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