RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Those looking to travel during their off-duty time while stationed in Europe have many things to consider before departing their home station.
When individuals travel abroad they should consider whether all accompanied are on active duty orders or just family members, means of travel, and other general recommendations for the local area.
With the recent attacks in prominent tourist locations like Paris, Berlin, London and Barcelona, it is in ones best interest to adhere to local policies, customs, and social norms while making travel preparations.
To begin, visit https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm, the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide website, which has all the information travelers could need on hand while in any country. The online guidance has a comprehensive list of travel considerations, including documents required for travel and contact information for US embassies.
Additionally, service members with an active common access card may also be required to attend an online Air Force Office of Special Investigations pre-brief and questionnaire depending on travel destinations as part of their requirements for travel.
The online briefing can be found on the Air Force portal by searching “AFOSI Travel Brief” then selecting the Ramstein specific version.
Travelers should also consider transportation to, from, and during travel. While many Kaiserslautern Military Community residents recognize the close proximity of many travel destinations, arrival is not as simple as starting the car and setting out.
International driving permits are required while driving abroad in some foreign countries. An IDP is not to be used in place of service member’s stateside driver license or U.S. Army Europe license, rather in conjunction with those licenses. IDPs have pertinent driver information and are used more as a translation medium for authorities.
Information on how KMC residents can begin the application process for their IDP can be found at http://www.kaiserslautern.de/gaco/pages/posts/international-drivers-license-28.php.