If you're getting ready for an overseas permanent change of station (PCS), one of the most important things you can do up-front is to make sure you and your dependents have passports and any necessary visas in hand well before your travel date.
Official Passports and SOFA Stamps
For official travel overseas, civilian personnel and their dependents should get a no-fee passport. Not used for leisure travel, this identifies you as traveling abroad on U.S. government orders.
"Also known as the no-fee or special issuance passport, official passports are issued by specialized passport offices, such as those on military installations. Official passports allow eligible individuals to sidestep the lengthier tourist application process and receive the document free of charge. They are issued -- with necessary visas -- to personnel traveling in an official government capacity to a foreign country and are valid for five years," according to the U.S. Army.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need a SOFA stamp. It depends on the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the United States and the host country. The SOFA stamp indicates your legal status in the host country under the agreement between that nation and the U.S. military. This stamp must be acquired before arriving overseas.
While some nations require a physical stamp, other SOFA agreements don't. Instead, your orders or military ID serve as proof of status. Always confirm with your installation's passport or legal office for country-specific guidance.
Where to Get Your SOFA Stamp
Apply through your local military passport agent or office. Your Human Resources Office will issue you a DD Form 1056, which authorizes you and your dependents to apply for no-fee passports and SOFA stamps.
Note: Non-U.S. citizen dependents must use a valid passport from their country of citizenship and also receive a SOFA stamp.
The Role of DD Form 1056
This form is essential. It serves as:
- Authorization to apply for a no-fee passport
- Support documentation for visa applications
- A supplement or substitute for official travel orders, depending on your situation
Without this form, you cannot apply for your no-fee passport, so it's important to coordinate with your HR rep early in the PCS process.
Visas and Where to Apply
In addition to your passport, you may need a visa to enter your host country. Requirements vary, so check with your military passport and visa section as soon as your assignment is confirmed.
Additional resources:
Don't Forget Tourist Passports
As mentioned above, no-fee passports are for official use only. If you plan to travel for leisure while overseas, each family member should also hold a regular tourist passport.
It's very important to remember that U.S. military personnel should have an official (brown) passport for work and, if they want to travel, a classic blue tourist passport if they intend to travel to other countries.
Apply early through the U.S. Department of State website for application procedures, fees and processing times.
Those ages 16 and older may also be able to renew or replace a passport online if eligible.
Final Passport Tips for PCSing Abroad
- Apply for all passports and visas as soon as possible to avoid delays
- Make sure your documents are valid for the duration of your overseas tour
- Double-check entry requirements for your destination country -- including any quarantine or vaccination rules in place
Preparing your travel documents early helps ensure a smooth PCS -- and more peace of mind for you and your family.
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