going on leave.... passport needed for the USA?

Question

i am stationed in germany and am going on leave this week. im flying back home to oklahoma and am wondering if i need a passport. i asked the passport office and they said i did not need one that i only need to show my orders, leave form and id card, but im still so nervous that something is going to go wrong and wont be able to fly. (i havent had a vacation in a LONG time so im nervous about it) has anyone flown into the US from germany without a passport?

Answer 1

I have flown repeatedly back to the states without a passport, and have had no problems.

I HIGHLY recommend that you apply for a passport IMMEDIATELY. There is a huge force protection issue about flying with just your leave form and ID card, especially if you are on a civilian flight. Also, the US has passed a law requiring all persons (including US Citizens) to have a passport to enter the US. This will go into effect shortly. Check with Homeland Security for more information.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/publications/travel/knowbeforeyougo.ctt/knowbeforeyougo.pdf

Answer 2

No you do not need your passport. You need your military ID with leave form and orders bringing you to germany. I have been stationed here for 3 yrs and been on leave a few times you dont need a passport. In fact you dont want to use your passport to fly because of visa requirements it will look like you have been in country for way to long and could get arrested instead. So use your military id.

Unlike the above mentioned that new law will not be mandated for ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY. If it was the MILITARY would then be required to give you a passport. but to have a passport is a good idea especially if you are in germany and travelling within europe.

Answer 3

now u dont need a passport at all....they were right all u need is ur leave form and ur military id. I was stationed in germany for two years and also from oklahoma. I flew back home to oklahoma two times with just my leave form and id card with no problems. You should do fine. Where in Germany are u stationed and where in oklahoma are u from?

Answer 4

i am military stationed in Italy and have flown home though Germany many times. As long as you have your I card and orders, but it makes it so much easier to just have a passport because they germany will not give you as many problems getting though the checkpoint.

Answer 5

Passport office was right, all you need is an active duty ID card, and a copy of your orders, as well as your leave form DAForm31.

Answer 6

You will need to get a passport soon. I am not sure if it is in effect yet but soon all Military personal will need it to fly outside the US. My brother in law was ordered to get one before PCSing to Europe a few weeks ago. If the passport office said you were ok this time I wouldnt worry, but apply for one soon.

Answer 7

What you were told is true. For US Military members traveling to and from an overseas base back to CONUS (the US), all you need is a copy of your orders, your leave orders and your military ID. However, if you were planning to travel to any other country as part of leave, you would have to have a passport for that. Your ID and paperwork will only work for traveling to and from your base and the states.

Answer 8

Just military ID and orders. Our daughter flies to Germany about once a month with the Air Force and that is all she needs.

Answer 9

YOU NEED A PASSPORT. no longer can military personnel fly on orders with just an ID.

a passport is required when entering the country from air.

Answer 10

I think you should be fine. If you really want to make sure, call the airline and tell them the situation and see what they say. Also run it by German customs so you don't have a problem getting back into the country. I wouldn't stress it though.