Military Spouses' Travel: Allowed Or Restricted?

Military spouses are not paid or given a stipend, but they do have access to a range of benefits, including health care and health insurance. They can also access career and education support, non-medical counselling, and financial benefits. Military spouses are not allowed to accompany their partners on deployments, but travelling while their spouse is deployed can be a good way to pass the time and break up the routine of deployment.

Travelling to break up the mundane deployment routine

Travelling is a great way to break up the mundane routine of deployment. Deployment days can drag on, and you can find yourself doing the same things every day. Travelling can help break up the monotony. If you're bored, plan a quick trip somewhere—you'll be glad you did.

You don't have to go far or spend a lot of money. Even a short trip to the mountains or the beach can help you feel like you're still living your life. You can create memories that your kids will always remember, and you can explore areas that you have always wanted to visit. The more you fill up your calendar, the busier you are, the faster the deployment will go.

You can also use the opportunity to visit friends and family. In some cases, they can visit you, but not always. Going to see friends and family in other places can be good for your overall mood during deployment. They can also help you with solo parenting, which is always a plus.

If you travel during deployment and enjoy the place you go, you can bring your spouse there the next time. Take a short trip during deployment and return for a longer visit when your spouse can go with you.

Travelling to feel more independent

Travelling solo can be a daunting prospect, especially for military spouses who may be dealing with the stress of their partner's deployment. However, embarking on a journey independently can be an incredibly empowering and rewarding experience. It allows you to break free from the mundane routine of deployment days and discover new places, cultures, and people.

One of the biggest advantages of travelling alone is the sense of independence and personal growth it brings. Without the comfort and support of a partner, military spouses can challenge themselves to navigate new environments, solve problems, and make their own decisions. This builds confidence and resilience, which can be incredibly beneficial when facing the challenges of a spouse's deployment. It also provides an opportunity to discover hidden strengths and abilities, fostering a sense of self-reliance and empowerment.

Solo travel also offers the flexibility to create your own itinerary and change plans on a whim. Military spouses can set their own schedules, explore places that interest them, and meet new people without the need for compromise or coordination with others. This freedom can be exhilarating and empowering, allowing individuals to embrace spontaneity and fully immerse themselves in their surroundings.

Furthermore, travelling independently provides a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded people and build a global community. Solo travellers often find themselves interacting with other independent explorers in airports, museums, hikes, or trains. These shared experiences can lead to lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging within a global network of adventurous souls.

While travelling without a spouse can be intimidating, it is an incredibly rewarding way to spend time during a deployment. It allows military spouses to create memorable experiences, visit new places, and gain a sense of independence and self-discovery. So, if you're considering hitting the road alone, remember that it's an opportunity to grow, learn, and embrace the unknown. With a little planning and an open mind, you'll be well on your way to an unforgettable journey of self-discovery.

Travelling to see friends and family

Life doesn't stop when your spouse is deployed, so it's important to keep living and not put your life on pause. Even a short trip to the beach or the mountains can help you feel like you're living your life to the full. It's also a great way to break up the mundane routine of deployment days and fill up your calendar.

If you have children, it's a wonderful opportunity to create memories that they will always remember and show them new places and cultures. It can be a little overwhelming to travel without your spouse, especially if they are deployed, and it takes some planning. However, it can also help you feel more independent and capable.

If you're able to travel during a deployment, you can always return to the places you enjoy with your spouse when they are next available.

Travelling to find places to visit in the future

Travelling while your spouse is deployed can be therapeutic and a great way to pass the time. It can be a chance to discover new places that you can later visit with your spouse. Here are some ideas for places to visit in the future:

Paris, France

Paris, the City of Light, is a perennial tourist destination, drawing visitors with its iconic attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Paris has quaint cafes, trendy shopping districts, and timeless beauty. You are likely to discover something new with each trip or season. Get lost wandering the charming cobblestone streets, learn its secrets on a walking tour, or head to dynamic art exhibits.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is a 12-square-mile French Polynesian island that makes up for its small size with sheer tropical beauty. Here, you'll find picturesque beaches, lush jungles, and luxurious resorts. The island's extinct volcano, Mount Otemanu, makes for a great photo op or challenging hike.

Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

With snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and azure lakes, Glacier National Park is one of America's most striking parks. There are over 700 miles of hiking trails, 13 designated camping areas, and plenty of winter and summer activities for all.

Rome, Italy

When you visit Italy's capital city, you can cross a few must-see landmarks off your bucket list, including the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. Travelers can also see some of Italy's greatest treasures, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, in Vatican City. Escape the tourist crowds by taking a twilight stroll along the cobblestone streets of Trastevere, or head to Mercato Centrale Roma to sample local delicacies like pistachio gelato.

Swiss Alps

The Swiss Alps are a year-round fairy-tale destination. Visit in the winter for world-class skiing, or opt for warmer months to hike through the verdant valleys of Swiss National Park or attend lively festivals in the foothill city of Montreux. No trip would be complete without a visit to the Jungfrau Region, where you can experience idyllic mountain villages or take the Jungfrau Railway to Europe's highest railway station.

Military spouses' green card requirements

Military spouses can obtain a marriage green card, which allows them to live and work anywhere in the United States and provides a path to U.S. citizenship after 3-5 years. The process for obtaining a green card varies depending on whether the spouse is a U.S. citizen or green card holder, and whether the spouse lives in or outside the United States. Here is a detailed guide to the requirements for military spouses seeking a green card:

Sponsoring Spouses on Active Duty:

• The sponsoring spouse must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder (permanent resident).
• They must earn at least 100% of the poverty guidelines for their household size, including dependents.
• They must accept financial responsibility for their spouse.
• They must not have committed certain types of crimes.

Spouses Seeking a Green Card:

• Prove your identity, nationality, and current U.S. immigration status, if applicable.
• Demonstrate good moral character by not committing certain crimes or immigration violations. If you have, you may need to seek a waiver.
• Prove the authenticity of your marriage and provide supporting documentation, such as military service records.
• Prove the termination of any previous marriages.

Application Process:

The application process for a military spouse's green card typically involves three steps:

• Submit your green card application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The specific forms and processes depend on the citizenship status of the sponsoring spouse and the residence of the spouse seeking the green card.
• Attend a green card interview. The interview is conducted by USCIS officers to evaluate the authenticity of the marriage. Both spouses typically attend, but if the sponsoring spouse is deployed, evidence of their military orders should be provided.
• Receive your green card. The physical green card arrives within 2-3 weeks of final approval if applying from within the United States or after arriving in the United States if applying from abroad.

It's important to note that the green card may be conditional if the couple has been married for less than two years, and a second interview may be required to remove conditions and re-authenticate the marriage. After 3-5 years, the spouse with a green card can apply for U.S. citizenship and may qualify for expedited or overseas naturalization if certain requirements are met.

Frequently asked questions