Dod Employees' Travel Plans: Exploring Mexico Safely

The United States Army North Force Protection Division has issued guidelines for US military travel to Mexico. All active-duty, reserve, Guard, and Defense Department civilians and contractors must follow the new directive. All personnel travelling to Mexico must notify their local counterintelligence representatives of their travel plans and avoid any Mexican states on the DoD's restricted list. They must also have a valid US passport and receive approval from the local US Embassy.

All DoD employees must submit an electronic International Travel Clearance Form (DI-1175) 60-180 days before their trip to Mexico

The DI-1175 form is a crucial step in the international travel process for DoD employees. By submitting this form well in advance of their trip, employees can ensure that they have completed the necessary steps for international travel. This includes obtaining the required official passport and/or visa, completing State Department security training, and receiving electronic country clearance (eCC) from the State Department. These additional steps can take several weeks or even months to complete, so it is essential to start the process early.

The official passport, for instance, is distinct from a tourist or personal passport and has different application procedures and requirements. It typically takes at least 8-12 weeks to obtain, and additional time may be needed to obtain any necessary visas. Similarly, the Counter-Threat Awareness Training (CT401/CTAT) offered by the Department of State is mandatory for all US government personnel travelling internationally on official business. This training can be completed online and usually takes around three hours to finish. Once completed, the training is valid for six years.

In addition to the DI-1175 form and the subsequent steps it entails, DoD employees travelling to Mexico should also be aware of other recommended preparations for international travel. This includes confirming health insurance coverage, notifying bank and credit card companies, consulting exchange rates, and considering requirements for electrical outlets and time differences. By following these guidelines and staying informed about relevant travel alerts and warnings, DoD employees can help ensure a smooth and safe trip to Mexico.

DoD employees must travel on an official passport, which is distinct from a tourist/personal passport

All Department of the Interior (DOI) employees travelling internationally on official business must do so on an official passport. This requirement applies to all international destinations, including cross-border travel locations and US territories, and is distinct from travel using a tourist/personal passport. An official passport is often brown in colour, whereas a tourist/personal passport is typically navy blue.

The process for obtaining an official passport is different from that of a tourist/personal passport. It usually takes at least 8-12 weeks to obtain an official passport, so it is important for travellers to begin the process as soon as possible. To initiate the process, travellers can contact the INT Passport and Visa Division with a draft copy of the DI-1175 international travel clearance form or a Concur travel authorization. The Passports and Visas Division will then provide guidance on the necessary forms and supplementary materials required for processing.

In addition to obtaining an official passport, there are several other requirements that DOI employees must complete before travelling to Mexico. Firstly, all DOI employees must submit an electronic International Travel Clearance Form (DI-1175) 60-180 days before the travel departure date. This form is mandatory for all international destinations, including Mexico. It is important to note that travellers who are not DOI employees, such as contractors or invitational travellers, are not required to submit this form.

Furthermore, travellers must also have a valid US passport and avoid any states in Mexico that are on the DoD's restricted list. When on official State Department business, individuals must limit travel to daytime with no overnight stays in restricted states. This type of travel also requires chain-of-command approval by an O-6 or civilian equivalent.

By adhering to these guidelines, DoD employees can ensure they have the necessary documentation and approvals for official travel to Mexico.

DoD employees must take the online Counter-Threat Awareness Training (CT401/CTAT) before departure

The Department of Defense (DoD) is one of the largest federal agencies in the United States, with employees stationed all over the world. Before traveling to Mexico, or any other country, DoD employees must ensure they comply with mandatory training requirements.

One such requirement is the Counter-Threat Awareness Training (CT401/CTAT) course. This training is mandatory for all DoD personnel traveling internationally for less than 90 cumulative days in a calendar year. The CT401/CTAT course is designed to enhance participants' resilience, situational awareness, and risk management skills, ultimately increasing their preparedness for responding to threats while living and working abroad.

The CT401/CTAT course is offered by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and can be completed online via the Commerce Learning Center (CLC) or the Department of State Foreign Service Institute (FSI) website. The training takes approximately five hours to complete, and the certificate is valid for six years.

It is important to note that this training is not required for personal international travel. However, for official government travel to certain countries, additional counterintelligence briefings may be mandatory.

DoD employees must complete the CT401/CTAT course before their departure to Mexico, as it is a crucial component of their pre-deployment training. By taking this course, DoD personnel can ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to stay safe and secure while working in a foreign country.

In addition to the CT401/CTAT course, there are other mandatory training requirements for DoD employees traveling overseas, such as the Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT) course for those traveling for 90 days or more, and the Security Overseas Seminar (SOS) for those traveling for 45 days or more in a 12-month period. These comprehensive training programs help ensure the safety and security of DoD personnel and their families while on official duty abroad.

DoD employees must request electronic country clearance (eCC) from the State Department at least two weeks before travelling

All DoD employees must request electronic country clearance (eCC) from the State Department at least two weeks before travelling to Mexico. This is a mandatory requirement for all U.S. government travellers on official business internationally. The eCC ensures that travellers have approval from the local U.S. Embassy to enter the country. The process involves submitting an eCC request to the State Department, which can be done through the employee's bureau or office international travel coordinator.

To initiate the process, DoD employees should first consult with their specific bureau or office, as they may have unique procedures or requirements. Each bureau or office is likely to have its own international travel coordinator who can provide further instructions and guidance on obtaining the eCC. Employees should also be aware of any additional guidelines or routing procedures that may be necessary for their specific bureau or office.

It is important to plan and start the necessary steps for international travel as early as possible, as the process can take several weeks to complete. In addition to the eCC, DoD employees travelling to Mexico must also comply with other requirements, such as notifying their local counterintelligence representatives of their travel plans, possessing a valid U.S. passport, and avoiding any restricted states in Mexico.

By following these procedures, DoD employees can ensure they meet the necessary requirements for travelling to Mexico and have the necessary approvals in place. The eCC, in particular, is a critical step in the process, providing authorisation from the local U.S. Embassy and facilitating a smooth entry into the country. Therefore, employees should prioritise submitting their eCC request to the State Department within the specified timeframe.

DoD employees must avoid any Mexican states on the restricted list, even when in transit

All active-duty, reserve, and defense department civilians and contractors are required to follow the United States Army North Force Protection Division's new guidelines for travel to Mexico. The guidelines state that DoD employees must avoid any Mexican states on the restricted list, even when in transit. This means that DoD employees should not enter or pass through any of the Mexican states that are listed as restricted by the DoD.

The restricted list is determined by the DoD and includes Mexican states that are considered unsafe for travel due to security concerns or other issues. The list can be found on the official website of the DoD or through the local counterintelligence representatives. DoD employees are advised to check the restricted list before planning any travel to Mexico and to avoid any states that are included on the list.

It is important to note that the restrictions apply to all DoD employees, regardless of their position or rank. This includes military personnel, civilians, and contractors working for the DoD. Failure to comply with the restrictions may result in disciplinary action or other consequences. As such, DoD employees must ensure that they are aware of and comply with the restricted list when traveling to Mexico.

In addition to avoiding restricted states, DoD employees traveling to Mexico are required to follow other guidelines and procedures. This includes notifying their local counterintelligence representatives of their travel plans, including the specific locations and dates of their travel within Mexico. All personnel must also have a valid U.S. passport and, when on official State Department business, limit travel to daytime with no overnight stays in restricted states.

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