Family members should make arrangements with a U.S. military passport office to obtain a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Stamp in their U.S. no fee passport before arriving in Germany. NOTE: State Department does not place SOFA stamps in non-U.S. passports. Failure to obtain SOFA Identification prior to arrival to Germany could result in denial to enter Germany and immediate deportation.

NATO Orders are required to be able to fly to Germany. These orders can be created by the unit's S1 office.

Germans love their animals and they take pet ownership very seriously, so ensure you know the differences in laws and guidelines to pet ownership while you are stationed in Germany.  Upon arrival to the Ramstein Passenger Terminal, pets traveling in the cargo compartment of the plane will get offloaded and secured in the baggage claim area of the terminal. Once you arrive you can reclaim you pet there. Please note, all pets will be assessed a veterinarian examination (in accordance with European Union Ordinance #998/2003). The exam is 55 Euro per pet.

All pets traveling on commercial transportation from Ramstein Passenger Terminal to their gaining community must have a kennel. By German law, pets are not allowed to ride in the passenger compartment of the bus. Pets are required to ride in the cargo area underneath the bus.

To drive in a vehicle Germany you need a valid U.S. drivers license and a valid U.S. Forces certificate of license (USAREUR license). If one or the other is expired you may be considered as operating a vehicle without a license. Click here to learn how to get a USAREUR license.

Personnel requesting to remain on leave must understand that all expenses incurred are not reimbursable. Soldiers are required to report to their Central processing facility during normal business hours on the last day of their leave. If transportation assistance is required, the RGRC will provide the servicemember with a schedule of available transpiration to their community before departing the PAX terminal the day of arrival. NOTE: Overseas entitlements do not begin until the servicemember signs off leave.

Unaccompanied Family members, traveling on PCS orders and requiring transportation to their gaining community will follow the same reception process as the PCSing servicemember. If your sponsor is at the terminal to pick you up, you will only need to process through immigration and baggage claim (see graphic above).

What is the Patriot Express? The Patriot Express, also known at the "Rotator", or "Cat B flight", is a Department of Defense contracted commercial charter flight which provides international support to travelers on official duty and their families. The PE also provides Space Available travel opportunities to and from the United States. The 618th Air Operations Center at Scott AFB, IL., schedules these flights on a reoccurring basis both to and from Air Mobility Command commercial airports and military passenger terminals. These flights offer an array of in-flight amenities and operate similar to commercial airlines. 

Amenities vary between the contracted airline being flown. Available meals and beverages are comparable to those offered in commercial airline business class. Special meals such as kosher, diabetic, vegetarian, and meals for children may be available when requested 24 hours in advance. Patriot Express flights show current box office movies and provide headsets free of charge. AMC has worked hard to ensure you have as much room as possible. Some of the Patriot Express missions have 34 inches of legroom, com-pared to 31-32 inches on most commercial airlines. 

Bona fide service animals and ESA’s are authorized to accompany passengers with disabilities in the cabin of the aircraft. Service Animals require identification cards and written documentation issued by an agency verifying the animal has been trained as a service animal. Transportation is subject to country quarantine procedures. Specific information can be found by accessing http://travel.state.gov. It’s recommended that you con-tact your local Transportation Office or AMC Passenger Terminal to ensure your service animal can be accommodated. ESA’s require documentation from a licensed mental health professional (e.g., a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker) IAW. For ESA documentation requirements, please see the Pet Travel Brochure on our AMC Travel Site.

Military and DoD Travelers must possess a valid Government issued ID card (including dependents 10 yrs of age or older), travel orders (NATO travel orders when required), passports, and visas when applicable. Responsibility to obtain and maintain required documentation lies solely with you, the traveler. Additional information can be found by accessing https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/  

Passenger check-in begins 6 hours prior to departure at AMC commercial airport locations. If passengers do not elect to check-in early, the required show time is no later than 2 hours and 20 minutes prior to departure at BWI Airport and 3 hours and 20 minutes prior to departure at SEATAC Airport. If you are departing from a military installation, please check with the passenger terminal personnel for specific check-in times. These times are de-signed to ensure on time departures. 

Carry-on Baggage Carry-ons must fit under the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin. Approximate dimensions are 9” x 14” x 22” for a total of 45 linear inches. Baggage Exceeding 80 Linear Inches and/or 100 pounds WILL NOT be Accepted. Disposition of unauthorized weight or oversized baggage is the responsibility of the owner/traveler.  

For more information, visit our AMC Travel Website or contact your local Transportation Office, an AMC Passenger Terminal, or one of two AMC Commercial Airport locations below:

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) (410) 918-6900 or DSN 243-6900 Toll-Free (877) 429-4262 Fax (410) 918-6932 or DSN 243-6932 E-mail: bwipax@us.af.mil

E-mail: org.amca4-71@us.af.mil