Foreign Leave

Start Here If You Are New to Foreign Leave

Foreign leave is travel to foreign countries on chargeable annual leave. Travel to most countries does not require special permission, but designated countries on the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) require country clearance and theater clearance. SOFA countries (NATO, Japan, Korea, etc.) have specific Status of Forces Agreement requirements. The Anti-Terrorism / Force Protection (AT/FP) brief is required before all foreign travel. ISOPREP is required for travel to high-risk areas. Wearing military uniforms in foreign countries is typically prohibited unless specifically authorized. Some countries are on the No-Fly or Restricted Travel list and cannot be visited on personal leave.

This page walks you through foreign leave from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The country clearance and theater clearance framework
• The DoD Foreign Clearance Guide
• The AT/FP brief requirement
• ISOPREP for high-risk areas
• Uniform wear restrictions in foreign countries
• No-Fly and Restricted Travel lists
• The Marine's responsibility for compliance with foreign laws

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 23 (19 May 2009), DoDD 4500.54DoDD 4500.54, the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide, DoDI 5111.13DoDI 5111.13, and Marine Corps AT/FP directives.

What Foreign Leave Is

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 23, foreign leave is travel to foreign countries on chargeable annual leave (or any leave authorization that allows travel outside CONUS).

Foreign leave is chargeable against the Marine's accrued leave balance (the same as any other annual leave). The unique aspects of foreign leave involve.

• Country clearance for designated countries.
• Theater clearance for SOFA countries.
• AT/FP briefs.
• ISOPREP for high-risk areas.
• Uniform wear restrictions.
• Compliance with foreign laws and regulations.

DoD Foreign Clearance Guide

The DoD Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) provides the controlling guidance for U.S. military personnel traveling to foreign countries. The FCG is maintained by the DoD Foreign Clearance Office and is available at https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/.

Country Clearance Categories

The FCG categorizes countries by the level of clearance required.

• No clearance required. Most Western European countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea (with theater clearance), etc.
• Country clearance required. Designated countries requiring advance approval through the appropriate Combatant Command.
• Theater clearance required. SOFA countries (where the U.S. has a Status of Forces Agreement) requiring coordination with the U.S. Embassy or military attache.
• Restricted travel. Countries on the No-Fly or Restricted Travel list (typically prohibited for personal leave travel without specific authorization).

Common Restricted Countries (Subject to Change)

The following are common examples (verify the current FCG for the authoritative list).

• North Korea (DPRK).
• Iran.
• Cuba (specific authorization required).
• Russia (since 2022, restricted travel).
• Belarus (since 2022, restricted travel).
• Other countries per the FCG.

The FCG list is updated periodically. Marines verify the current FCG before planning foreign leave.

Country Clearance Process

For countries requiring country clearance.

Step 1. Identify the Country Requirement

The Marine reviews the FCG to determine if country clearance is required for the destination.

Step 2. Submit the Clearance Request

The Marine submits the clearance request through the unit S-1 to the appropriate Combatant Command (typically the Combatant Command with responsibility for the geographic area). The request includes.

• Travel dates.
• Specific cities or regions.
• Purpose of travel (personal leave).
• Marine's contact information.
• Accommodation information (if known).

Step 3. Await Approval

The clearance request is processed through the Combatant Command. Approval typically takes 30 to 60 days for non-emergency travel. Plan accordingly.

Step 4. Receive Clearance Documentation

The Marine receives the clearance approval documentation and carries it during travel.

Theater Clearance for SOFA Countries

Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) countries are countries where the U.S. has a SOFA in place. Common SOFA countries include.

• Japan.
• South Korea.
• NATO countries.
• Philippines.
• Thailand.
• Other countries with bilateral SOFA agreements.

Theater clearance requirements for SOFA countries vary. Most SOFA countries require coordination with the U.S. Embassy or military attache office for visits exceeding specific durations.

The Marine coordinates with the unit S-1 and the Combatant Command for theater clearance.

AT/FP Brief Requirement

Per Marine Corps AT/FP directives, all Marines traveling outside CONUS on personal leave are required to receive an Anti-Terrorism / Force Protection brief before travel.

What the AT/FP Brief Covers

• Threat assessment for the destination country.
• Security awareness measures.
• Common scams and threats targeting U.S. military personnel abroad.
• Emergency contact information.
• Reporting requirements upon return.

Where to Get the AT/FP Brief

The unit Anti-Terrorism Officer (ATO) or designated AT/FP representative provides the brief. Brief is typically required within 30 days before travel.

ISOPREP for High-Risk Areas

The Isolated Personnel Report (ISOPREP) is a personal data form used for personnel recovery in case the Marine becomes isolated, missing, or detained during travel.

When ISOPREP Is Required

• Travel to high-risk areas designated by the Combatant Command.
• Travel to countries with active or potential armed conflict.
• Travel to countries with elevated terrorism threat.

How to Complete ISOPREP

The Marine completes ISOPREP through the unit Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) trainer or designated ISOPREP coordinator. The ISOPREP is stored in a classified personnel recovery database.

Uniform Wear Restrictions

Per DoD policy and most foreign country agreements, U.S. military uniforms are NOT WORN in foreign countries during personal leave UNLESS specifically authorized.

Why Uniforms Are Restricted

• Reciprocal foreign military protocol.
• Force protection (uniforms identify U.S. military personnel as potential targets).
• Diplomatic considerations.
• Local laws and customs.

When Uniforms Are Authorized

• Official duty travel (with country clearance authorizing uniform wear).
• Specific foreign military or U.S. Embassy events with authorization.
• Specific commemorative events (with authorization).

For personal leave, the default is civilian clothing only.

Compliance with Foreign Laws

The Marine is subject to the laws and regulations of the foreign country during foreign leave. Common considerations.

• Drug laws are typically much stricter than U.S. laws (zero tolerance in many countries).
• Alcohol laws vary by country (some Muslim-majority countries prohibit alcohol).
• Public conduct laws may be more restrictive than U.S. (e.g., dress codes in some Middle Eastern countries).
• Photography restrictions (military bases, government buildings, religious sites in some countries).
• Customs and import restrictions (firearms, certain medications, etc.).

The Marine has full responsibility for compliance with foreign law. The U.S. military cannot intervene in most foreign legal matters.

Reporting Travel and Returning

Per Marine Corps AT/FP directives.

Travel Notification

The Marine notifies the unit AT/FP representative of the travel itinerary. Notification typically includes.

• Country and cities of destination.
• Travel dates.
• Accommodation contact information.
• Emergency contact for the Marine.

Return Reporting

Upon return, the Marine reports any unusual incidents, contact with foreign nationals of concern, attempted recruitment, or other security-relevant events to the unit AT/FP representative.

Marine Officers and Foreign Travel

Officers are subject to additional considerations during foreign travel.

• Higher-ranking officers (O-4 and above) may require additional clearance for travel to specific countries.
• Officers in sensitive billets (intelligence, special operations, etc.) have additional reporting requirements.
• Officers represent the U.S. military in their conduct abroad (heightened decorum expected).

Verifying Foreign Leave Authorization

A leave authorization plus the country clearance documentation confirms the foreign leave is authorized.

Step 1. Submit the Leave Request

The Marine submits the annual leave request through MOL with the foreign destination noted.

Step 2. Coordinate Clearances

For countries requiring country clearance or theater clearance, the Marine coordinates with the unit S-1 and the appropriate Combatant Command.

Step 3. Complete AT/FP Brief

The Marine completes the AT/FP brief with the unit ATO before departure.

Step 4. Complete ISOPREP (If Required)

For high-risk areas, the Marine completes ISOPREP with the unit SERE trainer.

Step 5. Travel with Documentation

The Marine carries the leave authorization, country clearance approval (if applicable), and U.S. passport during travel.

Step 6. Resolve Discrepancies

Coordinate with your S-1. The reporting unit (I&I S-1 with direct UD/MIPS access, or a battalion S-1 routing through their PAC) routes through the appropriate channels.

Common Questions Marines Ask

I want to vacation in Italy. Do I need country clearance?

Most Western European countries (including Italy) do not require country clearance for personal leave travel. Verify the current DoD Foreign Clearance Guide. Complete the AT/FP brief before travel.

I want to visit Cuba. Can I?

Cuba travel requires specific authorization. Verify the current FCG and DoD policy. Cuba travel for personal leave is typically restricted absent specific authorization.

I am traveling to Japan to visit family. Do I need theater clearance?

Japan is a SOFA country. Theater clearance requirements vary based on the duration and specific circumstances. Coordinate with your unit S-1 and the Combatant Command for the specific requirements.

Can I wear my dress blues to a wedding overseas?

Per DoD policy, U.S. military uniforms are typically NOT worn in foreign countries during personal leave. Specific authorization is required. Coordinate with the unit AT/FP representative and the Combatant Command for the specific event.

I want to visit Russia. Can I?

Russia is on the Restricted Travel list (since 2022). Verify the current FCG. Travel to Russia for personal leave is currently restricted.

Do I need a passport to travel on foreign leave?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport is required for international travel. The Marine ID card alone is not sufficient.

What if I get arrested in a foreign country?

The U.S. Embassy provides limited consular assistance but cannot intervene in foreign legal matters. Marines are subject to foreign laws during foreign leave. Coordinate with the U.S. Embassy and inform your chain of command.

Does foreign leave count against my 60-day leave cap?

Yes. Foreign leave is chargeable annual leave and counts against the 60-day cap (or 90-day cap with SLA).

What if I miss my flight back from a foreign country?

Coordinate immediately with your chain of command. Contact the unit OOD/SDO. Document the reason for the delay (travel disruption, illness, etc.). Failure to return on time may be treated as unauthorized absence.

Do I need to brief my chain of command on my foreign leave plans?

Yes. The AT/FP brief and notification of travel are required for all foreign leave. The unit AT/FP representative is your point of contact.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• DoD Foreign Clearance Guide. https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/.
• Country clearance request. Through your S-1 to the appropriate Combatant Command.
• Theater clearance for SOFA countries. Through your S-1 and the Combatant Command.
• AT/FP brief. Your unit Anti-Terrorism Officer (ATO).
• ISOPREP for high-risk areas. Your unit SERE trainer or designated ISOPREP coordinator.
• U.S. Embassy assistance during travel. The local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Leave and Liberty landing page lists all the leave and liberty topics.
• Annual Leave covers the chargeable leave framework that foreign leave draws from.
• Liberty and Special Liberty covers the parallel liberty framework (typically domestic only).
• Emergency Leave covers leave for family emergencies (which may involve foreign travel for OCONUS Marines).

Related Roles

• Leaders ensure Marines complete the AT/FP brief and country clearance before foreign travel.
• Admin at S-1 processes foreign leave requests, country clearances, and theater clearances.
• Commanders endorse country clearance requests as required and ensure AT/FP compliance.

Foreign leave is chargeable annual leave to foreign countries. The DoD Foreign Clearance Guide controls country clearance and theater clearance requirements. SOFA countries require coordination. AT/FP brief is required before all foreign travel. ISOPREP for high-risk areas. Uniforms typically prohibited in foreign countries. Compliance with foreign laws is the Marine's responsibility.