In addition to an approved travel order, the following items/requirements must be obtained prior to official international travel.
1. PASSPORT AND VISA: Contact Alma Harris, Commerce Passport and Visa Coordinator, Room 2079 (202 482-1215), for passport forms and instructions prior to international travel. It takes at least four weeks to process passport applications and two weeks for a visa. You do not need an approved travel order to apply for a passport or visa. You must have a passport before requesting a visa. The following items are needed to acquire a passport: (1) Passport Application form; (2) form CD-97, "Security Assurance"; (3) two passport photos (available from the Security Service Center in room 1066); and (4) proof of U.S. citizenship. To expedite processing, a detailed written justification is required.
2. POST PERMISSION: Site visits to overseas posts must have advance clearance (via cable) from the post to be visited. For information or assistance, call your unit travel contact or Sharon Russell in room 4001 (202-482-3267).
3. IMMUNIZATIONS: Contact the Health Unit in Room 6046 (202-482-4454) for an appointment and guidance on required immunizations (immunization shots vary according to foreign destination). You must provide a copy of an approved travel order to receive shots.
4. DEFENSIVE TRAVEL BRIEFING: All ITA travelers to a foreign country are required to have a defensive travel security briefing at least once a year. Contact the security staff (202-482-8355) in Room 1066 if it has been over a year since your last briefing or to arrange a briefing before your next foreign trip.
5. SECURITY CLEARANCE CERTIFICATION: Contact the security staff (202-482-8355) at least one week before your trip to obtain a security clearance certification. This certification will allow unescorted access to U.S. government overseas installations being visited.
6. TRAVEL SAFETY ADVISORIES: Contact the ITA Operations Center in room 6832 (202-482-5351) for travel safety information on the countries you plan to visit one week prior to your departure date.
For additional information contact the subject area specialist listed above.