Travel to Africa
Attention: The Status Protection Waiver (SPW) Program has been closed following the rescission of ACI 5800.08A on 3 April 2024. Refer to the Foreign Clearance Guide for additional information.
Combatant Commander's theatre entry training & requirements
U.S. Africa Command Theatre entry requirements pertain to all DoD military, civilian, and contractor personnel traveling in any capacity into and within the US Africa Command Area of Responsibility and are listed in the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide. Please note this is a .mil domain access only site unless you have setup a password for use at other than .mil domains.
Travelers must submit a request via the Aircraft and Personnel Automated Clearance System (APACS) to gain Theater Clearance. Note: at this time Special Area Clearances are not required for travel to Africa. NIPR APACS is the default submission mode unless travel is classified.
All personnel falling under COCOM force protection authority traveling to Djibouti must take component provided personal protective equipment (PPE) to include a body armor plate carrier, front and rear plates, and a ballistic helmet. PPE must be taken for official travel of any length of time to this location.
For additional guidance, please refer to the U.S. Africa Command APACS How To Guide here: APACS How to Guide
General Health Counseling for U.S. Africa Command travelers.
Training and medical requirements:
Links to training, medical assessment travel health form, and contact information can be found in the Foreign Clearance Guide, Section III.C or Section IV.C
Force protection requirements:
- All travelers must have approved force protection plans prior to their travel requests in accordance with the Foreign Clearance Guide
- Personnel Recovery Plans (also found in Section III.C) will be sent to Component's Personnel Recovery Control Centers
Theater required information (mandatory statements):
See the Foreign Clearance Guide, Section III.E or IV.E, for appropriate approval by the sending organization.
Mandatory statements are threefold and will address FPCON and FPCON approver (name, rank, title), force protection plan, and visa.
NOTE: Travelers must prepare for serious criminal and health risks before travel, which are not reflected by the Force Protection Condition level.
Force Protection Conditions (FPCONS) are published with real time updates on Joint Risk Assessment Management Program (JRAMP, on SIPRNET) and travelers are encouraged to check both posture locations and countries prior to travel. If travelers do not have JRAMP access, they can contact the theatre clearance office or their service components/subordinate commands for current FPCON levels.
Emergency leave requests:
Contact the traveler's service component theater clearance approver immediately.
Contact
Phone
DSN: 324.591.3426/3432
Email: africom.stuttgart.acj3.mbx.theater-clearance@mail.mil
After hours: +49 1626.305.052 (This number is only for USAFRICOM assigned personnel for urgent official travel needs falling outside of normal business hours). APACS How to Guide