Foreign Travel Policy

Purpose:

To publish internal GSA guidance for official travel to foreign areas. This directive contains standards, instructions, and procedures governing the approval, authorization, coordination, performance, and vouchering of official travel to, from, and between foreign area locations in connection with programs and operations of GSA. This guidance conforms with the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) and applicable Executive Orders, statutes, Comptroller General of the United States and Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA) decisions, and determinations of the Administrator of General Services.

Background:

The FTR (Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 41, Chapters 300 through 304) is the Governmentwide regulation that implements statutory requirements and Executive Branch policies for travel by Federal civilian employees and others authorized to travel at Government expense. This directive provides internal agency policies and procedures regarding foreign travel as required by FTR Part 301-70.

Applicability:

This directive applies to all GSA employees and other individuals authorized to travel to, from, and between foreign areas at GSA expense. This Order applies to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to the extent that the OIG determines it is consistent with the OIG’s independent authority under the Inspector General Reform Act of 2008 and does not conflict with other OIG policies or the OIG mission. This Order applies to CBCA to the extent that the CBCA determines it is consistent with the CBCA’s independent authority under the Contract Disputes Act and applicable Federal Court decisions and does not conflict with other CBCA policies or its mission.

This directive supplements the FTR and is issued under the authority of the FTR.  Supervisors, approving officials, and employees must still consult the FTR to ensure compliance with the regulations related to all travel-related expenses not specifically addressed in this supplement. Any regional directives containing instructions and/or procedures that differ from provisions herein must be cleared in advance through the Office of Travel and Charge Card Services, Office of Administrative Services (OAS).

Cancellation:

This Order supersedes OAS 5775.1 CHGE 2, Foreign Travel Policy.

Summary of Changes:

The following changes have been made to the Order:

1. The format and numbering of paragraphs has been updated, consistent with OAS 1832.1C, Internal Directives Management.
2. Subparagraph 1.2.1 has been updated to reflect the requirement to obtain Chief Administrative Services Officer (CASO) approval of foreign area travel for GSA employees stationed in the United States.
3. Subparagraphs 1.2.1 and 1.2.2 have been updated to clarify Event Tracker request submission requirements for international travel.
4. Subparagraph 1.2.2 has been updated to reflect supervisor approval of foreign area travel for GSA employees stationed outside the United States.
5. Paragraph 1.4 has been updated to account for the prohibition on rest stops when premium economy class seating has been authorized under the FTR’s 8-hour rule.
6. Subparagraph 2.4.2 has been updated to reflect current procedures for passport renewal.
7. Paragraph 2.5 has been updated to provide current policy regarding obtaining visas for official travel with official or diplomatic passports.
8. Paragraph 3.2 has been updated to conform with the FTR’s exceptions for reductions in per diem rates when meals are furnished.
9. Paragraph 5.5 has been updated to conform to the FTR for reimbursement of collision damage waiver and/or theft insurance for rental vehicles on foreign travel.
10. Appendix A has been updated to conform certain definitions to the FTR.
11. All policy references and links have been verified and updated, as needed.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The Office of Travel and Charge Card Services is responsible for developing travel policy for GSA employees and for individuals authorized to travel at GSA’s expense.