If I was denied EFMP travel to England, can I travel on my own? If so, is there anything I should look out for?

2021-02-26T16:50:15-05:00

We are in the process of appealing the EFMP decision regarding a PCS to England, but I'm not very hopeful. I'm an alcoholic in recovery and despite the appeal only stating that I need AA, they have seen the first set of paperwork which was a hot mess (don't even get me started on that one - usually stupidity in just trusting people knew what to do). My question is - has anyone joined their spouse while not on orders? I read that I don't need a visa and can stay in country up to 6 months. That is totally fine with me as I had planned to fly back to the US at least once a year anyway. I realize I won't qualify for base medical and lose the privileges of being a sponsored spouse. I'm not all that concerned with it. My husband would still be moving with a dependant (our son) so not a lot would change financially. Has anyone done this recently and if so anything I should look out for?

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Feb 26 at 2021 5:05 PM

2021-02-26T17:05:54-05:00

The biggest concern aside from what you mention is the SOFA. If you are Command sponsored, you will have extra legal protection under the SOFA, if you are not, you won't.
Additionally, depending on where your spouse lives, there may be base access issues. If your spouse is living on base, and you are not Command Sponsored, you COULD have issues getting to your home. In the UK, I think the probability of that being an issue is low, but that does not mean the probability is zero.
Third thing to consider is that with the UK leaving the EU, travel is a bit more difficult.
The final wrinkle to consider is COVID. From what little I have heard or seen, The UK has been all over the place regarding their COVID response. Once again, not having the Command Sponsorship (and subsequent SOFA protection), you could theoretically be subject to a short-suspense evacuation (read: getting kicked out) if COVID takes a funny turn.

Overall, in normal times, I would say you have a 98% chance of having no worries. In the current times, with open wounds from Brexit AND C19 both in play, I would drop my assurance rate down around 80%. Still a much better than even chance of being fine, but no sure thing.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Feb 26 at 2021 5:13 PM

2021-02-26T17:13:11-05:00

Be careful. You may not be supported by the command or given BAH with dependents. Try appealing the denial

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 26 at 2021 5:29 PM

2021-02-26T17:29:58-05:00

Please update your profile so RP members can better assist you. If you're a retired member and want to travel to accompany your active duty spouse, then the only restrictions should be those the UK Government would impose. Look at the Dept of State web site. Before COVID 19, you may have needed a visa to work in the UK, but to just visit might be nearly unlimited. If you aren't command sponsored, you may be denied use of some Base facilities, but you'll probably be able to use the Commissary and AAFES. (I did when I visited UK on business as a Government contractor with no visa.) East Anglia where Mildenhall is located, is a beautiful part of England. It's been years since I was there, but I do recall seeing medical facilities in the local towns. Not sure how it works with British socialized medicine, but you could at least receive critical care services if necessary. As far as AA goes, I'd be willing to bet the Brits have a similar 12-step program that you might get into. It's worth looking at the AA web site to see if they're an international business. If your spouse is PCS-ing there with minor children, then they may get Government housing or BAH, so your living with them shouldn't be a big deal. Keep up the appeal process. I've heard air fares are at an all-time low.

BTW, if I've misunderstood your situation, especially if you're on active duty, please let us know.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2021 11:17 AM

2021-02-27T11:17:05-05:00

You'll see this question asked on here a lot, so you may want to search some of the posts for it.

The problem is that if you do this, you are 100% a civilian foreigner in a foreign country and your spouse receives zero medical, legal, or financial support for you. Plus then there is the tricky situation of BAH fraud. What zip do you claim when you're not living in the US but claiming BAH? If you fly over you are just another random civilian so you are on your own to finance any Healthcare, travel, and getting a license to drive, register a vehicle, or anything else.

I don't know about the AF specifically, but usually when EFMP travel is denied for a family member the service just cancels the assignment and reassigns them somewhere the EFMP is supported.

Response by MSgt Gene B. made Feb 27 at 2021 11:52 AM

2021-02-27T11:52:30-05:00

Others have touched on the major issues, but one has not been mentioned, and it can be devastating.

US military personnel are allowed to import one untaxed vehicle into the UK. This is known as a concession vehicle. Some of us shipped one at government expense while others purchased one upon arrival.

A concession vehicle may ONLY operated by a military member on orders and command sponsored dependents. Since you won't be command sponsored, you must not drive a concession vehicle under any circumstances!

If you are caught, on or off base, the vehicle may be confiscated by the British authorities and sent to the crusher.

I did 2 tours in the UK and have seen this happen several times. One of the toughest was a Senior Airman who had shipped a new vehicle to the UK. His wife was command sponsored. Because of housing shortages, he lived about 45 minutes from the base. So far, so good.

His mother in law came over for a visit. She wanted to explore the area, so he had her drop him off at work and use his car. Less than 10 minutes later, she got into a minor fender bender off base. It was attended by the local police who determined that it was a concession vehicle. She was detained for operating an untaxed vehicle and the vehicle was seized.

There was nothing that we could do about the vehicle. We did manage to get the charge against the MIL dropped on the condition that she leave the country within 72 hours.

My troop still had to make the payments on the car that was now scrap. The 45 minute drive was now a 1:30 bus ride each way if he couldn't hitch a ride.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Feb 27 at 2021 11:30 PM

2021-02-27T23:30:11-05:00

You would be just like any other US passport holder and what ever rules the UK has regarding this, this would apply to you. Probably need to visit a British Consulate page and see what the requirements are. You might also find them on US State Department pages.

Response by Capt Gregory Hartman made Feb 28 at 2021 5:54 AM

2021-02-28T05:54:48-05:00

I was USAF AD 30+ years ago at Lakenheath RAF, which is way out in the country. There is very little civilian community support local to the base. Cambridge is a larger town, but 30 minutes away. So, a GP practice (which is your entry for any civilian medical help - regular checkups, injury, mental health/recovery), if not allowed to attend the Base Hospital, is hard to find - unless one has come to the rural towns of Mildenhall, Lakenheath, or Brandon in these intervening years. I do think you'd be welcome at base AA, even if not on your husband's orders, probably have to show your Identity Card at MWR or wherever the AA is held. Base chapel, British Red Cross probably won't care about your status. It is a little rough as drinking at pubs (when they are open) is a big pastime in the UK. Right now lockdown means they are shut, opening for outside dining 27 Mar 21, and full services 16 Apr 21. You're right about the 6 month visitation. Best option is to enjoy county life, steer clear of pubs generally, and have your husband call to find out about the local AA on base or off, and their rules.