Posted on Feb 26, 2021
If I was denied EFMP travel to England, can I travel on my own? If so, is there anything I should look out for?
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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?
OCONUS
Spouse
RAF Mildenhall
RAF Lakenheath
PCS
Posted 3 y ago
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Be careful. You may not be supported by the command or given BAH with dependents. Try appealing the denial
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Lt Col Charlie Brown
If you are in recovery and doing well, get an independent evaluation and submit it. Also reach out and connect with support (their AA) on the local economy in England so you can prove you will have what you need if you move.
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SrA (Join to see)
Members will receive w/dependent OHA as long as the dependent is on the members orders. OP stated that their son will be traveling which would guarantee w/dependent OHA. Additionally, member could apply for dual BAH due to the circumstances of OP not being authorized to PCS with member.
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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.
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.
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CW4 Keith Dolliver
Even though the UK was a part of the EU, it was never a part of Schengen so realistically travel doesn't really change that much. COVID specific restrictions will be more of an issue than anything else.
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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.
BTW, if I've misunderstood your situation, especially if you're on active duty, please let us know.
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