DAF Form 1631 NATO Travel Order – Download PDF Guide – U.S. service members, civilians, and authorized personnel traveling on official duty to NATO countries or under NATO-related missions often need DAF Form 1631, officially titled NATO Travel Order / Ordre de Mission OTAN. This bilingual (English/French) form serves as critical documentation that certifies the traveler’s status as a member of a force under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). It facilitates smooth entry, exit, and movement across NATO member nations without standard passport or visa requirements in many cases.
What Is DAF Form 1631 and Why Is It Important?
DAF Form 1631 is a Department of the Air Force form (previously AF IMT Form 1631) used to authorize and document official travel for NATO purposes. It proves the bearer is traveling on duty as part of a NATO force or supporting mission, granting privileges under the 1951 NATO SOFA, such as exemption from certain passport/visa rules and immigration inspections when entering or leaving NATO territories.
Key purposes include:
- Authorizing temporary duty (TDY), permanent change of station (PCS), or other official travel to NATO countries.
- Supporting entry into allied nations (e.g., for exercises, assignments in Europe, or multinational operations).
- Complementing military ID (CAC), official orders, and sometimes a passport for verification.
For U.S. personnel, it is essential for travel to countries like Germany, Italy, Turkey, or other NATO allies, where it helps avoid complications at borders or during AMC flights (e.g., Patriot Express). Without it, personnel may face delays or entry issues.
Who Needs DAF Form 1631?
- Active duty U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and other DoD military members on NATO-related orders.
- DoD civilians and eligible contractors supporting NATO missions.
- Family members or non-medical attendants in specific cases (often tied to TDY orders).
- Personnel PCSing to or TDY in NATO countries, especially for flights or base access.
Commanders or unit orders-issuing authorities typically generate and sign it. Local military personnel sections (MPS), finance offices, or S1/G1 equivalents handle preparation.
How to Obtain and Fill Out DAF Form 1631?
- Download the Official Form: Get the latest version directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site:
Download DAF Form 1631 PDF (Edition Date: 2022 or current). - Key Fields to Complete (based on standard instructions):
- Traveler’s full name, rank/grade, SSN or service number, and unit.
- Destination(s), purpose of travel (e.g., NATO exercise, conference, assignment), and travel dates.
- Certification that the individual is a member of a force under NATO SOFA.
- Issuing authority signature and authentication.
The form must be in English (with French elements) and accurately reflect approved travel orders from the Defense Travel System (DTS) or manual orders. Always coordinate with your unit’s orders-approving official and finance for funding certification.
Pro Tip for U.S. Personnel: Combine it with your CAC, official TDY/PCS orders, and any required country clearances. For inbound PCS to Europe, units often require it for AMC travel.
Best Practices and Common Scenarios
- PCS to Europe: Mandatory for many flights; ensures SOFA protections.
- TDY or Exercises: Use for short-term NATO missions; pair with theater travel clearances.
- Base Access Abroad: Often required alongside stamps or IDs for gate entry (e.g., Incirlik AB).
- Review annually for blanket orders if applicable, per travel regulations like AFI 65-103.
Keep copies for travel claims, per diem, and records. Consult your local finance or legal office for specifics, as policies align with Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
Download DAF Form 1631
Official Link: DAF Form 1631 PDF – Straight from Air Force e-Publishing (trusted U.S. government source).
Always verify the latest version on e-Publishing.af.mil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is DAF Form 1631 required for all NATO travel?
A: It is required or highly recommended for official duty travel benefiting from SOFA privileges. Check your specific orders and destination.
Q: Can civilians use it?
A: Yes, when supporting NATO missions, often with additional authorizations.
Q: What if I lose it or need a new one?
A: Contact your unit commander or personnel office to reissue. Update for any date or destination changes.
For the most current DoD or Air Force guidance, refer to official publications on travel, foreign clearance, and NATO SOFA. Policies can update with mission needs, so coordinate through your chain of command.
This form streamlines U.S. participation in NATO alliances while protecting personnel rights abroad. Proper use ensures mission success without administrative hurdles. Safe travels!