How do I get a SOFA (Status Of Forces Agreement) stamp/sticker for my passport?

I am a military wife who's husband is stationed in Greece. i am allowed as many 90 day stays as I want. I just don't want to have to hassle with flying back and forth. My husband already has his own place out in town. My understanding is the main reason they make this an unaccompanied duty is because of the lack of medical. Heck, I don't want to jinx myself but I am healthy as a horse. Other than shots and regular check ups (that, btw, I am up to date on) I don't go to the doctor. Anywho if any of you have some helpful information I would love to hear it. Any input or comments are welcome as well.
Additional Details
BTW, his orders are unaccompanied. But still we dependents are allowed to visit as much as we want as long as we have a non command sponsorship letter.

Annie

SOFA stamps are only for military dependents on command supported orders. Since his tour is technically unaccompanied, you are not eligable for one and will have to follow Greece's laws for tourist visits, including length of stay, rules for re-entry and any visas or registration procedures they may have.

The command letter is for Space flights. If you have not used it before, Space A can be a far less exspensive way to fly, but it has a lot of "ifs" in the mix. Seats are given out in a specific order..you would be near the bottom of the pecking order. As such, you could be asked to give up your seat at any layover if someone with orders came along and needed it. If you aren't limited to having to travel only within certain dates, Space A can work, but always have enough money to cover the cost of an unexpected couple of nights in a hotel and/or a commercial flight home in case you get stuck.

Even though the command is open to letting you visit as often as you like, keep in mind that going back and forth every 90 days is still going to leave you in a lurch for medical care. What if you take a fall and break a leg? What if you get the flu and need an IV for hydration? Give Tricare a call and ask what you would need to do for emergency treatment while visiting your spouse..best to be prepared. If you plan to visit frequently and find out you will have to use host nation docs, I would suggest setting aside some money in case you need medical treatment.

SOFA status is there to help military members and dependents living overseas if they should become involved with the host nations legal system. It doesn't mean they can't be prosecuted, but it does mean that they are garunteed help from the military if the need arises. Without that, you can find yourself in a tight spot if any sort of legal issue arises..and that can mean something as simple as a fender bender. You need to be careful and aware of local laws...be sure to find out if you need to register with the police as a tourist, what your hubby's landlords policy is on repeat, extended guests in the unit, if you plan to drive be sure you get an international driver's license and that your insurance company will cover you driving overseas as a tourist. You need to approach everthing from the perspective of being a tourist, not a military spouse, since without the SOFA status, that is exactly what you would be in the eyes of the Greek authorities.

D S

Be careful and take care of yourself, being "healthy as a horse" will not help you if you get hurt - you will - and I repeat will foot the entire bill of being treated out in town. Unaccompanied orders are just that, so be careful about the other countries laws and regulations as you are a guest and have no and I repeat NO protection or consideration of being there as a military member.
Addition: You will not qualify for a SOFA stamp!!

NWIP

As you are not there under orders you will not qualify for the SOFA stamp. You have to go in under the Tourist visa and submit to Greece regulations for how long you are allowed to stay, what to do, etc... If necessary you go to the Greece Consulate for specification.

The Non Command Sponsorship letter is for flying in and out of Souda Bay via Space A travel. It does not necessarily mean that you can stay there as long as you want. For each flight you will need a letter, it is good for 1 round trip.

THEAmericanPatriot

When traveling overseas, you do not want anything to indicate your affiliation with the U.S. Military. When I flew to the Middle East in 78 to my new command, I had a diplomatic passport and I was not allowed to wear my uniform, and was encouraged not to get a military haircut prior to leaving. That was in the 'SAFE' days of the Middle East.
(USN, retired)

Rob G

Your dependant id card is your sofa stamp. Show them the id card and you will be fine.

Mrsjvb

ahh Souda Bay. Lovely place.

anywho.. the COMMAND must sign off on it..and I NEVER saw ANYONE approved for it.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: