2.1 Purpose. This chapter describes the requirements and the approval process for international travel.
2.2 Policy. All foreign travel must clearly meet bureau missions and be consistent with program priorities and, with the exception of routine, across-the-border travel (see sections 2.5 and 2.6), be approved by the Director, with concurrence from the Department of the Interior's Office of International Affairs.
2.3 Requirements. The traveler must submit a completed DI-1175 (Foreign Travel Certification Form) (Exhibit 1 -- obsolete, please refer to the DOI international travel website) to the Office of International Affairs at least 30 days in advance of the proposed trip and meet the following criteria.
A. Travel must be reviewed to ensure that it is mission-related and consistent with program priorities, policies and objectives.
B. Travel must be a cost effective means of accomplishing the mission. Consequences of not traveling should be documented when possible.
C. Travel must be scheduled in a fiscally responsible manner and within approved annual budgets.
D. The original DI-1175 must include original surnames in the block titled "Bureau Clearance and Control Numbers." Regional Offices obtain clearance from their Regional Director, and Headquarters from their appropriate Assistant Director.
E. Travel request must be accompanied by an explanation if the DI-1175 is submitted less than 30 days prior to the trip.
F. The original DI-1175 package must be submitted with three copies bearing surnames.
G. When necessary, ethics review clearance, Form DI-2000 (Report of Payment Accepted from a Non-Federal Source under 31 U.S.C. 1353) must be obtained prior to submission of the DI-1175 to the Office of International Affairs. A separate form is required for each traveler. If assistance is needed to clarify the necessity of ethics review or how to proceed with paperwork, field offices should contact their respective Ethics Counselor. A copy of the DI-2000 should be submitted along with the DI-1175 (see 212 FW 3 - replaced by 265 FW 13).
A. Once the above requirements have been met, the DI-1175 package should be sent to the Office of International Affairs for review and submittal to the Director and the Department.
B. Approval by the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks is required for foreign travel under the following circumstances:
(1) Meetings, workshops, conferences, etc., when five or more Service employees are attending.
(2) Travel for an individual who is a Presidential, Senior Executive Service, or Schedule C appointee.
2.5 Travel to Mexico for Field Work. Routine across-the-border travel to Mexico for temporary work on a specific project does not require DI-1175 approval. It may be approved with a travel authorization form. Examples include waterfowl surveys and project implementation of activities agreed upon at a U.S.-Mexico Joint Committee Meeting for which a particular employee is responsible. Travelers must provide the Office of International Affairs with the following information at least 2 weeks before scheduled travel:
Name, Telephone/fax numbers
Destination/Date of Travel
Purpose of Travel
Estimated Travel Expenses (Salary, Per Diem, Transportation, Other, Total)
(A DI-1175 may be used to fax this information to the Office of International Affairs.)
2.6. Travel to Canada. Travel to Canada does not require DI-1175 approval. It may be handled in the same manner as domestic travel. This exemption has been granted on a trial basis and will be reviewed periodically. However, the Chief, Office of International Affairs, must notify the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa of travel of U.S. citizens to Canada. Travelers must provide the Office of International Affairs with the following information at least 2 weeks before scheduled travel:
Name, Telephone/fax numbers
Destination/Date of Travel
Purpose of Travel
Estimated Travel Expenses (Salary, Per Diem, Transportation, Other, Total)
(A DI-1175 may be used to fax this information to the Office of International Affairs.)
2.7 Passports and Visas.
A. All official foreign travel requires a Government passport. Most foreign travel requires a visa. Employees on official Government travel are authorized to be issued a GOVERNMENT (red) passport as distinguished from a TOURIST (blue) passport.
B. TRAVELERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING THEIR OWN PASSPORT. To obtain the necessary passport and visas, the traveler must send an advance copy (prior to obtaining surnames) of the DI-1175 to Passport Services at:
Passport/Visa Services
Interior Service Center - AFPTS
Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, NW (Mail Stop 1731-MIB)
Washington, DC 20240
Telephone: (202) 208-5292
Fax: (202) 208-2555
C. When travel is approved, Passport Services will issue the passport with instructions on its use and return. Costs for passport/visa photos are reimbursable.
2.8 Immunizations. The Public Health Service, a local physician, or the State Department can advise travelers on immunization requirements. Some immunizations are required, others are optional. Travelers are responsible for obtaining immunizations.