Action Line #90908 -- Visitors Pass

  • Published
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Complaint: 

Sir,
I was wondering if you could take some time to look at an issue that may only affect a small number of us on base, but nonetheless affects our morale and well being. We are required to live on base. I understand the need for this policy and trust your judgment. However, base housing is our home and it takes a lot of time and effort to allow a guest to visit our home.

My sister recently came to Turkey and wanted to stay with us for a month. In order to allow her to get on base, I had to route a pass request that took approximately two weeks to get approved. When I arrived at Turkish Pass and ID, they informed me that despite what is written on the form (maximum 30 days), brothers and sisters can only receive a pass for 10 days. Basically, to facilitate her stay, I would have had to submit 3 separate passes, each taking two weeks for approval. The whole process is inconvenient and frustrating, especially considering that the process for base access is much simpler at other AF installations. I understand that we don't control the gate here at Incirlik, but could you please check and see if one or both of the following are possible:

- Ask Turkish Pass and ID to allow brothers and sisters to receive a 30 day pass
- Shorten or eliminate the process required for a family or friend pass

Thank you for your consideration.

Response: 

Please understand that the policy prohibiting brothers and sisters from staying on Incirlik AB for more than 10 day increments applies only to Turkish brothers and sisters who live in or near the Adana area. This policy arose out of past abuses in which Turkish families would apply for relative passes in 30-day increments and establish residency on-base in the household belonging to their Turkish relative and his or her American spouse. 

In the case of non-Turkish visitors (to include Third Country Nationals), 30-day passes are most certainly authorized. In the future, should you have any difficulty with this or any pass issue, please contact the 39th Security Forces Squadron Pass and Registration Section at 676-6617 or 676-6567. After normal duty hours, please contact the USAF Security Forces Member at the Main Gate at 676-8966. The Airmen and NCOs at Pass and Registration work with the TuAF on a daily basis and are therefore the best bet to resolving any pass issues quickly and effectively.