Travel Requirements

Per the foreign clearance guide, as of 9 July 2023, the regular (blue tourist) passport is required to fly to Japan while on leave status. However, us military personnel on leave returning to their unit of assignment in Japan may travel on military id card and travel orders. Please refer to the foreign clearance guide for guidance:  https://apacs.milcloud.mil/fcg/fcg.cfm

Please refer to DoDI 4515.13 and the Foreign Clearance Guide for the latest up to date information. In general, passengers who are sponsors are required to have travel orders, uniformed services identification (USID), and/or passports depending on destination. Additionally, a USID dependent identification and privilege card for any dependents age 14 or over accompanying the member. Uniformed services member dependents under the age of 14 must travel with the sponsor or eligible parent and must possess a Federal-, State-, local-, or tribal government-issued identification.

* Passengers who are not SOFA status in Japan or a Japanese passport holder need to get an entry/exit stamp at off base immigration office. See "Advice for Passengers" for additional information.

* Please ensure all travelers do not wear open toed, open heeled, or high heeled shoes when flying on AMC flights except for Patriot Express.

Kadena Customs/Immigration Office (18 SFS)

Locations: Kadena Passenger Terminal BLDG. 3409

DSN: 315-634-2217

E-Mail: 18SFS.S3OQ.CUSTOMS@us.af.mil

Early Bird Check-in

Early bird check-in for patriot express flights will be conducted the day prior to departure. See flight schedule remarks for annotated times for all early bird availability. Only Pre-Booked Passengers assigned from their traveling booking agency may utilize early bird check in; passengers are required to have 2 copies of travel Orders, USID Cards and/or passports, all checked baggage, pets with kennels, and carry on items. 

Early-Bird Check-In for the Patriot Express flights will begin 1 day PRIOR to Estimated Time Departure (ETD). It is HIGHLY recommended that all passenger's check-in early.

PLEASE NOTE: You MUST bring all bags and pets (inside carriers) in order to be checked-in and receive your boarding pass.

*Pets, carriers and carry-on items will not be held overnight*

Patriot Express Pre-Booked Passengers

For all patriot express flights, doors will open NO EARLIER THAN (NET) 6 hours prior to departure check-in. Duty passengers must be in line NO LATER THAN (NLT) **3 HOURS** prior to scheduled departure. Passengers are reminded to bring 2 copies of members travel orders for check-in process. Those passengers who arrive after the NLT time will be re-directed to the Passenger Service Counter for further re-booking information or as PCS orders instruct. Please see our 72 Hour Flight Schedule to see all report no later than times & roll call times for pre-booked passengers & space-required passengers. Please call our Passenger Service Center for any questions. 

Pet Check-in

Pet check-in for the patriot express flights will be conducted the day of travel. Passengers are advised to visit the AMC Pet Travel Information website read the AMC Pet brochure. While awaiting boarding all pets must remain in their kennel while in public or terminal area. Passengers must have their pets leashed when taking them outside for relief. The Kadena Passenger Terminal offers indoor climate-controlled areas for pets while awaiting boarding and air-conditioned ground transportation.

Duty Standby & Space Available Passengers

Roll calls are conducted 3 hours prior to departure.

Space Available seats are often limited, therefore, passenger planning and flexibility is key to Space Available travel.

Passengers are reminded that baggage limitations are: 2 bags per individual, limited to 70 pounds max weight per bag and not to exceed the dimensions of 62 linear inches. Passengers may have one carry-on bag and one personal item, that must fit under any aircraft seat.

Passenger Terminal Amenities

Currently the Kadena Passenger Terminal is undergoing renovations and as such cannot offer certain amenities at this time. The terminal currently offers free WIFI, vending machines (ACCEPTS YEN ONLY AND AMERICAN DOLLARS BUT ONLY IN THE INBOUND LOUNGE), a Family Lounge, Business Lounge and a USO Lounge. The Kadena Passenger terminal currently doesn't have a DV Lounge facility.

For any further questions about the AMC travel guidance, please refer to the quick links listed on this page. 

We are committed to providing you the best possible service. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns during your visit.