FAQs — International

DCSA does not approve visit requests, it is up to the Foreign Government to accept and approve the request. However, it is the contractor’s responsibility to certify that the information to be released during each visit has been approved for release by the appropriate designated authority and an export authorization has been granted. To verify approval of the visit request, please coordinate with the foreign site POC prior to departure.

Each country’s NSA/DSA establishes its own requirements regarding RFV lead times. DCSA requires five (5) business days in addition to the Foreign Government’s lead time requirement in order to process each RFV. DCSA will only accept visits 90 days or less from the start date

Note: Foreign Governments can change their RFV lead times without notice. For the most current information regarding country lead times and requirements associated with international classified visits email dcsa.rfv@mail.mil.

DCSA will only accept the forms located on our website as the forms contain specific requirements. All other versions of the forms will be rejected.

DCSA processes outgoing visit requests for U.S. cleared contractors. DCSA only accepts visit requests from the security office of a cleared DOD contractor. The visitors listed on the form must be employed by the cleared facility submitting the request. We do not process visit requests for military or government employees.

Only visit requests for NATO Headquarters in Brussels are to be submitted in DISS directly to the NATO HQ Security Manager. Please coordinate with your site POC to determine which SMO code is needed for your visit.

All other NATO sites require a visit request form to be submitted to DCSA for processing.

Once DCSA has processed the visit request and submitted the form to the appropriate Foreign Government, DCSA will notify the FSO via email the visit has been processed. DCSA will not provide the facility the stamped copy of the visit request.

NSCC’s are only processed by DCSA if they accompany a valid visit request. NSCC’s are site specific and must only be for the duration of the visit.

A facility is required to submit an amendment to remove a visitor upon separation, removal from a contract, or loss of eligibility.

LAA access is limited to a specific U.S. Government contract. A new LOJ is required.

To comply with 32 CFR § 117.19(d)(6), you must meet the following key requirements:

• Authorization: Confirm an approved export authorization is in place.
• Package Size: Ensure the proposal is small enough to always remain in the courier’s personal custody (it cannot be checked luggage).
• Courier Rules: The courier must be a cleared, full-time employee. You must brief them and issue a formal Courier Certificate.
• DCSA Notification: Submit a Hand Carriage Request to DCSA at least 5 working days before the trip.
• Foreign Approval: Wait for DCSA to coordinate and receive approval from the foreign government's security authority.
• Travel Restrictions: The courier must fly on a U.S. or recipient-government airline using a direct route. No overnight layovers and no stops in third countries are permitted.
• Visit Requests: If the courier plans to stay and brief the proposal, a separate DCSA Visit Request must also be submitted.

Yes, every single classified movement requires prior government approval, but you do not have to write a brand-new, full-length Transportation Plan (TP) for each shipment.
Under 32 CFR § 117.19(d)(2), all classified freight shipments require formal authorization. Because this is classified material, the security arrangements must be approved through official government-to-government channels before any shipment can take place.
For recurring, identical shipments, you can simplify this process by using a two-step approval framework:

1. Overarching (TP): You write and submit one comprehensive Transportation Plan detailing your standard routes, carriers, and security protocols. This Plan is approved through government-to-government channels.
2. The Notice of Classified Consignment (NOC): For each individual shipment you actually make under that Overarching Plan, you do not write a new TP. Instead, you submit a simplified Notice of Classified Consignment (NOC) with the specific dates, times, and quantities.

Important: Each individual NOC is still a request for movement and must be approved through official government-to-government channels before that specific shipment is allowed to leave your facility.

Annual Review Requirement:
Additionally, because an overarching TP is considered a living document, it must be formally reviewed and updated at least annually by both governments to ensure all routes and carriers remain valid.

To ensure classified defense material remains under strict government control during international transfers, the DGR will perform the following mandatory checks at your facility before transferring custody:

• Verify Legal Authority: They will require written certification from your company's Empowered Official stating that the export is legally authorized (e.g., via a DSP-85 license or ITAR exemption).
• Review the Paperwork: They will confirm the recipient facility and destination country exactly match your approved export license and Transportation Plan.
• Inspect the Hardware: They will physically open and inspect your package to verify that quantities and serial numbers match your documentation. (A DGR will never authorize an unseen package!)
• Check the Packaging: They will confirm your material is properly double-wrapped, marked, and securely sealed per federal security standards.
• Sign the Receipts: Finally, they will officially sign the transmittal receipts transferring custody from the U.S. to the foreign government.