Getting on Base

Updated Base Access
The U.S. Air Force Academy has implemented updated installation access procedures, effective March 1, based on the current world situation. While there is no credible threat, these adjustments, in accordance with U.S. Northern Command directives for installations within the continental United States, enhance the safety and security of personnel, facilities, and the entire installation.
Key adjustments impacting public access include the suspension of the Trusted Traveler program, increased wait times for passes and inspections, and the closure of the Santa Fe Trail through the installation.
Specifically
- Trusted Traveler Program Suspended: The Trusted Traveler program has been suspended. All visitors without a DoW ID card must have a sponsored pass. Visitors can request a pass with the sponsorship of a DoW ID card holder at the Pass and Registration Office. Upon approval, visitors (18 years or older) must present a REAL ID-compliant identification for entry along with their issued pass when entering the gate. 100% ID checks are in effect at all gates.
- Increased Security and Delays: All visitors and employees should plan for increased security measures and significant delays. This includes extended wait times for vehicle inspections and at the Pass and Registration Office. The office, located at the South Gate, is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wait times of 1-2 hours can be expected during peak periods.
- Santa Fe Trail Closure: The portion of the Santa Fe Trail that crosses the Academy installation is closed until further notice.
Other important information includes
- Continued Operations: Athletics events, the 10th Medical Group, Exchange, and Commissary remain open to DoW ID card holders and those with an approved, sponsored base access pass. Base access passes (via QR codes) for special events are still authorized.
- Long-Term Access: Individuals requiring long-term or recurring access (for work, school, or official business) should contact the Pass and Registration Office during business hours to facilitate a Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) card or an Entry Authorization List (EAL) for groups.
- Background Checks: All individuals seeking access will undergo a mandatory criminal background check. Access may be denied for those with a history of felonies, outstanding warrants, or significant criminal activity.
International guests
- Non-U.S. citizens must visit the Pass and Registration Office (PRO) in person with a valid passport and the link to the associated event to obtain a pass.
- Hours of operation are weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weekend access is reserved for events, cadet visitors and housing guests only.
- The PRO is located outside the South Gate and may be accessed via Interstate 25, Exit 150. The office is situated on the right-hand side of the road.
- Please arrive one to two hours before your required access time, as waiting times may be long.
- For any additional questions, contact PRO at (719) 333-0441 or 10SFS.S5B@us.af.mil.
Request Base Access for
Important! Request Base Access
NOTE: Base access passes are issued for one event at a time. Please register for passes in succession and only after the current event has concluded.
Acceptance Day Parade
Stillman Field
During the ceremony, basic cadets are accepted into the Cadet Wing. They become fourth-class cadets (freshmen) and are placed into their academic year Cadet Squadron.
Parents’ Weekend
Labor Day Weekend
Taking place over the Labor Day weekend (Sept. 4-7, 2026), this event is an exciting opportunity for cadets to connect with their family and friends. Many activities are designed to orient families and visitors to their cadet’s life in the military. From the Parents’ Weekend parade to the Airfield Open House and Senior Leader Panel, we invite you to participate and enjoy.
Accessing the Academy
MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN WITH REAL ID
Visitors who have purchased tickets to a sporting event, have a scheduled Admissions tour/brief, wish to visit the cemetery, or made a reservation for a Planetarium show can request installation access by emailing the sponsoring organization. The sponsoring organization will send you a QR code that you can use to pre-register for installation access. Once your request is received, Security Forces will conduct a background check, and you will receive a decision via text. If approved, you will receive a virtual pass and may proceed to either the North or the South Gate on the day of your approved visit date and present a Real ID for base access. NOTE: Base access passes are issued for one event at a time. Please register for passes in succession and only after the current event has concluded. Registering for multiple passes at a time will cause a cancelation of previous registrations.
From Interstate-25 take Exit 156 (North Gate) or Exit 150 (South Gate). This entrance is open to sponsored visitors from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
When entering the gate, have all vehicle occupants’ 18 years and older identification ready for presentation. Valid forms of photo identification are a current REAL ID compliant credential. Expired IDs will not be accepted. Personnel driving vehicles under the age of 18 must provide a valid REAL ID compliant Drivers license. While on the installation, all personnel are subject to search.
DOD Id card sponsored visitors: (CAC, DOD Dependent ID, Retired Military ID, select DBIDS cards, select VHICs)
Visitors must be sponsored by an organization or individual with a DoD ID card. Sponsors and sponsored visitors should plan for increased security measures and longer wait times at the gates. While on the installation, all personnel are subject to search.
Non REAL ID guests or guests who are visiting for a one-time visit (non installation events with QR codes) such as visiting a cadet or cadet candidate must be sponsored by their cadet or another DoD ID. Please have your base sponsor email the Pass and Registration (PRO) at 10SFS.S5B@us.af.mil with the dates requested for the pass, name on the driver’s license, driver’s license number, birthday. All Non-REAL ID personnel must process through the Pass and Registration Office located outside the South Gate.
Foreign National visitor(s) not on official business requesting access to the Academy MUST be sponsored on by either an organization or individual with a DoD ID card and are required to follow the guidance listed below:
Individuals who are not citizens of the United States and hold a foreign passport must report to the Pass and Registration Office (PRO) upon their arrival at the Academy in order to secure a pass for entry onto the premises.
The PRO is located outside the South Gate and may be accessed via Interstate 25, Exit 150. The office is situated on the right-hand side of the road.
The PRO is open seven days a week, excluding federal holidays, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During peak periods, visitors may experience wait times of one to two hours. Please note: The PRO is closed for training on the third Tuesday of each month.
Visitors are required to present their original passport for processing; copies or photographs will not be accepted. Processing may take up to 72 hours. Once your information has been approved, a pass will be issued. This pass must be presented to the sentry at the installation gate to gain entry.
If you know your guest’s passport information, you can provide the information to the PRO in advance to start the clearance process by emailing requests to 10SFS.S5B@us.af.mil. The guest, with a physical passport, must still arrive at the PRO in-person to receive the visitor’s pass.
For any questions, contact the PRO at (719) 333-0441 or 10SFS.S5B@us.af.mil.
You may be asked to share additional information such as proof of insurance and vehicle registration. If applicable, have your car rental agreement handy. All vehicles are subject to inspection by security personnel, so we may ask you to pop your trunk. While on the installation, all personnel are subject to search.
Safety Tips
- Obey all signs and speed limits, and wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Watch for wildlife such as deer, elk, and wild turkey.
- Be mindful of cyclists, joggers, pedestrians and cadet training activities.
- Radar detectors are prohibited.
- Handheld cell phone usage is prohibited. Drivers may use a cell phone only with a hands-free device or if the vehicle is parked.
Motorcyclists
- Motorcyclists are required to wear a Department of Transportation approved helmet, goggles or face shield, protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirt/jacket, pants, and full-fingered gloves, as well as over the ankle footwear.
- Reflective vests are not required but highly encouraged.
Bicyclists
All cyclists on the Academy must have in their position the following: DOD ID, QR sponsored virtual pass, or a DIBIDS pass issued by the PRO.
- Bicyclists must wear helmets and reflective outerwear.
- Group riders must stay in single file with traffic on base roads.
- All bicyclists must be off base roads four hours prior to events at Falcon Stadium due to heavy traffic.
Concealed Carry
Concealed carry is limited to Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act credentialed personnel, credentialed civilian law enforcement personnel in the performance of official duties, and credentialed agents assigned to Defense Criminal Investigative Organizations, Federal employees, retirees and/or dependents that are 21 years or older and have a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit, or a permit with any of the Colorado reciprocity states, may conceal carry their privately owned firearm in their privately owned vehicle while transiting the Academy, but may not remove the firearm from their vehicle. When stored in a vehicle, there must be a two lock system in place. The vehicle itself must remained locked and the firearm must also be locked in a compartment, trigger lock, etc. Open carry of firearms is not authorized on the Academy.
For additional help accessing the base, contact Security Forces at 719-333-0443.
Access for Sporting Events held on the North end of the installation
- The Event Cordon will be activated 2 hours prior to large events (>1,500) and deactivated no earlier than 1 hour after the event.
- Event attendees may enter through the North Gate during Event Cordon hours with a REAL ID compliant identification. Foreign Nationals cannot enter the base without being vetted by the Pass & Registration Office prior to the event during open hours.
- Internal base gates will be manned along Stadium Blvd & Academy Dr.
- Only personnel with government-issued IDs will be allowed through these checkpoints (CAC, DBIDs, Base Passes, etc.).
- QR Code enabled driver’s licenses will ONLY be allowed through North or South Gate unless operating as a co-traveler under the trust traveler program.
If a QR code is provided for your event it is recommended that you follow the steps to obtain a virtual pass. There may be times when the installation could close down for security reasons therefore closing the event cordon and requiring a pass. While on the installation, all personnel are subject to search.
Base Access Q&A
Who must have a Base Pass to access the Base?
All guests 18 and over must have a base pass, through the Pre-Registration links, QR code or an AF FM 75, unless you have DoD identification.
What about Contractors that work on base? I have a CAC card and a Veteran ID being 100% which gate should I use?
All DoD ID card holders may use both the North and South gates to enter the installation.
As military retirees with DoD military ID’s, are we still allowed to sponsor up to 10 people on base right now or do we need to take visitors to the visitors center and get them a day pass? Does everyone in the car need a military ID or just the driver? Just wanting to make sure I understand. Thanks!
The Trusted Traveler program has been suspended.
I do not have a DoD ID card. What is the process to visit my loved one at the Academy Cemetery?
Contact Mortuary Affairs for a base pass.

