RAF Lakenheath  Base Essentials

In-processing

Download our free app which is available on Apple and Android devices. Search "USAF Connect" then under favorites, favorite the 48th Fighter Wing. Once complete swipe right to access all the information.

Follow the quarantine instructions based on your country of arrival. Your leadership team will provide this information if applicable. 

Your Commander Support Staff (CSS) will ask you to complete paperwork which will be forwarded to the Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) and used to enroll you in the soonest base level in-processing workshop.

Base Level In-Processing (BLIP) is a mandatory function that must be completed. Please note that during this time the M&FRC will be considered your place of duty.

Housing Entitlements

Military members must complete the Housing paperwork as quickly as possible so that they can build your account. This will ensure that you and your family are provided with the necessary information to ensure receipt of entitlements and avoid excessive out-of-pocket expenses. Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) is not automatic and must be justified and authorized. For more information and/or assistance, contact Housing Management Office (HMO) at 011-44-1638-52-2000 or DSN 314-226-2000.

BAH Entitlements

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) no longer allows a continuation of housing allowance after signing into an overseas base. This entitlement will stop when filling your travel voucher, however lodging expenses and meal per diem are reimbursed.

Filing Your Travel Voucher

An appointment to file your travel voucher will be arranged during Newcomers Orientation. You will need 3 copies of your PCS orders, VISA receipts (dependents), CONUS hotel receipt and non-availability sheet, vehicle shipment form, airline tickets, bus/taxi receipt to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, and, if applicable, COVID-19 test receipt(s).

Driving Requirements

Anyone with a valid driving license is eligible to drive on arrival. You must complete the driver's course within 30 days of arrival to be eligible to drive in the UK and obtain petrol on base. You are eligible to obtain a rental car and obtain fuel on base with a rental agreement form and a copy of your PCS orders. Once you've completed the driver's course, go to Pass and ID, Bldg 977 to obtain your 3rd AF Permit and customs forms needed to pick up your imported vehicle from the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) in Mildenhall. You will not be able to pick up the customs forms until you have taken and passed the driver's course.

UK Immigration Rules for Military Dependents

While the United Kingdom is an exciting place to live, there are very specific rules that must be followed to enter and travel whilst residing in the United Kingdom. Failure to abide by the rules may result in being turned away from the UK border.  Follow the information at the attached link as verification https://www.mildenhall.af.mil/Info/100th-Force-Support-Squadron/Passport-and-Visa-Information/

Military members do not need a visa but must have valid NATO orders.

• Military dependents, civilians, and civilian dependents are required to have a US no-fee passport. Dependent children age 21 OR OVER on first arrival in the UK, as well as secondary dependents such as a dependent parent, NEED visas prior to arriving in the UK (Non-exempt Dependents)

For more information for dependents visit: http://www.lakenheath.af.mil/militarydependents/

For more information for civilians visit: http://www.lakenheath.af.mil/usgovernmentcivilliansanddependetns/

• Contractors and contractor dependents are required to have a US tourist passport and a UK visa. For more information visit: http://www.lakenheath.af.mil/dodsponsoredcontractors/

For assistance contact the RAFL Passport and Visa office at 48fss.passports@us.af.mil

Arriving in the United Kingdom

Regardless of the airport you will be arriving at you will need to make arrangements to get to the base.  The ways this can be accomplished will be by taking the train, taxi cab or by arranging collection with your sponsor.

The 24-hour arrival point for the base is Liberty Lodge Bldg. 984. Please ensure you confirm your arrival date, time and port prior to departing your home station. On arrival you will either move straight into your dormitory room or check-in to Lodging.

Make your reservations as soon as possible by contacting Liberty Lodge at Comm 011-44-1638-52-6700 or DSN 314-226-6700 or athttp://af.dodlodging.net/propertys/RAF-Lakenheath. Lodging rooms may be limited during peak times of the year. If you fail to secure a reservation, you will have to wait until the 2:00 p.m. check-in time. A lounge and baggage storage are available while you wait.

You may be requested to pay up to 30 days of billeting up front, please have these funds available. If you are a First Base Airman, please be sure to inform the lodging representative and and ask for information about the HALO program available through the Air Force Aid Society that can be provided to bridge the expense gap of up-front lodging costs.  The lodging expense will be reimbursed when filing your travel voucher.

All dependents must be command sponsored to access base resources.