An overseas PCS layers international travel, customs, and host-nation rules onto a normal move, demanding early, disciplined planning. Secure passports/visas for every family member, coordinate with your Transportation Office, purge and stage shipments, and expect HHG delays. Use unaccompanied baggage for essentials, research housing and schools, and lock in pet and vehicle requirements months ahead.
Quick Facts
- Obtain no-fee official passports and required visas; many families also carry tourist passports for personal travel.
- Downsize early—OCONUS quarters are smaller; use government storage for long-term items you won’t need.
- Split shipments: HHG can take months; send critical items via unaccompanied baggage and hand-carry documents.
- Confirm host-nation vehicle, licensing, insurance, and inspection rules before shipping or purchasing abroad.
- Book pet transport early and meet veterinary, microchip, and quarantine rules to avoid denied entry.
FAQ’s
Do we need both official and tourist passports for an OCONUS PCS?
Usually, yes. The no-fee official passport covers government travel tied to orders, while a tourist passport enables personal travel within or beyond your host nation. Apply early for every family member, confirm country-specific visa rules, and keep passport numbers recorded separately in your binder and secure digital backup.
What should go in unaccompanied baggage versus HHG?
Pack mission-critical, immediate-use items in unaccompanied baggage: uniforms, season-appropriate clothes, limited electronics, linens, kids’ school materials, and daily necessities. Reserve HHG for furniture and bulk goods that can arrive later. Hand-carry irreplaceable documents, medications, and valuables. Label duplicates and keep a photographed inventory to simplify claims.
How do pets and vehicles change the timeline?
Pets require lead-time for airline space, vaccinations, health certificates, microchips, and potential quarantine scheduling. Vehicles may need title documents, proof of insurance, export clearance, and host-nation inspections or licensing. Start these tracks months ahead, align them with flights and lodging, and maintain contingency plans for delays or routing changes.
Key Takeaways
- Start your PCS binder 60–90 days before your move date.
- Include 5+ printed copies of your PCS orders with any amendments.
- Organize documents by category with labeled dividers or folders.
- Secure digital backups in Google Drive or a secure cloud service.
- Customize the binder for CONUS or OCONUS moves with extra forms.
- Use the binder to avoid delays in BAH, DEERS, or school enrollment.
Why OCONUS PCS Moves Are Different
Moving overseas with the military—whether to Germany, Japan, or Guam—isn’t like a stateside PCS. You’ll deal with international travel, customs regulations, and cultural shifts. In 2026, over 400,000 service members PCSed, many OCONUS, per Military.com. From language barriers to unique allowances like Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), preparation is key. But don’t worry—resources like Military OneSource make it manageable.
Key Logistics of an OCONUS PCS Move
An OCONUS PCS involves unique steps compared to CONUS moves. Here’s what to focus on:
- ✔
Household Goods (HHG): Ship up to your weight allowance (e.g., 11,000 lbs for E-5 with dependents). - ✔
Passports/Visas: Required for all family members, including SOFA status for some countries. - ✔
Pet Transport: Check country-specific rules and airline restrictions. - ✔
Housing: Coordinate with the overseas Housing Office for on-base or local options. - ✔
Schools: Research Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) or local schools.
Example: An E-6 moving to Ramstein, Germany, might ship 14,000 lbs of HHG, secure visas, and enroll kids in DoDEA schools, all while arranging pet transport for their dog.
Household Goods (HHG) and Shipping
Your HHG shipment is covered up to your weight allowance, per USTRANSCOM. For example, an E-5 with dependents gets 11,000 lbs, while an O-3 gets 14,500 lbs. Overages cost $500–$2,000. Expect 4–12 weeks for delivery, depending on location. Here’s a breakdown:
| Rank | With Dependents (lbs) | Without Dependents (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| E-5 | 11,000 | 9,000 |
| E-7 | 13,000 | 11,000 |
| O-3 | 14,500 | 13,000 |
| O-5 | 17,500 | 14,000 |
Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to schedule your move. Pack a 2,000-lb unaccompanied baggage shipment for essentials like clothes and kitchenware, which arrives faster (2–4 weeks).
Real-World Scenario: An E-4 family moving to Yokota, Japan, uses DPS to ship 9,000 lbs of HHG and 1,500 lbs of unaccompanied baggage. They pack linens and kids’ toys to settle into temporary lodging quickly.
Prohibited Items
Each country has restrictions. For example, Japan bans certain electronics, while Germany restricts firearms. Check your destination’s customs rules via Military OneSource. Inventory your HHG carefully to avoid delays.
Passports, Visas, and SOFA Status
All family members need passports for an OCONUS PCS. Apply 6–9 months out through your local passport office or base legal office, as processing can take 8–12 weeks, per U.S. Department of State. No-fee passports are available for military dependents. Visas depend on the host country—some, like Germany, require SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) stamps instead, handled by your sponsor.
Real-World Scenario: An O-3 family PCS’ing to Italy applies for no-fee passports at their base and secures SOFA stamps through their sponsor, ensuring legal residency for their 3-year tour.
Pet Transportation
Moving pets overseas is tricky but doable. Check your destination’s rules—Japan requires rabies vaccines and microchips, while the UK has strict quarantine laws. Costs range from $500–$2,000 per pet, depending on airline fees and health certificates. Book flights early, as pet slots are limited.
Real-World Scenario: An E-7 moving to Germany spends $800 to transport their cat, including a health certificate and Lufthansa pet fees, after confirming compliance with EU pet import rules.
Housing for an OCONUS PCS
Housing varies by base and country. On-base options, managed by the overseas Housing Office, often have waitlists (1–6 months). Off-base rentals depend on local markets—expect $1,200–$3,000/month in Europe or Asia. BAH and Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) adjust to local costs, per DoD OHA Calculator. Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) covers $100–$300/day for up to 60 days.
Real-World Scenario: An E-6 family PCS’ing to Okinawa waits 3 months for on-base housing, using TLA ($150/day) to stay in a hotel while renting a $1,800 apartment within their OHA.
BAH, OHA, and COLA in 2026
Overseas, you’ll receive OHA instead of BAH, tailored to local rental markets, plus COLA to offset high living costs. For example, in Ramstein, Germany, an E-5 with dependents gets $2,000 OHA and $300–$500 COLA monthly, per DoD COLA Calculator. Here’s a sample for popular OCONUS locations:
| Location | E-5 OHA (With Dependents) | COLA (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Ramstein, Germany | $2,000 | $300–$500 |
| Yokota, Japan | $2,200 | $400–$600 |
| Camp Humphreys, South Korea | $1,800 | $250–$450 |
| Naval Base Guam | $1,900 | $350–$550 |
Dual-military couples at the same base share one OHA rate (higher-ranking spouse’s), but separate COLA. Check rates early to budget.
Dual-Military Considerations
If stationed apart, each spouse gets OHA and COLA for their location. Coordinate with your finance office, as rules vary by country. The Military & Family Readiness Center can clarify.
School Enrollment for Military Kids
Overseas, your kids may attend DoDEA schools on-base, offering U.S.-style education with military support like Student2Student. Local schools are an option but may require language fluency. Use Advance Enrollment through the Military Child Education Coalition to secure spots. For special needs, the EFMP ensures IEP transfers.
Real-World Scenario: An O-4 family PCS’ing to Bahrain enrolls their kids in DoDEA’s Bahrain School, using EFMP to transfer an IEP and the School Liaison for course placement.
Travel and Temporary Lodging
OCONUS PCS travel is typically via military-contracted flights or commercial airlines, reimbursed per Defense Travel Management Office. Expect $500–$2,000 in costs for family airfare. TLA covers lodging ($100–$300/day) for up to 60 days. Book Temporary Lodging Facilities (TLF) early, as availability is limited.
Real-World Scenario: An E-5 family flying to South Korea spends $1,200 on airfare, reimbursed via their travel voucher, and uses TLA ($120/day) for 30 days in TLF while awaiting housing.
PCS Document Checklist
A PCS binder keeps you organized. Include:
- ✔PCS Orders (5+ copies): For travel, housing, and finance.
- ✔Passports/Visas: For all family members.
- ✔Pet Records: Health certificates, vaccine records.
- ✔School Records: Transcripts, IEPs for enrollment.
- ✔HHG Inventory: Track shipments via DPS.
Steps to Prepare for Your OCONUS PCS
Start planning 6 months out with these steps:
- ✔Review Orders: Confirm your duty station and report date.
- ✔Check Allowances: Use DoD OHA and COLA Calculators for budgeting.
- ✔Apply for Passports/Visas: Start 6–9 months out via U.S. Department of State.
- ✔Schedule HHG: Use DPS for shipments and unaccompanied baggage.
- ✔Arrange Pet Transport: Confirm country rules and airline slots.
- ✔Contact Housing Office: Explore on-base or off-base options.
- ✔Enroll Kids: Use DoDEA or local school liaisons for enrollment.
- ✔Visit Readiness Center: Get support from the Military & Family Readiness Center.
Real-World Scenario: Planning the Move
An O-2 family PCS’ing to Germany starts 6 months out, confirming orders and applying for no-fee passports. They use DPS to ship 12,000 lbs of HHG, arrange pet transport ($600), and pre-enroll their kids in DoDEA’s Ramstein Intermediate School, settling into on-base housing after 30 days of TLA.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don’t let these mistakes derail your OCONUS PCS:
- ✔Delaying Passports: Apply 6–9 months out to avoid delays.
- ✔Overpacking HHG: Stay under your weight allowance to avoid fees.
- ✔Ignoring Pet Rules: Check country-specific regulations early.
- ✔Skipping School Liaison: Contact DoDEA or local liaisons for enrollment.
- ✔Forgetting EFMP: Coordinate special needs with EFMP.
Next Steps for Your OCONUS PCS Move
An OCONUS PCS in 2026 means planning for HHG (up to 18,000 lbs), passports, pet transport, and OHA/COLA adjustments ($1,800–$2,200 OHA for E-5).
Start 6 months out: confirm orders, check allowances via DoD OHA Calculator, and apply for passports through U.S. Department of State.
Schedule HHG via DPS, arrange pet transport, and pre-enroll kids with DoDEA or local schools.
Use Military OneSource and the Military & Family Readiness Center for support. Embrace the adventure of your overseas move!
Frequently Asked Questions About OCONUS PCS Moves
1. What is an OCONUS PCS move?
An OCONUS PCS move is a military relocation outside the continental U.S., like to Germany or Japan. It involves shipping HHG, securing passports/visas, and adjusting to OHA and COLA, per DTMO.
2. How much HHG can I ship for an OCONUS PCS?
Weight allowances range from 9,000 lbs (E-5, no dependents) to 17,500 lbs (O-5, with dependents). Overages cost $500–$2,000. Use DPS to schedule shipments.
3. Do I need passports for an OCONUS PCS?
Yes, all family members need passports. Apply 6–9 months out for no-fee passports via your base or U.S. Department of State. Some countries require visas or SOFA stamps.
4. How do I move my pets overseas?
Check country rules (e.g., Japan needs rabies vaccines). Costs are $500–$2,000 per pet for health certificates and airline fees. Book pet slots early, as availability is limited.
5. What are OHA and COLA for OCONUS moves?
OHA covers housing (e.g., $2,000 for E-5 in Germany), and COLA offsets living costs ($300–$600/month). Check rates via DoD OHA Calculator.
6. How do I enroll my kids in schools overseas?
Use DoDEA schools for U.S.-style education or local schools. Contact the School Liaison and Military Child Education Coalition for Advance Enrollment.
7. What is Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)?
TLA covers lodging ($100–$300/day) for up to 60 days while awaiting housing. Book Temporary Lodging Facilities (TLF) early through your base’s Housing Office.
8. How do I handle special needs for an OCONUS PCS?
Coordinate with JBSA EFMP to transfer IEPs or 504 plans to DoDEA or local schools, ensuring accommodations are in place.
9. What documents do I need for an OCONUS PCS?
Include 5+ PCS orders, passports, pet records, school transcripts, and HHG inventory in a PCS binder for travel, housing, and school enrollment.
10. How do I prepare for an OCONUS PCS move?
Start 6 months out: confirm orders, check OHA/COLA, apply for passports, schedule HHG via DPS, arrange pet transport, and pre-enroll kids with DoDEA.
