Can you tour Andrews Air Force Base?

Unofficial Visitor Access:

Due to the suspension of the Trusted Traveler program, all escort authority for installation access to JBA is also suspended, indefinitely. Unofficial visitors must request an Unofficial Visitor Base Pass from the VCC. Passes may be requested through JBA's new base access program called DBIDS Virtual Enrollment and Pass System (DVES).

Requesting access through DVES:

FIRST: View the DVES tutorial DVES Virtual Pass Procedures

SECOND: Pre-enroll in DBIDS through their DVES Link: https://dbids-global-enroll.dmdc.mil

THIRD: Fill out the 316th SSPTS Unofficial Base Access Request: Request Form

DVES will allow a sponsor and guest to provide the Joint Base Andrews Visitor Control Center (VCC) a request for base entry virtually, enabling the sponsor to receive a pass for their guest online, without walking into the VCC. Utilizing the DVES system, the sponsor and guest do not have to wait in line for a pass and, by planning ahead, can avoid last minute delays related to their visit.

The VCC recommends requesting base access through DVES at least 3 days (72 hours) prior to the planned visit. The VCC will create the pass and send the pass via email to the sponsor, who in turn will forward the pass to their guest. The guest can then print out the pass (recommended) or electronically present the pass via their mobile phone, tablet, or other electronic device, to a Defender at any of JBA's Base Entry Control Points to enter the installation. As an added convenience to those who already possess a state-issued REAL-ID Act compliant Identification Card or Driver's License, their base access permissions can be programmed on their ID, eliminating the extra step of printing the pass. The guest would simply present to the base entry Defender their ID to scan in order to be granted access to the installation.

Please review the accompanying attachment for detailed step-by-step instructions and requirements to utilize DVES here on JBA. The guest can request a base access pass via DVES from home. The sponsor's guest requesting access can create a DBIDS profile prior to coming to the Visitor Control Center through the pre-enrollment website:  https://dbids-global-enroll.dmdc.mil  only if they do not already have a profile. Please note that the pre-enrollment website may be used to establish a guest profile, but does not grant the guest any base access privileges. If the sponsor does not have a .mil email address, they will still need to utilize the current in-person sponsor procedures. Questions regarding the DVES program can be addressed to the JBA VCC at 301-981-0232. See attachment: DVES Virtual Pass Procedures

All same day unofficial (i.e. personal) JBA guests who are not in possession of an authorized base access credential, issued a Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) pass, or on the official Base Access List (BAL) must process through to the VCC for identity proofing, background vetting (Fitness), and pass issuance with their sponsor or meet their sponsor at the Main Gate during after-hours access requests.

Unofficial Foreign Visitor Request:

Due to recent changes to Air Force base access policies, all unofficial, aka personal, foreign visitors wishing to access Joint Base Andrews must undergo additional background checks and processing before being issued a visitor's pass. This includes all non-U.S. citizens who hold a foreign passport and are not a U.S. permanent resident or do not have DoD identification that would otherwise grant them base access.

The processing and additional background checks can take up to 30 additional days to complete, receive approval, and the visitor to be issued a pass.  Passes can be issued for up to one month (30 days). Sponsors should submit the visitor's information to  at least 30 days prior to the planned date of the visit.  Please provide the visitor's: full name, date of birth, country of origin, passport and Visa number (if applicable), country identification number/Social Security number equivalent, and a landscape picture of all passport data pages with the passport holder's photo and a picture of any visas.

Any questions can be addressed to the Visitor Control Center.

Official Visitors

For official visitors, or visitors accessing the installation for an official purpose (government contractors, non-DoD guests of an organization, etc.), they must contact the host organization's designated official base access sponsor.

Please feel free to call the VCC at (301) 981-0689/0232 regarding any questions or concerns.

Gaining Access

JBA is a closed installation and proper identification is required to gain access.  Proper identification includes but is not limited to:

- DOD Common Access Cards
- Military Retiree ID cards
- Military Dependent ID cards
- State/Federal Law Enforcement (ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS)
- Sponsored Guest (i.e. DBIDS card holders)
- Contact Visitor Center Staff for other exceptions

NOTE:  State-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards with the statement of "Not Valid For Federal Purposes," "Federal Limits May Apply" or any other similar phrases can no longer be used for establishing identity. See examples:

U.S. Passports or other valid form of photo identification, social security card, and birth certificate may be used. Please refer to the Department of Homeland Security website for the most current state updates.

The moratorium on using expired IDs has ended as of 31 Jan. 2022, and all IDs will start to be confiscated at the gates again. If an individual comes to the VCC with proof they are coming onto base for a new ID appointment, the VCC can create them a pass to make that appointment.

Is Andrews Air Force Base the same as Joint Base Andrews?

Andrews Air Force Base (Andrews AFB, AAFB) is the airfield portion of Joint Base Andrews, which is under the jurisdiction of the United States Air Force. In 2009, Andrews Air Force Base merged with Naval Air Facility Washington to form Joint Base Andrews.

Is Andrews AFB open today?

Virginia Gate: OPEN Monday - Sunday, 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Pearl Harbor Gate POV Lane: OPEN Monday - Sunday, 6 a.m. - 1 p.m.; CLOSED on AFDW Family Days and associated holidays. Pearl Harbor Gate Commercial Lane: OPEN Monday - Sunday, 5:00 a.m. - 9 p.m.

What is Andrews Air Force Base called now?

Andrews AFB, MD History Andrews Field, now part of Joint Base Andrews, was formerly Andrews Air Force Base. Andrews AFB began as an Army site occupation of a church at Camp Springs, Maryland, during the American Civil War. This church is still standing, now Chapel Two.

Is there going to be an airshow at Andrews Air Force Base this year?

Joint Base Andrews is scheduled to hold a free expo, with Air Force premier aerial demonstrations, Sept. 17-18, 2022. Among other commemorations, this year's Joint Base Andrews Air & Space Expo will celebrate the Air Force's 75th Anniversary. All performances are subject to change.