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Guide to U.S. Military Base Tours

Sept. 21, 2018
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U.S. military bases are a flurry of daily activity due to varying missions, trainings, events and visitors. While some events are open to the public, a visit requires advanced planning. Follow these steps to start planning your visit. 

An airman checks an ID at a military base gate.
An airman checks an ID at a military base gate.
Base ID
Air Force Airman 1st Class Vincent Leal, a 436th Security Forces Squadron response force member, uses a hand-held Defense Biometrics Identification System scanner to validate Common Access Card information of person entering the main gate March 17, 2017, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Air Force photo by Roland Balik
Download: Full Size (1.63 MB)
Credit: Roland Balik
VIRIN: 170317-F-BO262-1007D

The Visitors Center

Many bases have a “visitor information” section on their website. If not, call the general phone number and ask for the visitors center. It is a great place to start. There are often several base entrances, and visitors are only allowed through a few of them, if not just one. So don’t just pop the base into your GPS, that can sometimes take you to an entrance that you can’t access.

Be Prepared

Make sure you take a valid ID! If you’re driving, take your vehicle registration and proof of insurance with you. 

A yellow traffic sign reads "be prepared to stop".
A yellow traffic sign reads "be prepared to stop".
Nellis Base Visit
A sign warns drivers to stop for active barriers at a gate at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., June 20, 2018. Active vehicle barriers are imperative for base security. Air Force photo by Airman Bailee A. Darbasie
Download: Full Size (645.12 KB)
Credit: Bailee A. Darbasie
VIRIN: 180620-F-FM571-007D

Pack Smart

Think of this visit like you would a trip to the airport. All vehicles are inspected once a driver is issued a visitors pass. If you are uncertain about anything you may bring on base, just make sure you let authorities know ahead of time to ensure an easy and convenient entry.

Have fun!

Our service members  enjoy connecting with the American people they serve. Come take a tour, visit a museum, or bring the entire family to one of our public events.

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