United States Air Force Academy

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Getting on Base

Updated Base Access
Temporary Adjustment

The U.S. Air Force Academy has temporarily adjusted processes to access the installation, beginning January 4, 2025. While the installation remains closed to the public, visitors can enter the Academy installation by riding in a vehicle with a DoD ID card holder. Visitors can also request a base pass with a DoD ID card sponsor present from the Pass and Registration Office located at the South Gate.

A female cadet holding the flag during a ceremony.

Important! Request Base Access (Pre-Registration)

June 23-27

In-processing Day (I-Day)

Leadership Journey Starts Here

Appointees arrive at the U.S. Air Force Academy on In-processing Day, also known as I-Day, marking their first step in their journey toward becoming a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force.

Request Access

Cadet cadre awaiting bus of appointees.

Accessing the Academy

Entering a military base for the first time may be daunting for visitors, but with a little preparation, getting on base is as easy as 1-2-3.

1.

From Interstate-25 take Exit 156 (North Gate) or Exit 150 (South Gate). This entrance is open to visitors from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm every day.

2.

When entering the gate, have all vehicle occupants’ identification ready for presentation. Valid forms of photo identification include a driver’s license. Expired IDs will not be accepted. No one under the age of 18 is required to present a form of identification unless they are the driver.

Foreign National visitor(s) not on official business requesting access to the U.S. Air Force Academy 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 U.S. Air Force Academy in order to secure a pass for entry onto the premises. The PRO is situated outside the South Gate, accessible via I-25, Exit 150, on the right side of the road. Its operating hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. It is important to note that the PRO will be closed for training purposes on the third Tuesday of each month. Visitors are required to present their passport, as copies or photographs will not be accepted for processing; please be aware that this process may take up to 72 hours. After your information has been processed, you will be issued a pass, which must be shown to the sentry at the installation gate for 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 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.

3.

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.

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

  • 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. Open carry of firearms is not authorized on the Academy.

Access for Sporting Events

  • 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 state ID (i.e., driver’s license).
  • 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.

For additional help accessing the base, contact Security Forces at 719-333-0443.

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