Getting on Base
Updated Base Access
As of June 25, 2025, the U.S. Air Force Academy directs all visitors to use the South Gate as part of updated security measures and procedures. All Department of Defense ID card holders are encouraged to use the North Gate to enter the Academy installation.
Visitors who have purchased tickets to a sporting event, have a scheduled Admissions tour/brief, or made a reservation for a Planetarium can request installation access by emailing the sponsoring organization. The sponsoring organization will send you a QR code that you can use to pre-register for installation access. Once your request is received, Security Forces will conduct a background check, and you will receive a decision via text. If approved, proceed to the South Gate on the day of your approved visit date and present a Real ID for base access.
General visitors must be sponsored by an organization or individual with a DoD ID card. Employees and sponsored visitors should plan for increased security measures and longer wait times at the gates. While on the installation, all personnel are subject to search.
The Santa Fe Trail is closed to all personnel for the portion that crosses the Academy installation. The 10th Medical Group, Exchange and Commissary remain open to all beneficiaries.
Important! Request Base Access
NOTE: Base access passes are issued for one event at a time. Please register for passes in succession and only after the current event has concluded.
Prep In-processing
Welcome to the Academy
Acceptance Day Parade
Stillman Field
Parents’ Weekend
Labor Day Weekend
Base Access Q&A
What about Contractors that work on base? I have a CAC card and a Veteran ID being 100% which gate should I use?
All DOD ID card holders are encouraged to use the North Gate to enter the Academy installation.
As military retirees with DOD military ID’s, are we still allowed to sponsor up to 10 people on base right now or do we need to take visitors to the visitors center and get them a day pass? Does everyone in the car need a military ID or just the driver? Just wanting to make sure I understand. Thanks!
You can still sponsor people on base with a retiree ID. The Trusted Traveller program is still in effect. If there is not a DoD ID card holder in the car, you will need to get the people a pass.
I do not have a DOD ID card. What is the process to visit my loved one at the USAFA Cemetery?
Contact Mortuary Affairs for a base pass.
It would be helpful to add guidance for Air Academy High School students and parents. Students have student ID’s but not DBIDs cards. Parents mostly have DBIDs cards, but if not they are using the QR Code protocol. Do DBIDs card holders & student ID holders follow the DoD ID card protocols?
D20 with passes and student cards are still allowed, but will also have to go through the visitor lane at the South Gate. D20 events use the QR code for students and fans who don’t have a DBIDS card or student ID. All D20 staff, students and parents need to enter through the South Gate.
Is the QR code available at the South Gate?
Visitors must register for an installation access pass through the QR code provided by the Athletic Department, Admissions, or other sponsoring organization. If you are attending an event on base, you will receive a QR code from the sponsoring organization. If not, visitors must have a DOD-ID card holder sponsor to get a pass.
The visitor pass protocol has been in place for a year now. I don’t understand how this policy is any different. Once I get my pass at South Gate, can’t I use North Gate?
No, with a visitor pass you need to use South Gate. If you go to North Gate you will get turned around and directed to South Gate.
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.