The Agreement on Defense Cooperation between the United States and the Kingdom of Spain (1989) grants the Spanish Commander of Spanish bases, where the U.S. Forces are authorized use of facilities, with the responsibility of establishing necessary procedures to facilitate the entry and exit of authorized personnel and their vehicles. 

Naval Station Rota is a Spanish base; therefore, access to base may be more restricted than what most U.S. personnel, family members and retirees are used to. 

Therefore, below are the access rules and procedures for the base. Believe it or not, this is just the highlights. For more information, contact the NAVSTA security pass office at +34-956-82-3247.

PROCEDURES FOR BASE ACCESS OF PERSONS AND VEHICLES ASSOCIATED WITH THE UNITED STATES FORCES

These regulations are applicable to all persons having access to the base on foot or by any other means of transportation.

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, the civilian component and dependents are authorized to use the Naval Base at Rota depending on their status, work area and job to be performed. Access to restricted areas or zones is limited to authorized personnel only.

All vehicles having access to the base as well as those inside will display the established pass, issued by the U.S. Security Department, in a visible place on the dashboard. 

Access Gates

Access gates will be manned by members of the Spanish Navy designated by the Spanish Security Headquarters of the base.

Definitions

Members of the Force

Military member of the Armed Forces of the United States of America stationed in Spain on official duty.

Civilian component

          a. Civilian personnel accompanying the U.S. Forces in Spain, who are in the employee of an armed service of the United States, who are not stateless persons nor nationals of, nor ordinarily residents in Spain.

          b. Shall also include employees of non-Spanish and non-commercial organizations agreed upon by the Permanent Committee, who are nationals of or ordinarily resident in the United States and who, solely for the purpose of contributing to the welfare, morale, or education of the force, are accompanying these forces in Spain. These persons must be in possession of designation certificates issued by the Spanish side of the Permanent Committee prior to their initial arrival to Spain.

Dependents

          a. The spouse of a member of the force or the civilian component, or a child of such member depending on the member for support.

          b. In accordance with reference (b), the term "dependent" shall also include, in addition to the spouse, whom these norms do not affect, single children, including step children, depending on a member of the force or the civilian component for their support, as long as:

                  - Child is under 21 years of age.

                  - Child is over 21 but under 23 years of age and is studying on a full time basis in an official education center recognized by the Spanish government or in an American education center located in an IDA granted in Spanish bases; or are studying outside Spain and are temporarily in Spain on vacation.

                  - Is physically or psychically handicapped, regardless of their age.

First Nationality

Spanish citizens

Second Nationality

Citizens of the United States of America.

Third Nationality

Citizens of a country other than Spain and the United States of America.

Technical Experts

Persons whose services are temporarily required by the United States and who are in Spain exclusively to serve these forces either in an advisory capacity in technical matters or for the setting up, operation, or maintenance of equipment. The maximum period that a technical expert can be in Spain is established at 90 calendar days in a twelve months period. Personnel in this category do not have status as members of the civilian component and are not entitled to use restricted facilities where duty-free items are sold.

Contractor Employees

Personnel at the service of the United States of America on this base in connection with work or service contracts. These persons must be in possession of designation certificates issued by the Spanish side of the Permanent Committee priorto their initial arrival to Spain.

Sponsors

Persons who assume responsibility (before the Commander of the base) for the attitude and conduct of the persons under their custody or responsibility during their stay on base.

Commercial/Business Visit

Person authorized to enter the base for official business whose stay on base will not exceed EIGHT hours in one day. Loading and unloading operations with a motor vehicle authorized by department heads or authorized representatives, will also have this consideration.

Social Visit

Person authorized to enter the base whose stay on base will not exceed 24 hours, depending on the circumstances, and who will be under the control of an authorized person.

PERSONS AUTHORIZED ENTRY TO THE BASE BY REASON OF THEIR POSITION

General

Personnel authorized access to the Naval Base by reason of their position are the members of the force, the civilian component and dependents thereof.

Identification Documents 

These persons will be in possession of the Tarjeta Especial de Identificacion. 

If not in possession of TEI:

·        Members of the Force shall be in possession of their military ID card (DD Form 2 - green) and orders to Spain issued by the Department of Defense of the United States of America.

·        Reservists shall be in possession of their military ID card (DD Form 2 - pink) and orders to Spain issued by the Department of Defense of the United States of America.

·        Members of the civilian component or dependents shall be in possession of either military ID card DD-1173 or passport and orders to Spain issued by the Department of Defense of the United States of America.

Access and Processing of Documents

The Commander of the U.S. Forces will, within a period of THREE working days, issue a TEI to those persons meeting the criteria of members of the force, the civilian component or dependents thereof.

When these personnel arrive at an access gate (land, port or airport) for the first time, the qualified person at the access gate will validate their documents (see paragraph 4.2.2. above) accordingly. Their orders to Spain will be stamped "VALIDO BNR" and bear an expiration date not to exceed THREE working days from their arrival to the base. This stamp will serve in lieu of the TEI for the purpose of entering/exiting the base and allow the use of restricted facilities where duty-free items are sold, for both the sponsor and respective dependents. 

 

 

Considering that orders only reflect the name and SSN of the member of the force or civilian component concerned, and that the names of dependents are not normally stated, it will be sufficient (for base access purposes) that the dependent present the military identification card (DD-1173) and one copy of the sponsor's orders stamped "VALIDO BNR". It shall be required that the SSN number on the orders and the dependent's DD-1173 ID card match together.

In case of collective orders, the qualified person will affix a BNR sticker, with an expiration date, to the ID cards of all personnel concerned. 

"VALIDO BNR" stamps will be entered only on orders to Spain issued by the Department of Defense of the United States of America. Persons in possession of orders issued by other Departments (State, Education, Agriculture, etc.) or Agencies of the United States Government, do not have status as members of the civilian component however, they will be authorized access to the Base in accordance with the provisions set forth in paragraph 8.3.4., Section V, of this Norma General.

Should issuance of a TEI to these personnel not be deemed convenient because of the person's short stay in Spain (less than 30 days), the orders will, upon arrival, be stamped "VALIDO BNR" with appropriate expiration date. The provisions of paragraph 4.3.2. above apply for access to the base by the sponsor and respective dependents.

Whenever a person covered in this section looses the TEI or orders to Spain with the "VALIDO BNR" stamp, the Commander of the U.S. Forces will issue a temporary base pass valid for 15 days. This pass, supplemented with the individual's military ID card, will serve in lieu of the TEI.

Whenever a person covered in this section appears at a control gate (Rota and Salado gates only) stating to have lost his base access documents, the duty qualified person will verify that he/she is stationed on base. If affirmative, the qualified person will prepare and issue a temporary TEI valid until 1200 of the next working day. Qualified personnel will use serialized temporary TEIs pre-signed by the U.S. Security Officer or authorized person. All temporary TEIs issued will be recorded in a log book to be maintained at the control gate. The TEI will be used together with his/her military or civilian ID card. Renewal or re-issuance of temporary/permanent TEI will be made by the Pass & ID Section of the U.S. Security Department in Bldg 52.

If the individual has no military/ civilian/dependent ID card, the qualified person will contact the command/department where the individual is attached and request that a representative be sent to the control gate to identify the individual and take charge of him. In case of dependents, their respective sponsors shall be the ones to be contacted to proceed to the control gate for identification purposes. Once identified, the Chief of the control gate will authorize the entry of the person with lost documents under the escort of the representative designated by the command/department or dependent's sponsor, as appropriate. In the event of transient personnel or when a command/department representative is not available, persons with lost documents may be released to U.S. Security Patrols for further disposition.  

Persons who have lost all their documents and who have been identified as stationed on the base may be issued a temporary TEI by the qualified person if they present a valid passport or recent picture, which will be affixed to the temporary TEI. If a passport or picture is not available, a temporary TEI will not be issued; however, through coordination with the Chief of the control gate, they may be escorted on and off the station by U.S. Security Patrols until a temporary/ permanent TEI is issued by the U.S. Security Department.

Access to the base by other members of the force, retirees, unaccompanied dependents, etc., who have lost their military identification documents will be coordinated by the qualified person with the Chief of the control gate and Personnel Support Detachment staff. The Chief of the control gate will issue a temporary base pass valid for THREE hours when advised by the qualified person that the Personnel Support Detachment has the necessary supporting documents/information to be able to reissue the individual's lost documents. The temporary base pass will be used together with their passport or other identifying document. If no identifying documents are available, they will be escorted on base by U.S. Security Patrols.

Persons who have recently acquired dependency status due to their marriage with a member of the force or the civilian component will be issued a THREE hours pass to proceed to the Personnel Support Detachment to be processed for a DD-1173 ID card. Dependents must be accompanied by their sponsors and produce a marriage certificate and valid Spanish ID card or passport to the Chief of the control gate. 

 

 

Members of the force, civilian component and dependents departing from Spain on PCS orders will have their TEI's retrieved by the U.S. Security Department and their orders stamped "VALIDO BNR" with an expiration date. However, considering the fact that orders only reflect the name and SSN of the member of the force or civilian component concerned, dependents of same, not in possession of a TEI, may have access to the base by using a copy of their sponsor's orders stamped "VALIDO BNR" together with the dependent ID card (DD Form 1173). It shall be required that the SSN number on the orders and the DD-1173 ID card match together.

PERSONS AUTHORIZED ENTRY TO THE BASE BY REASON OF THEIR ACTIVITY

General

These personnel are contractors and their employees, technical experts, domestic servants and other persons performing activities connected with the services of the Armed Forces of the United States at Rota Naval Base or at the request of their members.

Access will be granted to citizens of first and second nationality only. Third country nationals will require expressed prior approval from the Permanent Committee; otherwise, even if they are in possession of a passport or documentation authorizing their entry into Spain, they will, once cleared by the Border Control Office on base (should they arrive by air), be escorted off base through a control gate of their choice, and may, if they so desire, wait outside the base for proper authorities to process the corresponding authorization for them to enter the base. Third country nationals visiting the base on official business will not be authorized to remain on base overnight. 

Identification Documents

These persons will be in possession of a base pass granted by the Commander of the Base. Should the Spanish Security Headquarters decide that the frequency of visits to the base does not justify the issuance of a temporary base pass, the person's name may be included in the Vendor's List at the control gates, in which case, a base pass may be obtained directly at the gate on the specified dates and times.

Access and Document Processing. Requests for base work passes will be completed in duplicate using the standard format shown in enclosure (2).

          Work and Service Contracts

 

 

                  a. In order to prevent the performance of activities on base by persons who are not registered in the Spanish Social Security system, it will be mandatory that any person who is going to perform a service inside the base must first comply with all prerequisites directed by Spanish Labor Legislation, independently if the individual is a salaried employee or autonomous worker. Authorization for base access will be requested by the host Department Head, or authorized representative, from the Spanish Security Headquarters via the U.S. Security Officer. Requests will be submitted at least SEVEN (7) days in advance, stating the activities to be performed, duration and working hours. A copy of the work/service contract or job order, current social security documents in the name of the contractor or subcontractor (containing the names of the employees for whom passes are requested), and one copy of the Spanish ID cards or Work Permits of employees, will also be enclosed. Passes will be valid Mondays-Fridays from 0800-1800, unless otherwise requested and justified. The Spanish Security Headquarters may, in order to ensure compliance with current legislation or for security reasons, demand the presentation of any other document or conduct whatever inquiries are deemed convenient, through the Department requesting the base pass or the contractor itself.

                  b. Passes for newly hired employees will be initially valid for one month, and will be issued on presentation of the initial Spanish Social Security registration document (ALTA). Passes will be issued or renewed for ONE year periods or until the contract expires, whichever occurs first, on presentation of the TC-2 document showing that payment of the mandatory Social Security monthly fees, for employees who have been issued base passes, has been made. The contractor is responsible for retrieving the passes from employees who have been terminated and are not included in the TC-2 document. Retrieved passes will be surrendered to the U.S. Security Department.

                  c. Notwithstanding the above, the Spanish Security Headquarters may request any company operating on base, either periodically or without advanced notice, as deemed appropriate, to present their Company Book (Libro de Empresa) and TC-2 documents in order to verify that payment of Social Security fees, for employees for whom base passes were requested, continue to be made. Irregularities will be reported to competent Labor authorities for appropriate disciplinary action. Reoccurrence of similar incidents by a contractor will result in denial or withdrawal of the base pass in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 8, Article 2, Annex 6 of the current U.S.-Spanish Defense Agreement.

 

 

                  d. Employees requiring temporary access to the base in connection with work/service contracts and/or employees of private concessionaires for the sale of goods and services to authorized customers which the United States forces may have with firms ordinarily resident in the United States, must (prior to commencement of the work) effect necessary insurance contracts with companies authorized to do business in Spain, to cover civil liabilities that may be incurred in Spanish territory as a result of acts or omissions done in the performance of their duty. Authorization for base access must be requested by the host Department Head, or authorized representative, directly from the Office of Defense Cooperation in Madrid, enclosing one copy of the service contract insurance certification. See ODC Policy Directive 400.7 for additional information on insurance coverage and requirements. ODC clearance and liability insurance will not be necessary if base access is only required for THREE days or less in one month, in which case, access authorization will be handled as a commercial/business visit as provided in paragraph 5.3.5.b. below.

          5.3.2. U.S. citizen contractor employees and employees of non-Spanish and non-commercial organizations who have received prior designation by the Spanish side of the Permanent Committee will receive the same treatment as members of the civilian component (SECTION I) as far as identification documents are concerned. When arriving at an access gate (land, port or airport) for the first time, the qualified person at the access gate will issue a TWO working days base pass, to allow him to enter the station and contact the cognizant activity to coordinate his checking in with the U.S. Security Department and receive a TEI card valid for the time set by the Permanent Committee.  

          Technical Experts

 

 

                  Access authorization will be requested by the host Department Head, or authorized representative, from the Spanish Security Headquarters via the U.S. Security Department, sufficiently in advance, indicating passport number so that a base pass can be issued. Passes shall be valid 24 hours a day/seven days a week, will not exceed ninety (90) days in duration, and will be retrieved by the U.S. Security Department upon termination of the work. Technical experts arriving directly at a control gate will be issued a base pass valid for TWO working days to enable them to enter the station and contact the sponsoring department so that a temporary base pass valid for the appropriate duration may be requested. Personnel in this category shall, at no time, have the consideration of members of the civilian component nor shall they have access to restricted facilities where duty-free items are sold. Should their stay on base be expected to exceed 90 days, prior designation from the Spanish Section of the Permanent Committee, as a member of the civilian component, is required

          Shipping Agents

                  a. Access authorization in the case of shipping agents and employees thereof, who attend United States vessels berthed at Rota Naval Base and other non-United States vessels berthed on base with the approval of the Spanish government, will be requested from the Spanish Security Headquarters through the U.S. Security Department at least TWO (2) working days in advance. Requests will contain the type of activity to be performed, duration and working hours, Spanish ID card number and current TC-2 Social Security document. Due to the difficulty in determining the exact dates of ships' arrivals/departures, base passes will be valid THREE (3) days prior to and after the scheduled date of arrival/departure reflected in the official message authorizing the ship's visit to the base.

                  b. Access of stevedores will not require advanced notice. They will be cleared on base as soon as a listing with their names and ID card numbers issued by the Port Services Organization in Cadiz, is presented to the Spanish Security Headquarters via the U.S. Security Department.

          Commercial/Business Visits 

 

 

                  a. These are occasional and short visits, which are carried out to take care of specific commercial matters, facilitate advise on technical subjects, provide estimates for works and services, present offers of products and merchandise for possible purchase by authorized activities, and others of similar administrative nature not requiring the handling or manipulation of machinery, equipment or tools necessary to produce or execute physical work. Authorization for base entry will be requested by the host Department Head, or authorized representative, from the Spanish Security Headquarters via the U.S. Security Department at least TWO (2) working days in advance, indicating name, ID card or passport number, location and purpose of visit, hours of visit and name of the person assuming responsibilities for the conduct of the visitor. Due to the nature of this type of visits, the Social Security documents will not be required. However, to prevent abuses, the duration and frequency of visits in this category will be limited to ONE day (eight hours) per week per person. Should the presence of a person on base be required more frequently, either a temporary base pass or his inclusion in the Vendor's List shall be requested, in which case, the documents listed in paragraphs 5.3.1., plus the TC-2 documents, must be attached to the pass request.

                b. Commercial/Business visits by individuals in connection with service contracts or private concessionaires for the sale of goods and services to authorized customers, which the United States forces may have with firms ordinarily resident in the United States, will be limited to a maximum of THREE working days per month. Authorization for base access will be requested by the host Department Head, or authorized representative, from the Spanish Security Headquarters via the U.S. Security Department at least TWO working days in advance.

Passes will be valid Mondays-Fridays from 0800-1800, unless otherwise requested and justified. Should the individual's presence on base be required for a longer period, authorization for base access will be processed in accordance with paragraph 5.3.1.d. above. Third country national personnel will require ODC clearance in all cases.

 

          Urgent Visits

 

                  a. In the event of urgent visits of persons dealt with in paragraphs 5.3.1. and 5.3.5., authorization for base access may be requested by the host Department Head, or authorized representatives (maximum of three persons per command/department), or visitors themselves, directly at the control gates or via telephone, whenever the situation occurs. The base pass will be prepared by the qualified person at the gate and signed by the Chief of the control gate. Urgent visits shall be limited to ONE day (eight hours) maximum. Should the emergency situation or need for the service continue, a regular base pass or inclusion of the person's name in the Vendor's List shall be requested enclosing the documents described in paragraph 5.3.1, plus the current TC-2 Social Security documents.

 

                  b. Urgent visits will be those which are indispensable to prevent a danger, considerable economic loss to the United States Forces or their personnel, ensure the performance of an official activity or operational commitment (fleet support, alarm systems repairing, repairs of multiuser computer networks, etc), and other visits, which if not rendered, would cause the interruption of an essential function necessary for the normal performance of United States forces activities on the base.

 

 

 

 

                  c. Urgent visit procedures should be used only in exceptional cases, since it implies a downgrading of security controls over visiting personnel, thereby running a risk which is not justifiable in most instances. Therefore, all activities of the U.S. Forces shall urge their personnel to plan visits sufficiently in advance so that normal procedures for requesting base passes for their visitors are followed. Exceptionally, unannounced visits by truck drivers to deliver/pick up merchandise for the U.S. Forces or its members will always be handled as urgent visits. The frequency of visits by truck drivers is not limited; however, the pass will be valid for a maximum of EIGHT (8) hours/day.

 

                  d. In order for the Spanish Security Headquarters to control and maintain a current listing of persons authorized to clear visitors to the Base under these urgent procedures, Commanding Officers and Department Heads of the U.S. Forces may, if they so desire, designate a maximum of three persons and task them with the responsibility of screening and coordinating all urgent visits coming to their command/ department. The full names, ranks/grades and telephone numbers of the designated persons will be sent to the Spanish Security Headquarters through the U.S. Security Department as soon as this Norma General is published. Updates will be submitted whenever a change in personnel occur. The Spanish Security Headquarters will publish a listing of all authorized personnel on the first week of every month and submit same to the control gates for use by the Chief of the gate and respective qualified personnel.

 

Local Labor Personnel will be issued an access authorization by the Commander of the Base at the request of the Chief of the Local Labor Detall's Office. Should an extension of working hours be needed, the respective Department Head will submit an appropriate request to the Local Labor Detall's Office, TWO (2) working days in advance, for their endorsement and further submission to the Security Headquarter.  In case of emergency, the request will be presented directly to the Security Headquarter.

 

Domestic Servants. A base pass may be requested by members of the force or of the civilian component, residing in base housing, from the Spanish Security Headquarters via the U.S. Security Department in accordance with procedures established for service contracts (paragraph 5.3.1.). Documents regarding Spanish Social Security and work contracts will be attached only when required by current Spanish legislation.

 

 

 

 

PERSONS AUTHORIZED ENTRY TO THE BASE FOR SOCIAL OR RECREATIONAL

PURPOSES

 

General

 

Members of the force and the civilian component, stationed at Rota Naval Base may, in accordance with procedures established below, request passes for their guests so that they can have access to residential, social and recreational areas on base. Per reference (a), dependents are not authorized to sponsor visitors on base.

 

In all cases, guests in possession of a base pass will be under the control of the authorized sponsor (person whose name is shown on the pass, his/her spouse or a dependent child 18 years of age and older in possession of a TEI card), who will also be responsible for their conduct while on base. Persons in possession of these type of passes are not authorized to work or get involved in any type of lucrative activities on base. 

 

Members of the force and the civilian component not stationed at Rota Naval Base may request base passes, valid for a maximum of ONE day, for their guests through the U.S. Security Department, at least TWO (2) working days in advance of the intended visit. Contractor employees stationed in other bases and establishments are not authorized to sponsor guests at Rota Naval Base.

 

Base passes will be valid to enter/exit the base through Rota and Puerto control gates only. However, visitors whose sponsors reside in base housing may be authorized to use Fuentebravia gate, in which case, authorization for use of subject gate will be indicated on the base pass.

 

Special Requests

All requests for situations not covered in this section will be first screened by the Commander of the United States Forces and, once concurred with, forwarded to the Commander of the Base sufficiently in advance for approval. 

 

Identification Documents

          These persons will be in possession of a base pass granted by the Commander of the Base.

 

 

 

 

Access and Document Processing. Base pass requests for social visits comprised will be completed using the standard format acquired from the NAVSTA Security pass office. When requesting a base pass, sponsors must produce an active duty military/civilian ID card and a TEI or orders to Rota Naval Base with a "VALIDO BNR" stamp. Guests must produce a current ID card, drivers license or current passport. The granting of passes to second and third country national guests may be subject to prior screening by Spanish Immigration in order to determine the individual's legal presence in Spanish territory.

 

          One Day Passes

 

                  a. Officers and Chief Petty Officers, stationed at Rota Naval Base, may vouch for their guests (first and second nationality only) on base without any prerequisite provided their guests hold current Spanish ID cards, driver licenses or passports. They shall identify themselves and their guests at the request of the Chief of the control gate and allowed to proceed on-off base without having to obtain a visitor's pass. Officers and Chief Petty Officers bringing guests on base in this manner, will personally stay with their guests at all times and even accompany them back to the control gate at the time of departure from base. The number of guests that an Officer or Chief Petty Officer may sponsor on base in this manner will not exceed four in any case. Should the guest drive his own vehicle, he will be required to obtain a vehicle pass from the duty qualified person at the control gate. 

 

                      Officers and Chief Petty Officers will not bring visitors on base, using this special privilege, so that they can perform any type of official or private work. Further, they shall also be personally liable for ensuring that the persons they vouch for are not debarred from the base. Listings of debarred personnel are available for consultation at the control gates (qualified personnel) and at the Base Pass Office in Bldg 52. 

 

 

 

 

                  b. Military personnel in E-6 paygrade, stationed at Rota Naval Base, may obtain a visitors pass for amaximum of four guests of first and second nationality directly at Rota and Salado control gates. Guests will be accompanied by their authorized sponsors at all times while on base. Further, they will ensure that their guests turn their passes in to gate sentries at the time of departure. Passes will be prepared by the duty qualified person and signed by the Chief of the control gate and will be valid until 0200 hours of the day following issuance of the pass. The pass may be valid for 24 hours if the sponsor resides in base housing and the visitor is to remain at his quarters overnight. One-day passes, issued to visitors remaining at the sponsor's quarters in base housing overnight, may be renewed exclusively on weekends and Spanish holidays when a temporary base pass cannot be requested from the Security Headquarters due to being closed.

 

                      There will be no passes of this type issued from 2400 to 0600, unless the sponsor resides in base housing and his guest is to remain in his quarters overnight.

 

                  c. Other members of the force and all members of the civilian component desiring to bring guests of first and second nationality (maximum of four persons) to the base must request a base pass from the Spanish Security Headquarters via the U.S. Security Department TWO (2) working days in advance, indicating full name, nationality, Spanish ID card or passport number, and place and purpose of visit. These authorizations will expire at the latest at 0200 of the day following issuance of the pass depending on the activity to be performed on base. The pass may be valid 24 hours if the sponsor resides in base housing and the guest is to remain at his quarters overnight. Only ONE pass request will be accepted and processed per day; however, requests for passes valid for Saturdays and/or Sundays, will be turned in on Thursdays, at the latest. Authorized sponsors will accompany their guests at all times while on base. Further, they will ensure that their guests depart the base prior to expiration of their passes and that their passes are turned in to gate sentries at the time of departure. 

 

                  d. In the case of third country national

guests, sponsors (regardless of their rank/rate) will request a base pass from the Spanish Security Headquarters via the U.S. Security Department at least TWO (2) working days in advance. Third country national guests will be accompanied by their authorized sponsors at all times while on base.

 

          Temporary Base Passes

 

 

 

 

                  a. Members of the force and the civilian component, residing on or off-base, may request a temporary base pass valid for a maximum of THIRTY (30) days, for their visiting relatives (maximum of four people), regardless of their nationality, provided they are legally in Spain. Sponsors requesting passes for visitors staying in government quarters in base housing must first obtain a "Guest Permit" approved by the Director, Family Housing Department. The base pass will be issued for the length of time approved in the "Guest Permit". Relatives will be accompanied at all times while on base by their authorized sponsors. Passes will be valid 24 hours a day and must be requested from the Spanish Security Headquarters via the U.S. Security Department at least TWO (2) working days in advance. These passes may be renewed in special and duly justified cases and require the presentation of a "Guest Permit", duly approved by the NAVSTA Executive Officer, if the guest is to stay in government owned quarters in base housing. Exception-ally, dependents whose sponsors are away from Spain on official duty, are authorized (in this particular case only) to apply for a temporary base pass for their visiting relatives. One copy of the sponsor's TAD orders and appropriate "Guest Permit" will be attached to the pass request.

 

                  b. A ONE TIME, NON-RENEWABLE temporary base pass not to exceed THIRTY (30) days in a twelve months period may also be requested for visiting friends of any nationality. Sponsors requesting passes for visitors staying in government quarters in base housing must present a "Guest Permit" approved by the Director, Family Housing Department. The number of visitors that can be sponsored in this manner will not exceed TWO at any time and will be accompanied at all times while on base by their respective authorized sponsors. To prevent perpetuation of visitors on base, the same visitor cannot be sponsored by more than one member of the force or the civilian component in any twelve months period. Passes will be valid up to 24 hours/day and must be requested from the Spanish Security Headquarters via the U.S. Security Department at least TWO (2) working days in advance.

 

          Passes for Special Occasions

 

 

 

 

                  a. Sport/Social Events. Prior to inviting off-base personnel to come to the station on a specific date to participate in a sport event (soccer/basket ball game, tennis/golf match or tournament, go-kart race, moto-cross competition, radio controlled airplane race, etc.) whether sponsored by private individuals or authorized clubs/ organizations and/or commands/ departments, it will be required that the sport event and invitation of off-base personnel be first authorized by the Commander of the U.S. Forces. The request, which will contain information as to the nature of the event, location, date, time, duration and a listing in triplicate with the names and ID cards/passport numbers of the attendants, will be presented to the Commander of the U.S. Forces for his consideration and approval. If approved, the Commander of the U.S. Forces will then submit the request to the Commander of the Base, at least FIVE (5) working days in advance, for final approval. Approved guest lists will be forwarded to the control gates to facilitate their access to the base. Also, since visitors cannot stay on base unaccompanied, the names of members of the force and the civilian component in charge of accompanying the guests (one escort per every twenty guests) from/to the control gate and location of the event will also be provided.     

                      This provision is also applicable to individual members of the force and the civilian component who desire to invite off-base personnel (in excess of four persons) to their quarters or a base facility to attend family events such as, birthday parties, weddings, first communions, etc. 

 

                  b. Special Events. Events sponsored by

commands/departments or authorized clubs/organizations to install circus, hold fairs/bazaars, money making activities, etc., where off-base personnel will be invited to enter the station to perform any type of work, set up and run casetas, display items for sale, or get involved in any type of business activity, will require that the event be first authorized by the Commander of the Base at the request of the Commander of the U.S. Forces. Once the event is authorized by the Commander of the Base, requests for base passes for attending personnel may be requested by the sponsoring organization directly from the Spanish Security Headquarters via the U.S. Security Department at least FIVE (5) working days in advance. Passes issued to workers will only be valid to proceed to/from the control gates and the building/area where the event will take place and could, for security reasons, require that they be accompanied by designated personnel of the United States forces. Further, they may be required to produce Spanish Social Security documents when deemed convenient. Second and third country national workers/vendors will be required to produce a Spanish Residency and Work Permit to be allowed on base.

 

          Change of Command Ceremonies. The entry of guests to attend change of command ceremonies will be requested by the Commander of the U.S. Forces directly from the Commander of the Base, sufficiently in advance, for approval. Approved guests lists will be forwarded to the control gates to facilitate their access to the base. These guests are not required to be accompanied while on base.

 

 

 

 

          Penalties. Visitors not accompanied by the authorized sponsors shown in the pass shall be escorted off base and debarred for a minimum of SIX months to ONE year, depending on the case. Similarly, sponsors who either abuse their privileges, provide false information/statement to obtain a base pass, or leave their guests unaccompanied, shall have their visitor's sponsoring privileges automatically suspended for ONE year. Reoccurrence will result in permanent debarment of visitor or permanent suspension of sponsor's privileges, as appropriate.

 

          All base access passes will be prepared by the U.S. Security Department and processed through the Spanish Security Headquarters for review and signature, if appropriate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PERSONS AUTHORIZED ENTRY TO THE BASE BY REASON OF BEING EMBARKED

 

General

 

Vessels

Access will be granted to crew members of vessels of the United States Forces berthed at the Naval Base Rota Piers and to crew members of vessels which do not belong to these Forces, but having been previously authorized by the Spanish Government, are berth or anchored in the Naval Base port or its vicinity.

 

Aircrafts

Access will be granted to crew members of aircrafts of the United States Forces displayed in Spain as authorized by the Agreements, and other aircrafts which are not displayed in Spain nor belong to these Forces but that are at the base with prior authorization from the Spanish government.

 

Third Nationals

 

In the case of third country personnel, prior approval from the Permanent Committee will be required.

 

Issuance of "BNR" and "BNR-Solo Acceso Base/Base Access Only" Stickers

 

The types and quantities of stickers necessary for each ship will be requested in writing from the Spanish Port Services by the U.S. Port Services Department or ship's captain, enclosing the specific additional documentation, as required.

 

Identification Documents for Ship's Personnel

 

Military active duty personnel embarked in any type of U.S. Navy ship must possess a Military Identification Card (DD-Form 2), issued by the Department of Defense of the United States.

 

                  (a) Normally, there will be no Immigration controls exercised over this personnel provided they depart from Spain via the same mean. However, should they depart from Spain via another mean (aircraft), they will be required to produce orders issued by the Department of Defense of the United States.

 

 

 

                  (b) Personnel in this category may access and depart the base by producing a Military Identification Card issued by the Department of Defense of the United States (DD-Form 2), bearing either a ship's sticker or a "BNR" sticker with an expiration date.

 

Civilian personnel employed by the Department of Defense of the United States, assigned to combat or auxiliary ships, and who do not have the consideration of Merchant Marines, will possess a DD-1173 (Uniform Services Identification Card) ID card, or a passport of the United States of America without visa plus Department of Defense orders.

 

Normally, there will be no Immigration controls exercised over this personnel provided they depart from Spain via the same means. However, should they depart from Spain by other means, they will be required to legalize their passports by presenting them together with Department of Defense orders to the Border Control Point at the Air Terminal in order to receive an "Entrada" (Entry) or "Salida" (Exit) stamp.

 

Personnel in this category may access and depart from the base by presenting their DD-1173 ID card with the ship's sticker or BNR sticker with an expiration date. If a DD-1173 is not available, the ship's sticker or BNR sticker with the expiration date will be affixed to his passport and used in conjunction with the orders when entering/leaving the base.

 

Merchant Marines of the United States, and technicians and employees of contractors of the Department of Defense, who are citizens of the United States, and who are at the service of USNS and GAA ships under the Military Sealift Command (MSC), do not have status as members of the civilian component in Spain and are subject to Immigration controls. They are not permitted to go ashore until authorized by the Border Control officer.

 

                  (a) Immigration controls over this personnel may be exercised aboard the ship. The shipping agent or ship's captain, if no shipping agent is available, will present the crew's manifest and their identification documents to the Border Control officer, who after checking them out may authorize their entry into Spanish territory. Approval for entry into Spain will take the form of a stamp which will be entered in the crew manifest.

 

 

 

 

 

                  (b) Should a person in this category be repatriated to the United States, it will be required that his passport be properly stamped by the Border Control officer. This processing will be handled through the Shipping Agent or the ship's captain or U.S. Port Services Office, if no Shipping Agent is available.

 

                  (c) Should a person in this category try to enter the base to board the ship as a crew member, the Shipping Agent, ship's captain or U.S. Port Services Office, as appropriate, will present a written request to the Border Control officer (Air Terminal) for approval. Once approved, the letter will be taken to the control gate commander who will issue a pass to the crew member so that he can enter the base to proceed to the Border Control office and be included in the crew list.

 

                  (d) The Border Control officer may exercise controls over crew members prior to their departure whenever deemed appropriate.

 

                  (e) Third country national crew members may not go ashore without expressed authorization from the Permanent Committee, even if they are in possession of required documents to enter Spanish territory.

 

                  (f) Personnel in this category may access or depart from the base on presentation of their Merchant Marine ID card, Optional Form 55, Department of Defense ID card (DD Form 489) or passport with a "BNR-Solo Acceso/Access Only" sticker with an expiration date. Stickers may be requested in the established manner and include one copy of the crew's manifest properly stamped by the Border Control officer.

 

Crew members of merchant ships belonging to other NATO countries, which are wholly freighted by the Department of Defense of the United States:

 

                  (a) They will require prior authorization from the Permanent Committee to go ashore. If authorization is granted, the steps described in paragraphs 7.2.3. (a), (b), and (c) of this Normal General will be complied with.

 

                 (b) Personnel in this category may enter or depart from the base on presentation of the Merchant Marine ID card of their country with a "BNR-Solo Acceso/Access Only" sticker and an expiration date. Stickers will be requested in the usual manner enclosing one copy of the crew's manifest duly stamped by the Border Control officer.

 

 

          7.2.5. Military or civilian third country nationals embarked in U.S. Navy ships:

 

                  (a) They will require prior expressed authorization from the Permanent Committee to go ashore. If authorization has been granted, a "BNR-Solo Acceso/Access Only" sticker, with an expiration date, will be affixed to their personal identification documents. The request for stickers shall include a copy of the authorization letter from the Permanent Committee.

 

                  (b) Authorization from the Permanent Committee will not be required for midshipmen or foreign military personnel, arriving or departing the base via the ship in which temporarily serving with military orders. In this case, the Commander of the U.S. Forces may request directly from the Commander of the Base, authorization for this personnel to go ashore. The request will contain full names, ranks, nationalities, name of the ship and a statement to the effect that they are crew members of the ship in which they are temporarily serving. The request for "BNR-Solo Acceso/Access Only" stickers shall include a copy of the letter from the Commander of the Base granting authorization to go ashore.

 

                  (c) Personnel in this category planning to disembark on the base to depart from Spain via other means, or those planning to enter the base to embark in U.S. Navy ships, will require prior authorization from the Permanent Committee.

 

Crew members of war ships belonging to other NATO countries, which are in the base port with prior authorization of the Spanish government, will be authorized to enter or depart from the base on presentation of the Military ID card issued by their respective country with a ship's sticker or a "BNR-Solo Acceso/Access Only" sticker with an expiration date. These stickers will be issued by the Spanish Port Services at the request of the ship's captain.

 

Identification Documents for Air Crew Personnel

Crew members of aircrafts displayed in Spain in accordance with the Agreements:

 

                  (a) They will be in possession of a Military Identification Card (DD-Form 2) issued by the Department of Defense of the United States and flight orders, which will be stamped by the Border Control officer. As already provided, they will use the TEI to go on and off Base.

 

 

          7.3.2. Crew members of aircrafts of the United States Forces not displayed in Spain, but which have landed on Base with authorization from the Spanish government:

 

                  (a) They will be in possession of a Military Identification Card (DD-Form 2) and military orders issued by the Department of Defense of the United States. The orders will be presented to the Border Control officer immediately upon their arrival and/or prior to departure to receive the corresponding "Entrada" (Entry) or "Salida" (Exit) stamp.

 

 (b) To enter or depart from base they will require that a copy of their orders (previously stamped by the Border Control officer), be presented to the qualified person to have a "VALIDO BNR" stamp, with an expiration date, entered to it.

 

          Crew members of aircrafts not belonging to the United States Forces but which are on this Base at their service:

 

  (a) Crew members will be in possession of a copy of the Crew Declaration duly signed by the aircraft commander and valid passport. All passports, together with the Crew Declaration must be presented to the Border Control officer to receive the corresponding "Entrada" stamp.

 

  (b) To go off Base, they will need a copy of the Crew Declaration, duly stamped by the Border Control officer, and their passports, also duly stamped.

 

  (c) Crew members attempting to enter the base to take charge of a flight, will present the Crew Declaration signed by the aircraft commander, to the Chief of the control gate who, after checking their documents, will authorize their entry into the base to proceed to the Airport.

 

          Third Country National Crew Members:

 

 (a) Third country national crew members or passengers will not be authorized access to the base without prior authorization from the Permanent Committee. Should a person arrive without the required authorization, even if they are in possession of a passport or documentation authorizing their entry into Spain, they will, once cleared by the Border Control Officer, be escorted off base through a control gate of their choice, and may, if they so desire, wait outside the base until cognizant authorities process the corresponding authorization for them to enter the base. Once clearance is received, the host Department Head will request the corresponding base pass from the Spanish Security Headquarters through the U..S. Security Department in the usual manner. 

 

 

 

PERSONS AUTHORIZED ENTRY TO THE BASE FOR OTHER REASONS

 

General

Persons authorized to enter this base as contemplated in this section are: Other members and civilian employees of the U.S. Armed Forces, employees of the government of the United States of America on official business in Spain, retirees, widows, unaccompanied dependents and their respective dependents.

 

Identification Documents

These persons will hold an access pass issued by the Commander of the Base or Department of Defense orders to other countries, or orders issued by other Departments or Agencies of the U.S. government.

 

Access and Issuance of Documents

Other members of the U.S. Armed Forces, civilian component and dependents thereof, in transit with military orders to another country, will hold a military identification card DD Form 2 (green or pink), DD Form 1173 or passport, plus orders issued by the Department of Defense of the United States. The qualified person will enter a "VALIDO BNR" stamp with an expiration date (maximum of 30 days) on their orders. One copy of the stamped orders together with the bearer's ID card or passport may be used for base entry and exit purposes.

 

Other members of the force, the civilian component and dependents thereof, on leave in Spain. They will have their orders stamped "BNR-SOLO ACCESO/ACCESS ONLY", with an expiration date, by the qualified person, for base entry and exit purposes.  

U.S. military retirees, widows, and unaccompanied dependents may request a base pass for themselves and for their dependents from the Spanish Security Headquarters via the U.S. Security Department TWO (2) working days in advance. The pass will valid 24 hours/day and issued for the duration of their legal stay in Spain (maximum of THREE months, unless expressly extended by the National Police). The person's legal stay in Spain will be verified, at his/her own request, by the Border Police at the Base Air Terminal. To this effect, he/she will present a duly completed copy of enclosure (4), and passport to the Police officer for his review and signature. Once the form is reviewed and signed by the Police officer, the interested person will deliver same to the qualified person at Rota control gate for processing of appropriate base pass through the Security Headquarters. The pass will be valid for the period of time set by the Border Police. Retired personnel with Spanish Residency Permits , residing in the Cadiz Province, will be issued a base pass valid for ONE (1) year or until expiration of the Residency Permit, whichever occurs first. These passes do not authorize bearers to work or perform any type of lucrative activities on the base.  

 

a. When entering the base for the first time, the duty qualified person will issue a pass valid for TWO (2) working days, signed by the Chief of the control gate, during which time enclosure (4), must be processed and the appropriate base pass issued. In case of personnel arriving through the base airport, the duty qualified person will issue and sign the TWO (2) working days pass in the absence of personnel from the Security Headquarters.

 

b. Individuals in this category in possession of a personal pass may also be issued a vehicle pass valid for the same period of time. However, these persons will not be able to leave their vehicles parked on the station past the expiration date shown on the pass. They should be advised that vehicles in this status will be considered abandoned and subject to be towed away and impounded in the Municipal Vehicle Compound at Rota for future pick up by owner upon payment of appropriate towing fees and storing charges. Vehicles displaying foreign plates (non-Spanish) shall not remain on Base over TWO months. Past this time, vehicles will be placed at the disposition of Spanish Customs authorities for a violation of Spanish laws regulating

the Temporary Importation of Motor Vehicles

 

As provided in paragraph 4.3.2.c., of Section I of this Norma General, employees of the government of the United States of America on official business on base or anywhere else in Spain, who are not in possession of orders issued by the Department of Defense (i.e.: Department of State, Education, Agriculture, etc., or other U.S. Government Agencies) do not have the status of members of the civilian component in Spain. However, they will be authorized to enter the base to carry out their official functions or to use the hospital, for which the qualified person will stamp their orders with the "BNR-SOLO ACCESO/BASE ACCESS ONLY" stamp, an a expiration date. Personnel in this category and their dependents will use one copy of the duly stamped orders together with their passports for base entry and/or exit purposes.

 

 

Entry into the base of Department of State personnel who are either permanently or temporarily assigned to the United States Embassy in Madrid or other Consular Agencies in Spain, will be governed under the provisions of Section VI of this Norma General.

In the case of dependent families of members of the force when such members are transferred to duty outside of Spain on unaccompanied assignments, the Commander of the U.S. Forces may issue a new TEI with a duration not to exceed EIGHTEEN months from the time the member of the force changes his status.

Whenever a person or persons appear at the gate requesting emergency access to the hospital, duty personnel at the respective control gate will take down, as soon as possible and causing the least inconvenience, any significant data from the individual which could permit identification at a later time, i.e. name, SSN, car license plate number, etc., these persons may be accompanied by a maximum of two persons.

 

The data taken (one piece of information is sufficient) will be passed to the Duty Petty Officer at the Spanish Security Headquarters who will notify the U.S. Security Department. The U.S. Security Department will proceed to the hospital to obtain additional information regarding the person or persons and the need for the emergency treatment.

This information will be provided as soon as possible to the Spanish Security Headquarters. Should the individual's emergency access to the station be unjustified, he will be debarred from the base for a minimum of SIX months.