VA Form 10-5504: Foreign Travel Request Briefing Slip

VA Form 10-5504: Foreign Travel Request Briefing Slip – VA Form 10-5504, known as the Foreign Travel Request – Briefing Slip, is a key document used by Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center staff and employees for requesting approval and support for official foreign travel. This comprehensive guide explains its purpose, how to complete it, and important updates to VA’s foreign travel policies.

What Is VA Form 10-5504?

VA Form 10-5504 is a Foreign Travel Request – Briefing Slip designed for VA personnel, particularly in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities. It serves as a briefing and justification document for proposed official travel abroad, capturing traveler details, trip purpose, justification, requested support, and prior foreign travel history.

The form helps ensure compliance with VA policies on international travel, including security, financial accountability, and mission alignment with VA objectives.

Purpose of the Foreign Travel Request Briefing Slip

The primary purposes of VA Form 10-5504 include:

  • Documenting the traveler’s details and assignment.
  • Outlining destinations, meeting dates, and purpose (e.g., attendance, presenting papers).
  • Providing justification for attendance and benefits to the VA.
  • Requesting specific VA support such as authorized absence, transportation, per diem, or registration fees.
  • Disclosing any non-VA support and prior official foreign travel.
  • Facilitating review and approval by VA Central Office (VACO) panels.

Who Needs to Use VA Form 10-5504?

This form is primarily for:

  • VA medical center employees and VHA staff planning official foreign travel.
  • Personnel seeking VA funding or authorization for international conferences, meetings, or visits.
  • Travelers required to submit briefing information as part of the approval process.

Note: Veterans seeking personal travel reimbursement or Foreign Medical Program (FMP) benefits use different processes and forms.

How to Download VA Form 10-5504?

Download VA Form 10-5504 (PDF)

The form is a fillable PDF revised in February 2007. Always verify the latest version on the official VA Forms website.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing VA Form 10-5504

  1. Header Information: Enter the name of the medical center and date of request.
  2. Traveler Details (Blocks 3-5): Provide name, title/assignment, full-time equivalent, and service/compensation date.
  3. Trip Details (Block 6): List destinations, dates (excluding travel time), and purpose.
  4. Justification (Block 7): Explain benefits to VA and necessity.
  5. Support Requested (Block 8): Detail authorized absence, transportation, per diem, etc., with amounts and funding source.
  6. Non-VA Support (Block 10): Disclose any external support and attach VA Form 10-0101B if applicable.
  7. Prior Travel (Block 11): List official foreign travel from the prior 2 years on the reverse side.

Submit through appropriate channels for VACO review and panel approval.

Current VA Foreign Travel Procedures (Important Updates)

While VA Form 10-5504 remains available, VA has modernized its foreign travel process:

  • Use the Foreign Travel Portal to initiate requests at least 60 days in advance (90 days if visas or telework involved).
  • Submit VA Form 0900 (Foreign Travel Country Clearance Application) for approvals.
  • Coordinate with VA Financial Services Center (FSC) and relevant approving officials.

Always check the latest policy in VA Financial Policy – Chapter 06 International Travel.

Required Supporting Documents and Compliance

Common requirements for foreign travel approval:

  • Country clearance documentation.
  • Security and antiterrorism briefings.
  • Visa and passport requirements.
  • Travel authorization in VA systems.
  • Post-travel reporting and reimbursement claims.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is VA Form 10-5504 still required?

It serves as a briefing slip in legacy or specific VHA contexts, but the Foreign Travel Portal and VA Form 0900 are the primary tools for current requests.

Where do I submit the completed form?

Through your medical center channels to the DM&S Foreign Travel and Extended Leave Panel or via the Foreign Travel Portal.

Can veterans use this form for personal travel?

No. This form is for official VA employee travel. Veterans should refer to beneficiary travel or Foreign Medical Program resources.

Additional Resources

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not official legal or policy advice. Always consult your VA facility’s travel coordinator or the latest official VA directives for compliance.