Use moving resources through www.militaryonesource.mil

Download your gaining installation’s mobile app for updates and information (if applicable)

Ensure you obtain correct paperwork for entry into the U.K.

Military members require NATO orders

Military dependents (U.S. citizens) require a U.S. no-fee passport and must be on orders

DoD civilians/contractors and their dependents require an Entry Clearance visa/vignette in U.S. passports and must be on orders

DoD civilians/contractors collect Biometric Residence permit within required timeframe

Sign up for an APO box through the on-base Post Office, if your sponsor has not already done so

Obtain a tourist passport for travel outside of England prior to arrival in the U.K.

Ensure you have a valid driver’s license before arriving to the U.K.

Contact installation’s veterinarian office if traveling with pets

Contact the School Liaison Office for help registering  children for DoDEA schools

Connect with Child and Youth Services  for a pen pal through the youth sponsorship program

Report to unit and Military Personnel Section on first duty day after arrival

Visit Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) for relocation assistance

Schedule and attend in-processing and newcomers’ briefings

Register with Pass and Registration installation access system, if this hasn’t happened automatically

Enroll in TRICARE Overseas and complete medical in-processing

Purchase pay-as-you-go SIM card for cell phone or sign up for new mobile contract (check for military clause and local network coverage)

Dependents who are U.S. citizens are encouraged to apply for a no-fee exemption vignette if wanting to work off-base, use off-base schools or for ease of entry back into the U.K. if traveling without their spouse

Establish pounds sterling account or bill pay option with local on- or off-base bank

Clarify any charges payable on the account and frequently asked questions

Determine entitlements with Finance Office

Contact U.S. banks to transfer funds as needed

Obtain a ration card from your unit or Military Personnel Section

Consider a housing advance to help pay for off-base housing deposit

Visit A&FRC for financial assistance

Contact U.S. banks to close accounts, as needed

Schedule and study for driver’s exam as soon as possible after arrival

Pass driving exam and obtain your Driving/Fuel permit (USAFE Form 435)

Get a rental car (if desired) to get around while in-processing

Show rental agreement and PCS orders to get fuel

Study the official Highway Code online at www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code

Pick up a copy of the Stripes Road Guide

If driving from Europe, register for customs clearance at Pass and Registration

If buying a car, ensure it has a valid Ministry of Transportation (MOT) vehicle inspection test and V5 registration form. For used vehicles, visit www.gov.uk/checks-when-buying-a-used-car

Purchase road tax (www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax) and U.K. insurance

If you have shipped a U.S.-spec vehicle, ensure a registration/license plate is on the vehicle or it cannot be driven

Book and complete the MOT test for vehicles over 3 years old or Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) for vehicles under 3 years old for the day you pick up your vehicle

Complete light conversions (if applicable) within 30 days of arrival

Register all vehicles through Pass and Registration once inspection is passed

All vehicles must be registered within 30 days from pick up

Enroll in fuel card program

Obtain international license for driving in mainland Europe

Apply for Housing on HEAT (homes.mil), economy or base

Previously inspected economy houses are listed as RPP on https://www.homes.mil

Contact the Housing Office upon arrival (two business days is recommended). The RAF Lakenheath Housing Office contact number is DSN 226-2101 or +44 (0)1638 522101

Schedule appointments to tour homes. View at least two houses within the first ten days of arrival

Ensure Housing Office inspects property and reviews contract before signing

Coordinate Furnishings Management delivery (temp furnishings) in conjunction with lease start date (ask for next delivery date)

Claim Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) every 10 days and Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) at the start of lease

Please read all contracts carefully; if assistance is needed contact Housing and/or legal office

Highly recommended to purchase liability and renter’s insurance

Contact your installation’s Furnishings Management Office, A&FRC loan locker, browse thrift stores, charity shops, car boot sales, flea markets and local stores for household items

Add U.K. emergency numbers to cell phone: 999 is the official emergency number

The European Union’s 112 is currently accepted for general emergencies (police, ambulance and fire)

If there’s an emergency on base, always call the on-base-emergency services as they will respond quicker 

Connect with local medical providers

Have vaccination records, transcripts, PCS orders, passports and birth certificates readily available

Contact Enrollment Office to begin application process for DoDEA-Europe. You can also download forms from the website and fill out ahead of time at https://www.dodea.edu/registration-process.cfm

Contact School Liaison Officer (SLO) for information about British schooling, home schooling and early education childcare off-base

Visit installation child care facilities to apply and get on waitlist. Register through www.militarychildcare.com

Ensure vaccinations are current and schedule wellness exams

Register pet at RAF Feltwell within 30 days of arrival or getting pet

Find off-installation vet clinic that provides emergency care

Understand and adhere to U.K. pet laws www.gov.uk/guidance/animal-welfare-legislation-protecting-pets Consider purchasing pet insurance (including liability)

Ensure pet has international microchip—if pet was imported their current microchip is sufficient

 Get updated ID tags with local contact information

Find a boarding center or pet sitter

Use monthly worming, flea and tick preventive medication

Maintain annual rabies vaccinations during overseas tour to ensure preparation for outbound PCS. U.K. Veterinary Clinics offer rabies vaccines only by appointment as U.K. is a rabies free country

Note: The on-base Veterinary Clinic can provide health certificates for a PCS back to the States

Create a USAJobs.gov account and update resume

Visit Education Center to learn about course offerings

Contact A&FRC for volunteer, employment assistance and work-study opportunities

Sign up through FVAP.gov to vote in elections back home

Pay attention to and respect local customs and traditions

Program important numbers into your cell phone

Start recycling according to local requirements

Get to know your neighbors and blend in with the locals

Join spouses’ clubs or other activities

Contact a Military & Family Life Counselor (MFLC) to help you through any difficulties and cope with extra stress

For any off-base concerns or interests, such as community complaints or getting involved with the locals, contact the Community Relations Adviser for assistance

Plan trips to explore Europe with the help of StripesEurope.com

Pick up the bi-annual Stripes Europe Magazine