You do not have to report unofficial foreign travel to the Security Office.
Military personnel must disclose all foreign contacts during the security clearance process. Even casual or distant relationships can prompt deeper investigations. If service members fail to report or attempt to hide these contacts, they risk denial or revocation of their security clearance.
Individuals to whom these regulations apply must use Form DS-1887, Foreign Contact Report (available on MyData), to report all contacts for which reports are required. If the official duty station is a U.S. mission or post abroad, the report must be submitted to either the RSO or PSO.
If you have a clearance, you should report any foreign travel. If you have access to sensitive compartmented information (SCI) or special access programs (SAP), this is a requirement.
Alcohol abuse. Illegal use or misuse of drugs or drug activity. Apparent or suspected mental health issues where there is a reason to believe it may impact the covered individual's ability to protect classified information or other information specifically prohibited by law from disclosure. Criminal conduct.
How can I prepare for the security clearance process? Track where you travel—Extensive travel outside of the United States can lengthen the security clearance process. You must report all travel outside the U.S. unless travel was required for U.S. government business.
How Employees Report. When a cleared employee plans to travel abroad, they need to email their FSO at least 10 business days before they leave. Some companies may require notice further out from the planned travel. This email should include where they're traveling to and the dates they'll be there.
The entire process takes, on average, 9-12 months and having a security clearance already may not speed up the process. You can only start the process after you receive a conditional offer. You will need to complete SF-86. Once you submit the SF-86, the security team will review it and contact you for more information.
Submitting an SF-86 Every Five Years For cleared candidates, submitting the new form is an opportunity to update address, employment, and other details.