The 41 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) chapters 300-304, of the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) administer the laws that govern the travel allowances and entitlements for federal employees. It implements provisions and statutes pertaining to per diem, travel and transportation allowances. Amendments to the FTR are published in the Federal Register and the CFR. The FTR has the force and effect of law.
Training specific to these travel regulations is available from General Services Administration (GSA) and other federal training centers. Each federal agency may have their own travel policy that includes regulations, procedures and business practices unique to their agency. The Federal Travel Regulations take precedence over agency-specific policy.
Federal employees on official travel are limited in the types and amounts of expenses that can be reimbursed. The FTR provides adequately for expenses incurred while on official government business. Prior to traveling for the government employees are encouraged to learn all of the guidelines pertaining to official government travel. The FTR is available online at www.gsa.gov/ftr. They are also presented in a question and answer format to provide additional guidance in assisting travelers.
An employee traveling on official business is expected to maintain the same care in incurring expenses that a prudent person would if traveling on personal business. Excess costs, indirect routes, luxury accommodations, and unnecessary or unjustified additional expenses while on official business are not reimbursable under the FTR. Employees are responsible for all excess costs and additional expenses incurred due to personal preference or convenience.
Once you learn the rules and regulations of government travel, you will find it easy to accomplish your agency’s mission and goals.
By: Kathy Runion
The contents of this message are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the Government or my agency.