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Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026

Do U.S. soldiers need clearance to visit Ciudad Juárez?

Brandy Ruiz, El Paso Matters
yes

Military commanders may declare establishments or geographic areas off-limits to service members for off-duty or personal travel for safety and security reasons under federal regulations governing Armed Forces disciplinary control. 

Service members may be required to obtain travel clearances, and complete security briefings when traveling internationally, particularly to higher-risk areas, according to the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Program.

These clearances involve approval from military and U.S. government authorities.

Policies on travel to Ciudad Juárez in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, across the border from El Paso, Texas, are set by local commanders, such as those at Fort Bliss, and can change based on security conditions. 

As of April 2026, Chihuahua and parts of Juárez are prohibited for travel for DoD personnel, according to  Fort Bliss in an email to El Paso Matters. Exceptions for official business or limited personal reasons, such as visiting family, can be made.

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