PCSING TO GERMANY | STEP BY STEP

[@AshleyVering]

***Please keep in mind that we PCSed to Germany with the Army in July of 2020. Information may be different for other branches. I will do my best to update this information as often as needed so check the description box for new info! If you have specific questions for me, feel free to reach out via Instagram @ashleyvering or email at [e-mail].

[@raynajay8567]

I was just told today my husband and I are moving to Germany!! I’m excited but nervous.

[@AshleyVering]

That’s awesome! I was nervous too, but it’s a once in a lifetime experience ☺️ once you get here it’ll be so worth the nerves!

[@kaitlyncarpenter6196]

We are pcsing with Army to Vilseck in two weeks! I love watching your videos. Your info is so helpful!

[@AshleyVering]

That’s so exciting! Let me know if you need anything 😊

[@angeladeniselee]

Amazing information thank you. Helped a lot for my move to Germany.

[@kldovalina]

PCSing to Germany soon! So nervous lol 🥲 this video definitely helped me!!

[@AshleyVering]

Don’t be nervous! It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity! I’m so excited for you! ☺️

[@Bluespira]

I know you made this in "covid times," but thanks for making it, we are headed to Germany in less than three months, and I thought that was short notice. I can't imagine only having 9 days, omg..!

[@AshleyVering]

How exciting! Please let me know if you need anything! 😊

[@jennifertylorcaneda5318]

Girl your skin is so perfect! So beautiful! Thank you for sharing this information! My husband should be getting his orders in 2-3 weeks! Can’t wait to find out where and so happy that I have some info on the process even if it will be different since we could be moving anywhere. 💕

[@AshleyVering]

You are so kind!! How exciting! I hope y’all get somewhere you love! ☺️

[@karsonoffutt8985]

Thank you for the information! Hope you’re both enjoying Germany.

[@AshleyVering]

Thank you! ☺️

[@arielleryder4782]

We’re in carson right now! We just got orders to Germany!

[@AshleyVering]

Awesome! I hope y’all are excited ☺️

[@kristenbrainard4578]

Same here!

[@melissak2463]

Thank you so much for posting this! It really helps me gather my thoughts for such a big move. How much would you recommend saving for this type of PCS for a couple with no kids or pets?

[@AshleyVering]

Of course! Savings would depend on if you plan on buying a second car when you get here, how long your PCS leave is, and what things you plan on buying here. It’s always good to save up more than you plan on using, but your specific amount would depend on your family personally. The Army paid for our flights, hotels, HHG shipment, and POV shipment so we did not plan on spending a large amount all at once. We knew we would be purchasing a second car so we saved up enough for a down payment. We also paid out of pocket for hotels and got reimbursed. The majority of our expenses for the first month were fans, food, a TV, and other things we bought to accommodate us until our HHG arrives. I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any additional questions! 😄

[@melissak2463]

Ashley Vering Thank you so much for being willing to answer questions as I’m sure I’ll have plenty more as we get closer to our move date 😅 This helped a lot!

[@katef6775]

Will you do a video on the clothes and shoes you recommend for those moving to Germany?

[@AshleyVering]

Absolutely!

[@alxluvs2sk8]

We are headed to Germany in 6 months with 3 little ones

[@AshleyVering]

How exciting!

[@alxluvs2sk8]

@@AshleyVering I'm ready to see where this adventure takes us . this will be our first move overseas. The most my husband has ever been to Germany was at the airport.

[@Epione-od5xy]

So did you have to buy your own ticket to Germany? Did you guys get to fly together? Thanks!

[@AshleyVering]

We did not have to buy our own tickets because it was on orders! If you have amended orders, the travel office will book your tickets for you! Yes, we flew together!

[@Rubbymoran]

Great video! thank you for the information. We are PCSing to Germany during covid as well and its a little confusing/frustrating to say the least. Do you know how long the EFMP screening usually takes? I got a clean bill of health at my physical with no pre existing health conditions so I'm hoping it moves quickly. Also on the no fee passport - would I have to apply on base to have them forward it to Germany? We only have about 7 weeks to get this done so I know it will not arrive before we leave. thank you! :)

[@AshleyVering]

The EFMP screening timeline probably depends on where you are currently stationed and where exactly you will be going. From Ft Carson to Ansbach, it did not take long. Maybe a week and a half, but I heard it can take around 6 weeks! It really depends on how early you get it done. I had to have mine done in a matter of a couple weeks so it was rushed. The woman I worked with said Germany is usually on top of them and shouldn’t take long. I would ask the person who does your actual screening. They will have a more accurate timeline for you! Yes, you will definitely have to apply for the no-fee on post. There should be a specific office where you are that handles it. When I went there was no wait so it shouldn’t take long to apply. Just make sure you have all the documents needed and the agent will be able get all the paperwork done in a matter of minutes! Once they receive it at their office where you are currently stationed, you will need to go to the office in Germany and have them contact your previous office to have them send it over. Let me know if you have any other questions! I’ll do my best to help ☺️

[@Rubbymoran]

Ashley Vering thank you for replying! I actually don’t live on base since this is my husbands first time going active duty so it’s been interesting to say the least! As far as the timeline for the EFMP screening, he’s actually due to report on Nov 2, would I have to ask the person helping me to rush the screening? Or do they just know? Sorry for all the questions lol but I appreciate any insight on your process through it. Thank you!!

[@AshleyVering]

Omg no, ask as many questions as you need!! I have been in your shoes so I totally understand! ☺️ Do you have a base close to you that you can go to? I’m not sure how everything works if you are doing paperwork long distance. They will know your report date. They will ask a bunch of questions about where you’re going and when you’ll be there so they should know how long it will take.

[@emilysp1959]

I have a question how can you get the no fee passport sent to the office in Germany ? I don’t think I’ll have enough time to get it before I leave

[@Rubbymoran]

@@emilysp1959 so the passport office that I applied to told me that once I get to Germany that I needed to contact them and send them my address. They would then ship it to me once they received it. Luckily mine came before I left but if you leave before it comes you would contact them when you have set up your APO address.

[@shanquezeslifestyle2554]

My husband already there ! My son been cleared but I wasn’t because they said I didn’t put something on the paperwork from my medical records that I was diagnosed with. I have no clue what they want me to put in there. I only have PCOS. Do I put that ?

[@AshleyVering]

Your doctor should have provided all of that information to the EFMP office if you've been diagnosed. They are just making sure that when you get overseas that they will be able to take care of you if needed!

[@katieficek6227]

Hello! I have a question. So you mentioned that you didn't get your no fee passport in the states, it will be sent to your office there? Am I understanding correctly? We just received our orders for a report by date of late march and we have an appointment with the passport office on Monday. So were you able to leave before you got your passport? I am kind of stressing about this because I know it takes 5ever to get a passport sent to you. Thanks :)

[@AshleyVering]

Hi! I was only able to leave without my no-fee because I already had a tourist passport! If you do not have a tourist passport, they will not allow you travel!

[@DrewandPang]

Can you explain how you got your no-fee passport after you left? Because I’m not sure how to get one or if it would come in on time

[@AshleyVering]

We applied for one before we left, but we’re only able to leave because I had a tourist passport already. They made a new rule recently that you can’t come unless you have your no-fee passport or a memo stating you’ve applied for one! Your post’s passport office should give you all information on how to get everything submitted correctly so it will hopefully come in on time 😊

[@pepetrueno6377]

you must be to know at LAURA from WHAT LAURA LIKES she recently move to GERMANY FROM USA her husband its FROM ARMY OF USA MARINE and she its a KZbinR TOO you must to know about her LAURA LIKES

[@izzyjasso6029]

What service plan you suggest while being stationed in Germany

[@AshleyVering]

If you mean cell phone service, we got Telekom! There weren't many options for us on post. I have heard that there are better options off post.

[@samjohnson2801]

Do you have to get the efmp screening if your not already efmp

[@AshleyVering]

Yes!

[@nickgurlpa]

I don't have Instagram, can I contact you another way, I have tons of questions. Thank you😊

[@AshleyVering]

You could email me [e-mail]!

[@javierresto6649]

How was the process for the POV shipment?

[@AshleyVering]

Very smooth! Visit www.pcsmypov.com for everything you need to know 😊

[@ericaclark1452]

Do you have to get a different license?

[@AshleyVering]

Yes!

[@ericaclark1452]

Ashley Vering how was that? What exactly did you need to do?

[@AshleyVering]

You will need a valid US license. Then, you will need to take the German drivers course. Mine was on JKO online because of COVID. My husband had to approve my account through his military email. After you take the test, you have to wait 48hrs to go into the office. There they will need your US license, ID Card and a check for the fee. Mine was $20, but it might differ depending on where you will be stationed! I found all of my step by step info on our Garrison website, but let me know if you need any help! ☺️

[@peter_meyer]

Erica, that depends on where you did your driver's license in the US. Some states have agreements with Germany, so your american license can be converted to a german license without a hassle or just a short driving and theoretical test. Others don't so you will have to do a full german driver's license course and test, which is pretty expensive (expect to pay up to 2500 €!). I'm not sure if you can just go for an international driver's license and then convert this one to a german one. You are allowed to drive with your american license for the first six months of your stay. Edit: if you don't approve your license within the first six months, you might have to take the full german driver's license course and test! edit 2: Best info i could find: www.amcham.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Services/Drivers-License/Drivers-License-Information.pdf and de.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/living-in-germany/driving-in-germany/ Enjoy your stay and TRAVEL!

[@AshleyVering]

Things are a bit different for US Military stationed in Germany rather than if you are a civilian moving here. Erica, as stated previously I would look into your duty stations instructions if you are moving here with the military. If not with the military, Peter’s information should help.