Information for Travelers
Everything you need to know about traveling between Authority-protected zones.
⚠ Important: All travelers must possess valid identification and current travel permits to pass through Authority checkpoints. Processing times vary by checkpoint and time of day. Plan accordingly.
Travel Requirements
To travel between protected zones, you must have:
Required Documents
| Document Type |
Required For |
Cost |
Processing Time |
| Identification Card |
All travel |
$850 |
6-8 weeks |
| Travel Permit |
Inter-zone travel |
$450 |
2-4 weeks |
| Medical Clearance |
Varies by destination |
$85-250 |
Same day - 1 week |
| Work Visa |
Employment outside home zone |
$1,200 |
8-12 weeks |
Medical Clearances
Medical clearances may be required depending on your destination:
- New San Diego: Tuberculosis screening required
- Sacramento Enclave: No additional clearance (standard only)
- Omaha Station: No additional clearance required
- Pittsburgh Works: Respiratory function test for industrial zones
- North Ribbon: No additional clearance required
How to Apply for Documents
Identification Cards
Cost: $850 | Processing: 6-8 weeks
Required Materials:
- Birth record or two witnesses with valid ID
- Proof of current residence
- Biometric photo (taken at Authority office)
- Fingerprint scan
Application Process:
- Visit your regional Authority office in person
- Complete application form AR-101
- Submit required materials
- Pay processing fee
- Receive temporary ID (valid for 30 days)
- Permanent ID mailed to registered address
Travel Permits
Cost: $450 | Processing: 2-4 weeks
Required Materials:
- Valid identification card
- Proof of purpose (employment letter, property deed, family documentation)
- Proof of financial means ($500 minimum in authorized account)
- Return travel plan (if applicable)
Application Process:
- Complete online application form AR-205
- Upload required documentation
- Pay processing fee online or at Authority office
- Wait for approval notification (2-4 weeks)
- Pick up permit at designated Authority office
💡 Expedited Processing: Urgent travel permits available for additional $200 fee (3-5 business days). Valid reasons required: medical emergency, employment start date, family emergency.
Work Visas
Cost: $1,200 | Processing: 8-12 weeks
Required Materials:
- Valid identification card
- Job offer letter from employer in destination zone
- Employer verification (employer must be registered with Authority)
- Skills certification or proof of qualifications
- Medical clearance from authorized clinic
- Background check authorization
Checkpoint Procedures
What to expect when passing through Authority checkpoints:
Standard Processing
- Approach Checkpoint: Follow signage, slow to designated speed
- Document Inspection: Present all required documents to officer
- Identity Verification: Officer will verify your identity matches documents
- Purpose Questions: Be prepared to answer questions about travel purpose and duration
- Database Check: Officer will verify documents in Authority database
- Possible Secondary Inspection: Vehicle or baggage inspection if selected
- Approval/Denial: Officer will stamp documents and grant or deny passage
Average Wait Times
| Shift |
Hours |
Traffic Level |
Avg. Wait Time |
| Dawn Shift |
06:00 - 14:00 |
High (60% of daily traffic) |
15-30 minutes |
| Day Shift |
14:00 - 22:00 |
Moderate (30% of daily traffic) |
8-15 minutes |
| Night Shift |
22:00 - 06:00 |
Low (10% of daily traffic) |
5-10 minutes |
Note: Night shift has lower traffic but heightened scrutiny. Expect more detailed questioning and higher chance of secondary inspection.
What to Bring
- All required documents (originals, not copies)
- Proof of purpose (letters, confirmations, etc.)
- Emergency contact information
- Small bills for any fees or tolls
- Water and snacks (checkpoint areas have no amenities)
- Patience - processing times vary
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my documents are expired?
Expired documents will result in denial of passage. You must renew documents before traveling. Renewal applications have the same processing times as new applications.
Can I travel without a travel permit?
No. All inter-zone travel requires a valid travel permit in addition to identification. Attempting to pass a checkpoint without proper documentation will result in detention and possible fines.
What if I lose my documents while traveling?
Report lost documents immediately to the nearest Authority office. You will need to:
- File a loss report (form AR-601)
- Provide two forms of secondary identification if available
- Pay replacement fee ($425 for ID, $225 for permit)
- Wait for emergency replacement (3-5 business days)
Can I use someone else's travel permit?
No. All documents are biometrically linked to the individual. Using another person's documents is identity fraud and carries severe penalties including detention and permanent travel ban.
How do I verify my documents are real?
Use our online verification system. Scan the QR code on your document or enter the document ID manually. If verification fails, contact the issuing office immediately.
What if I'm denied passage?
If your passage is denied, the checkpoint officer will provide a reason. Common reasons include:
- Expired or invalid documents
- Document forgery detected
- Purpose of travel not supported by documentation
- Outstanding warrants or travel restrictions
- Failed medical screening
You may appeal a denial by contacting regional command within 30 days.
Are checkpoints open 24/7?
Yes. All 47 Authority checkpoints operate continuously with three daily shifts. However, staffing and processing speed vary by shift. See wait times above.
Can I bring cargo or goods?
Personal cargo is allowed but subject to inspection. Commercial cargo requires a Commercial Transport Permit ($1,200, 4-6 weeks processing). For detailed cargo and freight regulations, see Cargo & Freight Regulations.
Prohibited items include:
- Weapons without proper authorization
- Hazardous materials without permits
- Contraband (drugs, stolen goods, etc.)
- Unauthorized Authority documents or equipment
What if I have a complaint about checkpoint treatment?
File a formal complaint with regional command:
- Complete complaint form AR-801
- Include checkpoint number, date, time, and officer name if available
- Provide detailed description of incident
- Submit to regional command within 14 days of incident
Safety Tips
⚠ Travel Safety:
- Travel only on designated routes
- Avoid travel through the Scorched Belt at night
- Maintain radio contact when possible
- Register travel plans with checkpoint personnel
- Carry emergency supplies (water, first aid, tools)
- Report any suspicious activity to checkpoint officers
In case of emergency: Review Emergency Procedures & Evacuations for protocols during emergency situations, zone closures, and evacuation orders.
Emergency Contacts
| Region |
Command Center |
Emergency Line |
| New San Diego |
NSD Regional Command |
| Sacramento Enclave |
Central Administration |
| Omaha Station |
Omaha Regional Command |
| Pittsburgh Works |
Pittsburgh Regional Command |
| North Ribbon |
North Ribbon Command |