What are Invitational Travel Orders (ITO)?
Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR), Volume 1, chapter U5246, authorizes two relatives of a Seriously Ill/Very Seriously Ill (SI/VSI) patient to travel to and from the hospital at government expense when certain administrative requirements are met by the military medical treatment facility (MMTF) and the appropriate personnel or casualty affairs office. The patient’s physician uses SI/VSI criteria to decide who is eligible for ITOs. ITOs for family members of OIF/OEF patients will cover the cost of travel, lodging, and per diem for a pre-determined period of time. Typically, ITOs are not open-ended although extensions are possible on a case-by-case basis. The Casualty Affairs Office, located within the MEDFAC, will be able to assist with extensions. For family members of patients who are not OIF/OEF, ITOs will only cover travel costs. The MEDFAC has no role in determining who is eligible and who receives ITOs. MEDFAC staff is available to assist family members with getting answers t
