Travel Policies & Memos

Basics

Management Directive 230.10, Commonwealth Travel Policy establishes policy, responsibilities, and procedures for the commonwealth’s travel program. It applies to all departments, boards, commissions, and councils under the governor's jurisdiction and other agencies subject to Section 216 of the Administrative Code that have not been exempted by the Executive Board. This includes board members, commissioners, and any other individuals reimbursed for official commonwealth travel.

Manual 230.1, Commonwealth Travel Procedures Manual is issued as a companion to and is based on the policy set forth in Management Directive 230.10. It is designed to assist commonwealth travelers in making informed and cost effective travel decisions.

Commonwealth travelers will receive reimbursement of actual expenses incurred within prescribed maximums. Expense reports must be submitted within 60 days of travel. Receipts are required for all expenses.

Out-of-State Travel

Currently, there are restrictions on out-of-state travel. If you plan to travel outside Pennsylvania, you may first need to obtain Governor’s Office approval prior to booking your travel. Be sure to see our Out-of-State Travel page for special considerations and requirements before booking.

Gift Ban

Executive Order 2015-01, Executive Branch Employee Gift Ban (PDF), issued January 20, 2015, has generated many questions about the ability of agencies to pay for meal and refreshment expenses that must now be incurred by employees who attend business events. The Office of Administration offers guidance and FAQs on this subject at http://www.hrm.oa.pa.gov/Pages/gift-ban.aspx. The Office of the Budget has issued a comptroller memo outlining procedures for documenting an agency’s approval to prepay or reimburse qualifying business event expenses using Form STD-194, Business Event Expense Approval.