Travel Reimbursement and Per Diem

Per Diem for Domestic Travel

The word "per diem" means "per day," or "for each day." Per diem is a daily allowance for meal expenses while in travel status that includes an overnight stay. Per diem is not given for same day travel. Per diem supplements the cost of meals. Receipts are not required to receive this per diem allowance. Consult Meal Per Diem Reimbursement for Domestic Travel.

Per diem is based on four six-hour quarters. The traveler is allowed one-fourth of the allowance for each period of six hours or fraction thereof.

Meals Provided

Reduce the amount of the per diem claimed if any meals were provided during travel. For example, if lunch was provided by a conference, subtract the lunch per diem allowance from the total amount submitted for reimbursement. If an employee hosted a business meal, the employee may not claim both reimbursement for the meal and per diem allowance. Consult Meal Per Diem Reimbursement for Domestic Travel.

International Travel Reimbursement/Per Diem

Depending on the internal policies of their unit, international travelers may be reimbursed for lodging expenses using either actual receipts or the U.S. Department of State lodging rates. For meals and incidentals, travelers must use the U.S. Department of State Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE) rates.

Whichever reimbursement method is chosen for lodging must be used for the entire trip.

Actual Receipt Method for Lodging

When traveling internationally, employees may pay for lodging using their TCard or personal funds. Advantages of using the TCard include automatic conversion to U.S. dollars at the point of sale and avoiding employee out-of-pocket lodging expense.

Regardless of the method of payment for lodging, all receipts must be translated into English and submitted as documentation for the expense report. Follow the steps in 8.2.1 Request Reimbursement for Domestic or International Employee Travel and Business Meals.

U.S. Department of State Per Diem Method

The U.S. Department of State foreign per diem rates for lodging are separate from the rates for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). Per diem for days of departure and return is calculated on the quarter method.

Lodging Rates

The maximum lodging amount is intended to substantially cover the cost of lodging at adequate, suitable, and moderately priced facilities.

Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE) Rates—These charges include meals and the following incidentals:

• Personal use of room and bath during daytime
• Fees
• Telephone calls to reserve hotel accommodations, make business inquiries such as status of salary, expense vouchers, and advance of funds
• Laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing of clothing
• Fans, air conditioning, heating, radio, or television in rooms
• Transportation between place of lodging or business and places off site to obtain meals, when they are not obtainable within the immediate vicinity

Other expenses not included in the M&IE rates may be reimbursed using the actual receipt method.

Meals Provided

Reduce the amount of the M&IE foreign per diem being claimed if the employee was provided any meals during travel, including meals at a conference or on board an airplane, train, or ship:

• Breakfast—deduct 15%
• Lunch—deduct 25%
• Dinner—deduct 40%

If an employee hosts a business meal, the employee may not claim reimbursement for both the meal and the per diem allowance. Consult Meal Per Diem Reimbursement for Domestic Travel.

Related Policies and Procedures

8.1.1 Business Meals, Refreshments, and Alcohol

8.2.1 Request Reimbursement for Domestic or International Employee Travel and Business Meals

15.1.3 Make Travel Arrangements

15.4.4 Determine Approved Use of Department and Motor Pool Vehicles

Additional Resources

Business Travel

Domestic Travel

Hotels and Lodging

Meal Per Diem Reimbursement for Domestic Travel

U.S. Department of State Foreign Per Diem Rates

First Published: September 2012 | Last Updated: May 2024 | Last Reviewed: May 2024