U.S. General Services Administration
Per diem rates
Federal Travel Regulation Guidance
In response to the current events, the Acting Administrator is temporarily waiving certain provisions of the FTR to ensure maximum flexibility and support for all personnel engaged in official emergency response travel and relocation.
- Actual Subsistence Expenses Authorized: Authorization for the reimbursement of actual and necessary subsistence expenses (meals and incidentals) is approved. This overrides standard fixed per diem rates for meals and incidentals. Travelers must maintain detailed receipts for all expenses. Agency approving officials must still determine if expenses are reasonable and justified given the emergency circumstances.
- Per Diem Rate Waivers (Lodging): The standard maximum per diem rate for lodging is temporarily waived. Agencies are authorized to reimburse the actual cost of lodging, provided a good-faith effort was made to secure reasonable accommodations and the expense is supported by a receipt. Justification for costs exceeding the standard locality rate should be documented by the traveler and reviewed by the Approving Official.
- Relocation Actuals: For personnel authorized for emergency relocation, the standard fixed rate limits are waived in favor of actual and necessary expenses, following the same justification and documentation requirements as above.
We establish the per diem rates that federal agencies use to reimburse their employees for lodging and meals and incidental expenses incurred while on official travel within the continental United States. A standard rate applies to most of CONUS. Individual rates apply to about 300 non-standard areas. Most NSAs are a key city/primary destination and the surrounding county. Rates for the coming federal government fiscal year are typically announced in mid-August. Search the rates below or refer to the flat files, API, or trip calculator.