Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton > Base Access

MCB Camp Pendleton

Complete the Sponsored Visitor Roster, digitally sign it with your CAC and submit the roster from an approved domain (.mil) at least four (4) business days (Mon-Fri) in advance to: mcbcampensponsoredvisitor@usmc.mil. Do not alter the roster in any way or convert it to PDF. If you do not have a .mil email call the Visitor Center for options.

If you are Active Duty and reside on base and your visitaor is your grandparent, parent, or sibling, (or that of your spouse), you may request a Visitor Pass for up to one year.

Direct your visitors to report to the Camp Pendleton Visitor Center (Bldg. 20255T) to obtain a DBIDS pass/credential. Visitors processed at the Visitor Center will have their identity proofed, be subject to a criminal history check, they will be photographed and digitally fingerprinted. Visitors who are driving are required to show a valid driver's license, state registration, and proof of insurance. Wait times may be lengthy.

Per MCO 5530.13, identification cards marked not valid for federal purposes, federal limits may apply, or any other similar language may not be accepted by DoD for the purpose of unescorted access (i.e. to obtain a Visitor Pass or DBIDS Credential).

Sponsors can avoid the Visitor Center process entirely by meeting their visitor at the gate and escorting them in person.

The Camp Pendleton Visitor Center

Camp Pendleton Visitor Center (Building 20255T) - Temporarily closed until further notice :

Mission essential visitor center services will be provided by base access control at building 41501T, adjacent to the Las Pulgas Gate. Extended wait times may be experienced.

Hours of operation for Building 41501T:

Monday through Thursday: 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: Closed

The Visitor Center is located in Bldg. 20255T, adjacent to the Main Gate near Interstate 5. (See Map) The Center is intended to process visitors who have been pre-sponsored by base personnel. Those visitors who have not been pre-sponsored should expect long delays or should arrange to have their sponsor meet them at the gate.

Business hours are:

(Mon - Fri). - 7:30am - 3:30pm

Phone: (760) 763-8435

NOTE: The "Trusted Traveler" program is still in effect.

Gates and Hours:

Main Gate: 24 hours
San Luis Rey: 24 hours
Del Mar: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
San Onofre: 24 Hours
Cristianitos: 24 Hours
Las Pulgas: 24 Hours (Outbound traffic closed Monday - Friday 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.)

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• What is the Sponsored Visitor Program?

The MCB CAMPEN Sponsored Visitor Program enables authorized sponsors to submit a Sponsored Visitor Request Roster/Form to the Provost Marshal's Office (PMO) and sponsor visitors for up to 60 days. Unescorted sponsored visitors are required to obtain a DBIDS pass/credential from the Visitor Center.

• What is sponsorship and who can act as a sponsor?

Sponsorship is the act of identifying a visitor and verifying that the visitor is personally or professionally known to the sponsor and has a valid purpose for entering MCB CAMPEN. Sponsors are responsible for their visitors.

Visitors who do not have a DBIDS credential/pass (e.g. sponsored in person under Trusted Traveler) must be accompanied by their sponsor at all times while aboard MCB CamPen.

Visitors who are in possession of a valid DBIDS credential/pass are authorized unescorted access.
If a visitor violates MCB CAMPEN orders or regulations, the individual who sponsored the visitor may lose sponsorship privileges either temporarily or permanently.

A sponsor is a person listed below, who invites a visitor to come aboard MCB CAMPEN as a visitor for either personal reasons or as part of their official duties. Sponsors must be 18 years of age or older.
1. Military personnel who possess a CAC.

2. Members of the reserve components who possess a CAC or Uniformed Services Identification Card (USID).

3. Retired military personnel in possession of a USID.

4. Honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces with a 100% service connected disability who possess a USID card.

5. Adult family members of 1-4 above and who possess a USID.

6. U.S. government employees (APF and NAF) who possess a CAC.

7. Adult base housing residents who possess a DBIDS credential.

8. Employees of PPV Housing Partners who reside on base and possess a DBIDS credential.

Note: Sponsors cannot grant their visitor any base privileges. Regulations allow sponsors to have visitors onboard MCB CAMPEN; however, they may only do so to engage in activities they are authorized to use at the time of the sponsorship.

• Who is considered a visitor under the Sponsored Visitor Program?

A visitor is a person who does not possess a CAC, DoD Uniformed Services Identification and Privileges Card, or U.S. Government issued authenticated Federal PIV credentials. Visitors may not subsequently sponsor anyone.

Non-U.S. Citizens who are not Permanent Residents of the U.S. may not be processed via the Sponsored Visitor Program. They are not eligible for unescorted access and must be escorted in person by a DoD Affiliate.

• What gates may sponsored visitors use?

Sponsored visitors may access Camp Pendleton through the San Luis Rey, Main, Del Mar, Las Pulgas, Cristianitos and the San Onofre gates only. MCB CAMPEN visitors are prohibited from accessing the NWS Fallbrook gate.

• What happens if a sponsor does not complete the registration process before their visitor arrives at the installation?

• Sponsors who do not properly complete the registration process must pick-up their visitors at a Camp Pendleton gate before the visitor will be allowed on the installation. Delayed submissions will result in visitors being turned away at the gate or the sponsor being required to meet their visitor at a MCB CAMPEN gate.