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The United States has been party to multilateral and bilateral agreements addressing the status of
U.S. armed forces while present in a foreign country. These agreements, commonly referred to as
Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs), generally establish the framework under which U.S.
military personnel operate in a foreign country, addressing how the domestic laws of the foreign
jurisdiction shall be applied toward U.S. personnel while in that country.
Formal requirements concerning form, content, length, or title of a SOFA do not exist. A SOFA
may be written for a specific purpose or activity, or it may anticipate a longer-term relationship
and provide for maximum flexibility and applicability. It is generally a stand-alone document
concluded as an executive agreement. A SOFA may include many provisions, but the most
common issue addressed is which country may exercise criminal jurisdiction over U.S. personnel.
Other provisions that may be found in a SOFA include, but are not limited to, the wearing of
uniforms, taxes and fees, carrying of weapons, use of radio frequencies, licenses, and customs
regulations.
SOFAs are often included, along with other types of military agreements, as part of a
comprehensive security arrangement with a particular country. A SOFA itself does not constitute a
security arrangement; rather, it establishes the rights and privileges of U.S. personnel present in a
country in support of the larger security arrangement. SOFAs may be entered based on authority
found in previous treaties and congressional actions or as sole executive agreements.
The United States is currently party to more than 100 agreements that may be considered SOFAs.
A list of current agreements included at the end of this report is categorized in tables according to
the underlying source of authority, if any, for each of the SOFAs.

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Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Multilateral vs. Bilateral SOFAs ..................................................................................................... 1
Provisions of Status of Forces Agreements ..................................................................................... 3
Civil/Criminal Jurisdiction........................................................................................................ 4
Example of Exclusive Jurisdiction...................................................................................... 4
Example of Shared Jurisdiction .......................................................................................... 4
Status Determinations ............................................................................................................... 5
Authority to Fight...................................................................................................................... 6
Other Provisions Such as Uniforms, Taxes, and Customs ........................................................ 6
Security Arrangements and SOFAs ................................................................................................. 7
Bilateral SOFAs: Historical Practice ............................................................................................... 7
Afghanistan ............................................................................................................................... 7
Germany.................................................................................................................................... 9
Japan.......................................................................................................................................... 9
South Korea..............................................................................................................................11
Philippines............................................................................................................................... 12
Survey of Current Status of Forces Agreements ........................................................................... 13
North Atlantic Treaty Organization: Status of Forces Agreement........................................... 13
North Atlantic Treaty Organization: Partnership for Peace - Status of Forces
Agreement............................................................................................................................ 13
Treaty as Underlying Source of Authority for Status of Forces Agreement ........................... 14
Congressional Action as Underlying Source of Authority for Status of Forces
Agreement............................................................................................................................ 15
Base Lease Agreement Containing Status of Forces Agreement Terms ................................. 15
Status of Forces Agreement in Support of Specified Activity/Exercises ................................ 15
Status of Forces Agreement Not in Support of Specified Activity/Exercise and Not
Based on Underlying Treaty/Congressional Action............................................................. 16

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Table 1. North Atlantic Treaty Organization: Status of Forces Agreement ................................... 17
Table 2. North Atlantic Treaty Organization: Partnership for Peace - Status of Forces
Agreement .................................................................................................................................. 18
Table 3. Treaty as Underlying Source of Authority for Status of Forces Agreement .................... 20
Table 4. Congressional Action as Underlying Source of Authority for Status of Forces
Agreement .................................................................................................................................. 21
Table 5. Base Lease Agreement Containing Status of Forces Agreement Terms .......................... 21
Table 6. Status of Forces Agreement in Support of Specified Activity/Exercise .......................... 22
Table 7. Status of Forces Agreement Not in Support of Specified Activity/Exercise and
Not Based on Underlying Treaty/Congressional Action ............................................................ 23

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Author Contact Information .......................................................................................................... 26

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The United States has been party to multilateral and bilateral agreements addressing the status of
U.S. armed forces while present in a foreign country. These agreements, commonly referred to as
Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs), generally establish the framework under which U.S.
military personnel operate in a foreign country.
The United States is currently party to more than 100 agreements that may be considered SOFAs.1
A SOFA as a stand-alone document may not exist with a particular country, but that does not
necessarily mean that the status of U.S. personnel in that country has not been addressed. Terms
commonly found in SOFAs may be contained in other agreements with a partner country so that a
separate SOFA is not always utilized.
A SOFA is an agreement that establishes the framework under which armed forces operate within
a foreign country.2 The agreement provides for rights and privileges of covered individuals while
in the foreign jurisdiction, addressing how the domestic laws of the foreign jurisdiction shall be
applied to U.S. personnel3 while in that country. It is important to note that a SOFA is a contract
between parties and may be cancelled at the will of either party. SOFAs are peacetime documents
and therefore do not address the rules of war, the Laws of Armed Conflict, or the Laws of the Sea.
In the event of armed conflict between parties to a SOFA, the terms of the agreement would no
longer be applicable.
SOFAs may include many provisions, but the most common issue addressed is which country
may exercise criminal jurisdiction over U.S. personnel. The United States has concluded
agreements where it maintains exclusive jurisdiction over its personnel, but more often the
agreement calls for shared jurisdiction with the receiving country. In general, a SOFA does not
authorize specific exercises, activities, or missions. Rather, it provides the framework for legal
protections and rights while U.S. personnel are present in a country for agreed upon purposes. A
SOFA is not a mutual defense agreement or a security agreement. The existence of a SOFA does
not affect or diminish the parties inherent right of self-defense under the law of war.
ȱǯȱȱȱ
With the exception of the multilateral SOFA among the United States and North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) countries, a SOFA is specific to an individual country and is in the form of
an executive agreement.4 The Department of State and the Department of Defense, working

1 TREATIES IN FORCE, A LIST OF TREATIES AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES IN FORCE.
Prepared by the Department of State for the purpose of providing information on treaties and other international
agreements to which the United States is a party and which are carried on the records of the Department of State as
being in force as of November 1, 2007. Available at http://www.state.gov/s/l/treaty/treaties/2007/index.htm.
2 In any discussion of SOFAs, it must be noted that there are at least 10 agreements that currently are classified
documents. The agreements are classified for national security reasons. They are not discussed in this report.
3 U.S. personnel may include U.S. armed forces personnel, Department of Defense civilian employees, and/or
contractors working for the Department of Defense. The scope of applicability is specifically defined in each
agreement.
4 For a discussion on the form and content of international agreements under U.S. law, distinguishing between treaties
(continued...)
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together, identify the need for a SOFA with a particular country and negotiate the terms of the
agreement. The NATO SOFA5 is the only SOFA that was concluded as part of a treaty.6 The
Senate approved ratification of the NATO SOFA on March 19, 1970, subject to reservations. The
resolution included a statement
that nothing in the Agreement diminishes, abridges, or alters the right of the United States to
safeguard its own security by excluding or removing persons whose presence in the United
States is deemed prejudicial to its safety or security, and that no person whose presence in
the United States is deemed prejudicial to its safety or security shall be permitted to enter or
remain in the United States.7
The Senate reservations to the NATO SOFA include four conditions: (1) the criminal jurisdiction
provisions contained in Article VII of the agreement do not constitute a precedent for future
agreements; (2) when a servicemember is to be tried by authorities in a receiving state, the
commanding officer of the U.S. armed forces in that state shall review the laws of the receiving
state with reference to the procedural safeguards of the U.S. Constitution; (3) if the commanding
officer believes there is danger that the servicemember will not be protected because of the
absence or denial of constitutional rights the accused would receive in the United States, the
commanding officer shall request that the receiving state waive its jurisdiction; and, (4) a
representative of the United States be appointed to attend the trial of any servicemember being
tried by the receiving state and act to protect the constitutional rights of the servicemember.8
The NATO SOFA is a multilateral agreement that has applicability among all the member
countries of NATO. As of June 2007, 26 countries, including the United States, have either
ratified the agreement or acceded to it by their accession into NATO.9 Additionally, another 24
countries are subject to the NATO SOFA through their participation in the NATO Partnership for
Peace (PfP) program.10 The program consists of bilateral cooperation between individual
countries and NATO in order to increase stability, diminish threats to peace and build
strengthened security relationships.11 The individual countries that participate in the PfP agree to
adhere to the terms of the NATO SOFA.12 Through the NATO SOFA and the NATO PfP, the
United States has a common SOFA with approximately 58 countries. Secretary Rice and
Secretary Gates stated that the United States has agreements in more than 115 countries around

(...continued)
and executive agreements, see CRS Report RL34362, Congressional Oversight and Related Issues Concerning the
Prospective Security Agreement Between the United States and Iraq, by Michael John Garcia, R. Chuck Mason, and
Jennifer K. Elsea.
5 4 U.S.T. 1792; T.I.A.S. 2846; 199 U.N.T.S. 67. Signed at London, June 19, 1951. Entered into force August 23, 1953.
6 See, e.g., Agreement under Article VI of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Regarding Facilities and
Areas and the Status of United States Armed Forces in Japan, 11 U.S.T. 1652, entered into force June 23, 1960 (SOFA
in the form of an executive agreement pursuant to a treaty).
7 S.Res. of July 15, 1953, Advising and Consenting to Ratification of the NATO SOFA. See also 32 C.F.R. § 151.6.
8 S.Res. of July 15, 1953, Advising and Consenting to Ratification of the NATO SOFA. See also 32 C.F.R. § 151.6.
9 See http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/85630.pdf.
10 See http://www.nato.int/issues/pfp/index.html.
11 Id.
12 See http://www.nato.int/docu/basictxt/b950619a.htm.
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the world.13 The NATO SOFA and NATO PfP SOFA account for roughly half of the SOFAs to
which the United States is party.
Department of Defense Directive 5525.1 provides policy and information specific to SOFAs.14
The Department of Defense policy is “to protect, to the maximum extent possible, the rights of
U.S. personnel who may be subject to criminal trial by foreign courts and imprisonment in
foreign prisons.”15 The directive addresses the Senate reservations to the NATO SOFA by stating
even though the reservations accompanying its ratification only apply to NATO member countries
where it is applicable, comparable reservations shall be applied to future SOFAs. Specifically, the
policy states that “the same procedures for safeguarding the interests of U.S. personnel subject to
foreign jurisdiction” be applied when practicable in overseas areas where U.S. forces are
stationed.16
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There are no formal requirements governing the content, detail, and length of a SOFA. A SOFA
may address, but is not limited to, criminal and civil jurisdiction, the wearing of uniforms, taxes
and fees, carrying of weapons, use of radio frequencies, license requirements, and customs
regulations. The United States has concluded SOFAs as short as one page and in excess of 200
pages. For example, the United States and Bangladesh exchanged notes17 providing for the status
of U.S. armed forces in advance of a joint exercise in 1998.18 The agreement is specific to one
activity/exercise, consists of 5 clauses, and is contained in one page. The United States and
Botswana exchanged notes providing for the status of forces “who may be temporarily present in
Botswana in conjunction with exercises, training, humanitarian assistance, or other activities
which may be agreed upon by our two governments.”19 The agreement is similar in its scope to
the agreement with Bangladesh and is contained in one page. In contrast, in documents exceeding
200 pages, the United States and Germany entered into a supplemental agreement to the NATO
SOFA,20 as well as additional agreements and exchange of notes related to specific issues.21

13 What We Need In Iraq, By Condoleeza Rice and Robert Gates, February 13, 2008, available at
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/12/AR2008021202001.html.
14 Available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/552501p.pdf.
15 Id.
16 Id.
17 Diplomatic notes are used for correspondence between the U.S. government and a foreign government. The
Secretary of State corresponds with the diplomatic representatives of foreign governments in Washington, DC, and
foreign offices or ministries abroad. See http://foia.state.gov/masterdocs/05fah01/CH0610.pdf.
18 T.I.A.S. Exchange of notes at Dhaka, August 10 and 24, 1998. Entered into force August 24, 1998. (Providing U.S.
armed forces status equivalent to Administrative and Technical Staff of the U.S. Embassy).
19 T.I.A.S. Exchange of notes at Gaborone, January 22 and February 13, 2001. Entered into force February 13, 2001.
(Providing U.S. forces status equivalent to Administrative and Technical Staff of the U.S. Embassy).
20 14 U.S.T. 531; T.I.A.S. 5351. Signed at Bonn, August 3, 1959. Entered into force July 1, 1963.
21 14 U.S.T. 689; T.I.A.S. 5352; 490 U.N.T.S. 30. Signed at Bonn, August 3, 1959. Entered into force July 1, 1963.
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The issue most commonly addressed in a SOFA is the legal protection from prosecution that will
be afforded U.S. personnel while present in a foreign country. The agreement establishes which
party to the agreement is able to assert criminal and/or civil jurisdiction. In other words, the
agreement establishes how the domestic civil and criminal laws are applied to U.S. personnel
while serving in a foreign country. The United States has entered agreements where it maintains
exclusive jurisdiction, but the more common agreement results in shared jurisdiction between the
United States and the signatory country. Exclusive jurisdiction is when the United States retains
the right to exercise all criminal and disciplinary jurisdiction for violations of the laws of the
foreign nation while the individual is present in that country. Shared jurisdiction occurs when
each party to the agreement retains exclusive jurisdiction over certain offenses but also allows the
United States to request that the host country waive jurisdiction in favor of the United States
exercising criminal and disciplinary jurisdiction. The right to exert jurisdiction over U.S.
personnel is not solely limited to when an individual is located on a military installation. It may
cover individuals off the installation as well. The right to exert jurisdiction can result in complete
immunity from the laws of the receiving country while the individual is present in that country.
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The United States entered into an agreement regarding military exchanges and visits with the
Government of Mongolia.22 As part of the agreement, Article X addresses criminal jurisdiction of
U.S. personnel located in Mongolia. The language of the agreement provides, “United States
military authorities shall have the right to exercise within Mongolia all criminal and disciplinary
jurisdiction over United States [p]ersonnel conferred on them by the military laws of the United
States. Any criminal offenses against the laws of Mongolia committed by a member of the U.S.
forces shall be referred to appropriate United States authorities for investigation and
disposition.”23 The agreement allows the government of Mongolia to request the United States to
waive its jurisdiction in cases of alleged criminal behavior unrelated to official duty.24 There is no
requirement for the United States to waive jurisdiction, only to give “sympathetic consideration”
of any such request.25
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The NATO SOFA, applicable to all member countries, is an example of shared jurisdiction.
Article VII provides the jurisdictional framework.26 The SOFA allows for a country not entitled to

22 T.I.A.S., Agreement on Military Exchanges and Visits Between The Government of the United States of America
and The Government of Mongolia, agreement dated June 26, 1996.
23 Id.
24 Id.
25 Id.
26 4 U.S.T. 1792; T.I.A.S. 2846; 199 U.N.T.S. 67. Article VII:
1. Subject to the provisions of this Article,
(a) the military authorities of the sending State shall have the right to exercise within the receiving
State all criminal and disciplinary jurisdiction conferred on them by the law of the sending State
over all persons subject to the military law of that State;
(b) the authorities of the receiving State shall have jurisdiction over the members of a force or
(continued...)
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primary jurisdiction to request the country with primary jurisdiction waive its right to jurisdiction.
There is no requirement for the country to waive jurisdiction, only that it gives “sympathetic
consideration” of the request.27 Under the shared jurisdiction framework, each of the respective
countries is provided exclusive jurisdiction in specific circumstances, generally when an offense
is only punishable by one of the country’s laws.28 In that case, the country whose law has been
offended has exclusive jurisdiction over the offender. When the offense violates the laws of both
countries, concurrent jurisdiction is present and additional qualifications are used to determine
which country will be allowed to assert jurisdiction over the offender.29
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While the NATO SOFA provides extensive language establishing jurisdiction, the United States
has entered numerous SOFAs that appear to have a very basic rule for determining jurisdiction.
Some agreements contain a single sentence stating that U.S. personnel are to be afforded a status

(...continued)
civilian component and their dependents with respect to offenses committed within the territory of
the receiving State and punishable by the law of that State.
2.—(a) The military authorities of the sending State shall have the right to exercise exclusive
jurisdiction over persons subject to the military law of that State with respect to offenses, including
offenses relating to its security, punishable by the law of the sending State, but not by the law of the
receiving State.
(b) The authorities of the receiving State shall have the right to exercise exclusive jurisdiction over
members of a force or civilian components and their dependents with respect to offenses, including
offenses relating to the security of that State, punishable by its law but not by the law of the sending
State.
(c) For the purposes of this paragraph and of paragraph 3 of this Article a security offense against a
State shall include
(i) treason against the State;
(ii) sabotage, espionage or violation of any law relating to official secrets of that State, or
secrets relating to the national defense of that State.
3. In cases where the right to exercise jurisdiction is concurrent, the following rules shall apply:
(a) The military authorities of the sending State shall have the primary right to exercise jurisdiction
over a member of a force or of a civilian component in relation to
(i) offenses solely against the property or security of that State, or offenses solely against the
person or property of another member of the force or civilian component of that State or of a
dependent;
(ii) offenses arising out of any act or omission in the performance of official duty.
(b) In the case of any other offense the authorities of the receiving State shall have the primary right
to exercise jurisdiction.
(c) If the State having the primary right decides not to exercise jurisdiction, it shall notify the
authorities of the other State as soon as practicable. The authorities of the State having the primary
right shall give sympathetic consideration to a request from the authorities of the other State for a
waiver of its right in cases where that other State considers such waiver to be of particular
importance.4. The foregoing provisions of this Article shall not imply any right for the military
authorities of the sending State to exercise jurisdiction over persons who are nationals of or
ordinarily resident in the receiving State, unless they are members of the force of the sending
State.”
27 Id.
28 Id.
29 Id.
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equivalent to that accorded to the administrative and technical staff of the U.S. Embassy in that
country. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of April 18, 1961 establishes classes of
personnel, each with varying levels of legal protections.30 Administrative and technical staff
receive, among other legal protections, “immunity from the criminal jurisdiction of the receiving
State.”31 Therefore, a SOFA which treats U.S. personnel as administrative and technical staff
confers immunity from criminal jurisdiction while in the receiving country.
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SOFAs do not generally authorize specific military operations or missions by U.S. forces. While
SOFAs do not generally provide authority to fight, the inherent right of self-defense is not
affected or diminished. U.S. personnel always have a right to defend themselves, if threatened or
attacked, and a SOFA does not take away that right.32 Language is often found within the SOFA
that defines the scope of applicability of the agreement. For example, the SOFA with Belize
expressly applies to U.S. personnel “who may be temporarily in Belize in connection with
military exercises and training, counter-drug related activities, United States security assistance
programs, or other agreed purposes.”33 The United States had previously entered into two
different agreements with Belize related to military training and the provision of defense
articles.34 The SOFA itself does not authorize specific operations, exercises, or activities, but
provides provisions addressing the legal status and protections of U.S. personnel while in Belize.
Under the terms of the agreement, U.S. personnel are provided legal protections as if they were
administrative and technical staff of the U.S. Embassy.35
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While understandings regarding the assertion of legal jurisdiction are generally a universal
component of a SOFA, more detailed administrative and operational matters may be included as
well. A SOFA may address, for example, the wearing of uniforms by armed forces while away
from military installations, taxes and fees, carrying of weapons by U.S. personnel, use of radio
frequencies, driving license requirements, and customs regulations. A SOFA provides the legal
framework for day-to-day operations of U.S. personnel while a foreign country. Most SOFAs are
bilateral agreements, therefore they may be tailored to the specific needs of the personnel
operating in that country.

30 23 U.S.T. 3227; T.I.A.S. 7502. Signed April 18, 1961. Entered into force December 13, 1972. For background see,
CRS Report RL33147, Immunities Accorded to Foreign Diplomats, Consular Officers, and Employees of International
Organizations Under U.S. Law, by Michael John Garcia.
31 Vienna Convention, supra note 32, at art. 37(2), citing art. 31(1).
32 See CJCSI 3121.01B, Standing Rules of Engagement for US Forces (U), June 13, 2005. (The SROE is a classified
document, but portions are unclassified).
33 T.I.A.S. Exchange of notes at Belize City September 4, 2001and April 24, 2002. Entered into force April 24, 2002.
34 34 U.S.T. 23; T.I.A.S. 10334. Exchange of notes at Belize and Belmopan December 8, 1981 and January 15, 1982.
Entered into force January 15, 1982. T.I.A.S. 11743; 2202 U.N.T.S. 141. Exchange of notes at Belize and Belmopan
August 6 and 23, 1990. Entered into force August 23, 1990.
35 T.I.A.S. Exchange of notes at Belize City September 4, 2001and April 24, 2002. Entered into force April 24, 2002.
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In support of U.S. foreign policy, the United States has concluded agreements with foreign
nations related to security commitments and assurances.36 These agreements may be concluded in
various forms including as a collective defense agreement (obligating parties to the agreement to
assist in the defense of any party to the agreement in the event of an attack upon it), an agreement
containing a consultation requirement (a party to the agreement pledges to take some action in the
event the other country’s security is threatened), an agreement granting the legal right to military
intervention (granting one party the right, but not the duty, to militarily intervene within the
territory of another party to defend it against internal or external threats), or other non-binding
arrangements (unilateral pledge or policy statement). SOFAs are often included, along with other
types of military agreements (i.e., basing, access, and pre-positioning), as part of a comprehensive
security arrangement. A SOFA may be based on the authority found in previous treaties,
congressional action, or sole executive agreements comprising the security arrangement.
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The following sections provide a historical perspective on the inclusion of a SOFA as part of
comprehensive bilateral security arrangements by the United States with Afghanistan, Germany,
Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. The arrangements may include a stand-alone SOFA or
other agreements including protections commonly associated with a SOFA.
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The United States and Afghanistan entered into an agreement,37 in 2002, regarding economic
grants under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961,38 as amended, as well as for the furnishing of
defense articles, defense services and related training, pursuant to the United States International
Military and Education Training Program (IMET),39 from the United States to the Afghanistan
Interim Administration.
In 2003, the parties entered into an agreement regarding the status of U.S. military and civilian
personnel of the U.S. Department of Defense present in Afghanistan to promote cooperative
efforts in response to terrorism, humanitarian and civic assistance, military training and exercises,
and other activities.40 Such personnel are to be accorded “a status equivalent to that accorded to

36 For a discussion on security arrangements, see CRS Report RL34362, Congressional Oversight and Related Issues
Concerning the Prospective Security Agreement Between the United States and Iraq, by Michael John Garcia, R.
Chuck Mason, and Jennifer K. Elsea.
37 Exchange of notes at Kabul April 6 and 13, 2002. Entered into force April 13, 2002. Not printed in Treaties and
Other International Acts Series (T.I.A.S.).
38 P.L. 87-195, 75 Stat. 424 (September 4, 1961) (An act to “promote the foreign policy, security, and general welfare
of the United States by assisting peoples of the world in their efforts toward economic development and internal and
external security, and for other purposes.” The act authorizes the President “to furnish military assistance on such terms
and conditions as he may determine, to any friendly country or international organization, the assisting of which the
President finds will strengthen the security of the United States and promote world peace and which is otherwise
eligible to receive such assistance ...”).
39 22 U.S.C. § 2347 et seq.
40 T.I.A.S. Exchange of notes September 26 and December 12, 2002 and May 28, 2003. Entered into force May 28,
(continued...)
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the administrative and technical staff” of the U.S. Embassy under the Vienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations of 1961.41 Accordingly, U.S. personnel are immune from criminal
prosecution by Afghan authorities, and are immune from civil and administrative jurisdiction
except with respect to acts performed outside the course of their duties.42 In the agreement, the
Islamic Transitional Government of Afghanistan43 explicitly authorized the U.S. government to
exercise criminal jurisdiction over U.S. personnel, and the government of Afghanistan is not
permitted to surrender U.S. personnel to the custody of another state, international tribunal, or any
other entity without consent of the U.S. government. The agreement does not appear to provide
immunity for contract personnel.
The agreement with Afghanistan does not expressly authorize the United States to carry out
military operations within Afghanistan, but it recognizes that such operations are “ongoing.”
Congress authorized the use of military force there (and elsewhere) by joint resolution in 2001,
targeting “those nations, organizations, or persons [who] planned, authorized, committed, or
aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.... ”44 The U.N. Security Council
implicitly recognized that the use of force was appropriate in response to the September 11, 2001
terrorist attacks,45 and subsequently authorized the deployment of an International Security
Assistance Force (ISAF) to Afghanistan.46 Subsequent U.N. Security Council resolutions provide
a continuing mandate for the ISAF (NATO peacekeeping force),47 calling upon it to “work in
close consultation with” Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF—the U.S.-led coalition conducting
military operations in Afghanistan) in carrying out the mandate.48 While there is no explicit U.N.
mandate authorizing the OEF, Security Council resolutions appear to provide ample recognition
of the legitimacy of its operations, most recently by calling upon the Afghan Government,
with the assistance of the international community, including the International Security
Assistance Force and Operation Enduring Freedom coalition, in accordance with their
respective designated responsibilities as they evolve, to continue to address the threat to the

(...continued)
2003.
41 Id.
42 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of April 18, 1961, T.I.A.S. 7502; 23 U.S.T. 3227.
43 The transitional government has since been replaced by the fully elected Government of the Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan. For information about the political development of Afghanistan since 2001, see CRS Report RS21922,
Afghanistan: Government Formation and Performance, by Kenneth Katzman.
44 P.L. 107-40, 115 Stat. 224 (September 18, 2001). For a discussion on the legislative history of P.L. 107-40 and the
scope of authorization for the use of military force, see CRS Report RS22357, Authorization For Use Of Military Force
in Response to the 9/11 Attacks (P.L. 107-40): Legislative History, by Richard F. Grimmett.
45 U.N.S.C. Res. 1368 (September 12, 2001) (“Recognizing the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence in
accordance with the [UN] Charter,” and expressing its “readiness to take all necessary steps to respond to the terrorist
attacks”).
46 U.N.S.C. Res. 1386 (December 20, 2001).
47 The ISAF has its own status of forces agreement with the Afghan government in the form of an annex to a Military
Technical Agreement entitled “Arrangements Regarding the Status of the International Security Assistance Force.” The
agreement provides that all ISAF and supporting personnel are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of their respective
national elements for criminal or disciplinary matters, and that such personnel are immune from arrest or detention by
Afghan authorities and may not be turned over to any international tribunal or any other entity or State without the
express consent of the contributing nation.
48 See U.N.S.C. Res. 1776 § 5 (September 19, 2007); U.N.S.C. Res. 1707 § 4 (2007).
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security and stability of Afghanistan posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida, other extremist groups
and criminal activities.... 49
On May 23, 2005, President Hamid Karzai and President Bush issued a “joint declaration”
outlining a prospective future agreement between the two countries.50 It envisions a role for U.S.
military troops in Afghanistan to “help organize, train, equip, and sustain Afghan security forces”
until Afghanistan has developed its own capacity, and to “consult with respect to taking
appropriate measures in the event that Afghanistan perceives that its territorial integrity,
independence, or security is threatened or at risk.” The declaration does not mention the status of
U.S. forces in Afghanistan, but a status of forces agreement can be expected to be part of the final
arrangement.
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In 1951, prior to Germany becoming a member of NATO, the United States and Germany entered
into an agreement51 related to the assurances required under the Mutual Security Act of 1951.52
Germany subsequently joined NATO in 1955 and, in the same year, concluded an agreement
related to mutual defense assistance,53 obligating the United States to provide “such equipment,
materials, services, or other assistance as may be agreed” to Germany.54
Four years after Germany joined NATO, the counties entered into an agreement implementing the
NATO SOFA of 1953.55 The agreement provided additional supplemental agreements, beyond
those contained in the NATO SOFA, specific to the relationship between the United States and
Germany. The implementation and supplemental agreements to the NATO SOFA are in excess of
200 pages and cover the minutiae of day-to-day operations of U.S. forces and personnel in
Germany.
ȱ
Prior to the current security arrangements between the United States and Japan, the countries, in
1952, concluded a security treaty56 and an accompanying administrative agreement.57 The
administrative agreement covered, among other maters, the jurisdiction of the United States over
offenses committed in Japan by members of the U.S. forces, and provided that the United States

49 U.N.S.C. Res. 1746 § 25 (2007) (U.S. forces currently participate in the International Security Assistance Force and
the Operation Enduring Freedom coalition.).
50 United States-Afghanistan Declaration. The text of the declaration is available at http://www.mfa.gov.af/Documents/
ImportantDoc/Afghanistan-US%20Joint%20Strategic%20Partnership%20Declaration_En.pdf.
51 3 U.S.T. 4564; T.I.A.S. 2607; 181 U.N.T.S. 45. Exchange of letters at Bonn December 19 and 28, 1951.
52 P.L. 82-165, 65 Stat. 373 (October 10, 1951) (An act to promote the foreign policy and provide for the defense and
general welfare of the United States by furnishing military assistance in the form of equipment, materials, and services
to NATO member countries).
53 6 U.S.T. 5999; T.I.A.S. 3443; 240 U.N.T.S. 47. Signed at Bonn June 30, 1955. Entered into force December 27,
1955.
54 Id.
55 14 U.S.T. 689; T.I.A.S. 5352; 490 U.N.T.S. 30. Signed at Bonn August 3, 1959. Entered into force July 1, 1963.
56 3 U.S.T. 3329. Signed at San Francisco September 8, 1951. Ratification advised by the Senate March 20, 1952.
Entered into force April 28, 1952.
57 3 U.S.T. 3341. Signed at Tokyo February 28, 1952; entered into force April 28, 1952.
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could waive jurisdiction in favor of Japan. One provision established that the United States
retained jurisdiction over offenses committed by a servicemember arising out of any act or
omission done in the performance of official duty.
In 1957, a member of the U.S. Army was indicted in the death of a Japanese civilian while
participating in a small unit exercise at Camp Weir range area in Japan.58 The United States
claimed that the act was committed in the performance of official duty, but Japan insisted that it
was outside the scope of official duty and therefore Japan had primary jurisdiction to try the
member. After negotiations, the United States acquiesced and agreed to turn the member over to
Japanese authorities. In an attempt to avoid trial in the Japanese Courts, the member sought a writ
of habeas corpus in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.59 The writ was
denied, but the member was granted an injunction against delivery to Japanese authorities to
stand trial. The United States appealed the injunction to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In Wilson v. Girard,60 the Supreme Court first addressed the jurisdictional provisions contained in
the administrative agreement. The Court determined that by recommending ratification of the
security treaty and subsequently the NATO SOFA, the Senate had approved the administrative
agreement and protocol (embodying the NATO provisions) governing jurisdiction to try criminal
offenses.61 The Court held that “a sovereign nation has exclusive jurisdiction to punish offenses
against its laws committed within its border, unless it expressly or impliedly consents to surrender
its jurisdiction” and that Japan’s “cession to the United States of jurisdiction to try American
military personnel for conduct constituting an offense against the laws of both countries was
conditioned” by provisions contained in the protocol calling for “sympathetic consideration to a
request from the other State for a waiver of its right in cases where that other State considers such
waiver to be of particular importance.”62 The Court concluded that the issue was then whether the
Constitution or legislation subsequent to treaty prohibited carrying out of the jurisdictional
provisions. The Court found none and stated that “in the absence of such encroachments, the
wisdom of the arrangement is exclusively for the determination of the Executive and Legislative
Branches.”63
The Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between the United States of America and
Japan64 was concluded in 1960 and subsequently amended on December 26, 1990.65 Under
Article VI of the Treaty, the United States is granted “the use by its land, air and naval forces of
facilities and areas in Japan” in order to contribute “to the security of Japan and maintenance of
international peace and security in the Far East[.]”66 Article VI provides further that the use of

58 The servicemember had been indicted in the death of a Japanese civilian while participating in a small unit exercise
at Camp Weir range area in Japan. The member had placed an expended 30-caliber cartridge case in a grenade launcher
attached to his rifle and projected the cartridge out of the launcher by firing a blank. The cartridge hit the Japanese
woman while she was gathering expended cartridge cases on the range and caused her death.
59 Girard v. Wilson, 152 F. Supp. 21 (D.D.C. 1957). For a brief explanation of the writ of habeas corpus, see CRS
Report RS22432, Federal Habeas Corpus: An Abridged Sketch, by Charles Doyle.
60 354 U.S. 524 (U.S. 1957).
61 Id. at 528.
62 Id. at 529.
63 Id. at 530.
64 11 U.S.T. 1632; T.I.A.S. 4509; 373 U.N.T.S. 186. Signed at Washington January 19, 1960. Entered into force June
23, 1960.
65 T.I.A.S. 12335.
66 Id.
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facilities and the status of U.S. armed forces will be governed under a separate agreement,67 much
like the previous security treaty concluded in 1952.
A SOFA, as called for under Article VI of the Treaty, was concluded as a separate agreement
pursuant to and concurrently with the Treaty in 1960.68 The SOFA addresses the use of facilities
by the U.S. armed forces, as well as the status of U.S. forces in Japan. The agreement has been
modified at least four times since the original agreement.69
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In 1954 the United States and the Republic of Korea entered into a mutual defense treaty.70 As
part of the treaty the countries agree to attempt to settle international disputes peacefully, consult
whenever the political independence or security of either party is threatened by external armed
attack, and that either party would act to meet the common danger in accordance with their
respective constitutional processes.71 Article IV of the treaty grants the United States “the right to
dispose.... land, air and sea forces in and about the territory” of South Korea.72 Pursuant to the
treaty, specifically Article IV, the countries entered into a SOFA with agreed minutes and an
exchange of notes in 1966;73 it was subsequently amended January 18, 2001.
In 1968, two years after the SOFA was signed between the countries, a member of the U.S. Army
asserted in Smallwood v. Clifford74 that U.S. authorities did not have legitimate authority, under
the jurisdictional provisions contained in the agreement, to release him to the Republic of Korea
for trial by a Korean court on charges of murder and arson.75 The servicemember asserted that the
agreement was not approved in a “constitutionally acceptable manner.”76 He maintained that U.S.
domestic law requires international agreements pertaining to foreign jurisdiction over U.S. forces
stationed abroad be approved “either expressly or impliedly by the [U.S.] Senate.”77 The court
found that the SOFA resulted in a diminished role for the Republic of Korea in enforcing its own
laws and that the United States did not waive jurisdiction over offenses committed within its own
territory. Therefore, ratification by the Senate was “clearly unnecessary” because Senate approval

67 Id.
68 11 U.S.T. 1652; T.I.A.S. 4510; 373 U.N.T.S. 248. Signed at Washington January 19, 1960. Entered into force June
23, 1960.
69 Agreements concerning new special measures relating to Article XXIV of the agreement of January 19, 1960 (related
to costs of maintenance of U.S. forces in Japan and furnishment of rights of way related to facilities used by U.S. forces
in Japan), have been signed in 1991, 1995, 2000, and 2006.
70 5 U.S.T. 2368; T.I.A.S. 3097; 238 U.N.T.S. 199. Signed at Washington October 1, 1953. Entered into force
November 17, 1954.
71 Id.
72 Id.
73 17 U.S.T. 1677; T.I.A.S. 6127; 674 U.N.T.S. 163. Signed at Seoul July 9, 1966. Entered into force February 9, 1967.
74 286 F. Supp. 97 (D.D.C. 1968).
75 The servicemember was implicated in the murder of a female Korean national which occurred off post in the
Republic of Korea. Pursuant to the provisions of the SOFA, the Korean Minister of Justice notified the Commander,
United States Forces, Korea, that the Korean Government intended to exercise its primary right of jurisdiction over the
servicemember on charges of murder and arson.
76 Clifford, 286 F. Supp at 99.
77 Id.
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would “have no effect on a grant of jurisdiction by the Republic of Korea, [of] which the United
States could not rightfully claim.”78
Additionally, the servicemember asserted that the Constitution and the Uniform Code of Military
Justice (UCMJ)79 provide the sole methods for trying servicemen abroad and that they can not be
changed by an executive agreement.80 The court held that the premise is true only when there
hasn’t been a violation of the laws of the foreign jurisdiction. When a violation of the foreign
jurisdiction’s criminal laws occurs, the primary jurisdiction lies with that nation and the
provisions of the UCMJ only apply if the foreign nation expressly or impliedly waived its
jurisdiction.81 In support of its decision the court cited the principle, stated in Wilson,82 that the
primary right of jurisdiction belongs to the nation in whose territory the servicemember commits
the crime.
ȱ
In 1947 the United States and the Republic of the Philippines entered into an agreement on
military assistance.83 The agreement was for a term of five years, starting July 4, 1946, and
provided that the United States would furnish military assistance to the Philippines for the
training and development of armed forces. The agreement further created an advisory group to
provide advice and assistance to the Philippines as had been authorized by the U.S. Congress.84
The agreement was extended, and amended, for an additional five years in 1953.85
A mutual defense treaty was entered into by the United States and the Philippines in 1951.86 The
treaty publicly declares “their sense of unity and their common determination to defend
themselves against external armed attack, so that no potential aggressor could be under the
illusion that either of them stands alone in the Pacific Area[.]”87 The Treaty does not address or
provide for a SOFA.
In 1993, the countries entered into a SOFA.88 The agreement was subsequently extended on
September 19, 1994, April 28, 1995, and November 29, December 1 and 8, 1995. The countries
entered into an agreement regarding the treatment of U.S. armed forces visiting the Philippines in
1998.89 This agreement was amended on April 11 and 12, 2006. The distinction between this
agreement and the SOFA originally entered into in 1993 is that this agreement applies to U.S.

78 Id. at 100.
79 10 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.
80 Clifford, 286 F. Supp. at 101.
81 Id.
82 Wilson, 354 U.S. at 529.
83 61 Stat. 3283; T.I.A.S. 1662. Signed at Manila March 21, 1947. Entered into force March 21, 1947.
84 61 Stat. 3284.
85 4 U.S.T. 1682; T.I.A.S. 2834; 2163 U.N.T.S. 77. Exchange of notes at Manila June 26, 1953. Entered into force July
5, 1953.
86 3 U.S.T. 3947; T.I.A.S. 2529; 177 U.N.T.S. 133. Signed at Washington August 30, 1951. Entered into force August
27, 1952.
87 Id.
88 T.I.A.S. Exchange of notes at Manila April 2, June 11 and 21, 1993. Entered into force June 21, 1993.
89 T.I.A.S. Signed at Manila February 10, 1998. Entered into force June 1, 1999.
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armed forces visiting, not stationed in the Philippines. The countries also entered into an
agreement regarding the treatment of Republic of Philippines personnel visiting the United States
(counterpart agreement).90
The counterpart agreement contains provisions addressing criminal jurisdiction over Philippine
personnel while in the United States. The agreement was concluded as an executive agreement
and not ratified by the U.S. Senate. Arguably, following the logic of the U.S. District Court for the
District of Columbia in Clifford, because the agreement arguably diminishes the impact of U.S.
jurisdiction, it would need be ratified by the Senate in order to be constitutionally valid. But, the
counterpart agreement can be distinguished from the SOFA with the Republic of Korea, and
SOFAs with other foreign jurisdictions, in that the U.S. is not fully waiving jurisdiction over
offenses committed within U.S. territory. Rather, the agreement states that U.S. authorities will, at
the request of the Government of the Philippines, request that the appropriate authorities waive
jurisdiction in favor of Philippine authorities.91 However, the U.S. Department of State and
Department of Defense retain the ability to determine that U.S. interests require that the United
States exercise federal or state jurisdiction over the Philippine personnel.92
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The charts below provide a list of current agreements according to the underlying source of
authority, if any, for each of the SOFAs. Within each category the agreements are arranged
alphabetically by partner country. The categories are defined as follows:
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The NATO SOFA is a multilateral agreement that has applicability among all the member
countries of NATO. As of June 2007, 26 countries, including the United States, have either
ratified the agreement or acceded to it by their accession into NATO.93 The NATO SOFA94 is the
only SOFA that was concluded as part of a treaty.95
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There are currently 24 countries, non-members of NATO, subject to the NATO SOFA through
their participation in the NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) program.96 The program consists of

90 T.I.A.S. Signed at Manila October 9, 1998. Entered into force June 1, 1999.
91 Id.
92 Id.
93 See http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/85630.pdf.
94 4 U.S.T. 1792; T.I.A.S. 2846; 199 U.N.T.S. 67. Signed at London, June 19, 1951. Entered into force August 23,
1953.
95 See, e.g., Agreement under Article VI of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Regarding Facilities and
Areas and the Status of United States Armed Forces in Japan, 11 U.S.T. 1652, entered into force June 23, 1960 (SOFA
in the form of an executive agreement subsequent to a treaty).
96 See http://www.nato.int/issues/pfp/index.html.
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bilateral cooperation between individual countries and NATO in order to increase stability,
diminish threats to peace and build strengthened security relationships.97 The individual countries
that participate in PfP agree to adhere to the terms of the NATO SOFA.98
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The United States has concluded SOFAs where the underlying authority for the agreement is a
treaty ratified by the U.S. Senate. The United States entered into a SOFA with Japan in 196099
under the authority contained in Article VI of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security100
previously concluded between the countries. Additionally, the United States entered into a SOFA
with Korea in 1967101 under the authority in Article V of the Mutual Defense Treaty previously
concluded between the two countries.102
The United States entered into SOFAs with Australia and the Philippines after concluding treaties
with the respective countries. In the case of Australia, the U.S. Senate advised ratification of the
ANZUS Pact103 in 1952. In 1963, nine years after ratification of the Pact, Australia and the United
States entered into an agreement concerning the status of U.S. forces in Australia.104 The United
States entered into a SOFA with the Philippines in 1993 after concluding a mutual defense treaty
with the country in 1952.105 The agreements with Australia and the Philippines can be
distinguished from the agreements with Japan and Korea in that they cite general obligations
under the previously concluded treaty, while the agreements with Japan and Korea cite to a
specific authority (i.e., Article VI and Article V, respectively) contained in the underlying treaty.
The United States is a party to the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (Rio Treaty),106
for which the U.S. Senate advised ratification December 8, 1947. The United States then entered
into military assistance agreements with Guatemala,107 Haiti,108 and Honduras.109 The agreements
cite obligations created under the Rio Treaty and address status of U.S. personnel in each of the
countries. The United States expanded on the status protections contained in the military
assistance agreements by later concluding SOFAs with each of the countries. In all three, the
military assistance agreements were cited as the basis of the new agreement.

97 Id.
98 See http://www.nato.int/docu/basictxt/b950619a.htm.
99 11 U.S.T. 1652.
100 11 U.S.T. 1632.
101 17 U.S.T. 1677.
102 5 U.S.T. 2368.
103 3 U.S.T. 3420; T.I.A.S. 2493; 131 U.N.T.S. 83. Signed at San Francisco, September 1, 1951. Entered into force
April 29, 1952.
104 14 U.S.T. 506.
105 3 U.S.T. 3947.
106 62 Stat 1681; T.I.A.S. 1838. Done at Rio de Janeiro, September 2, 1947. Entered into force December 3, 1948.
107 6 U.S.T. 2107.
108 6 U.S.T. 3847.
109 5 U.S.T. 843.
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As previously discussed, Congress approved compacts changing the status of the Marshall
Islands, Micronesia, and Palau from former territories and possessions to that of being Freely
Associated States (FAS).110 The language of the compacts call for a SOFA to be concluded
between the respective parties. The Marshall Islands and Micronesia entered into SOFAs with the
United States in 2004.111 Palau entered into a SOFA with United States in 1986.112
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In 1941, the United States entered into an agreement with the United Kingdom regarding the
lease of naval and air bases in Newfoundland, Bermuda, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, Trinidad,
and British Guiana.113 The agreement not only described the physical location being leased, but
provided for status of U.S. personnel present in the leased location. The lease agreement, while
not a stand-alone SOFA, served the purpose of a SOFA in the specified locations. The United
States and the United Kingdom concluded additional lease agreements in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s
that contained status protection provisions in the leased locations.
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The United States has entered into SOFAs with countries in support of specific activities or
exercises. Generally, these agreements are entered in order to support a joint military exercise or a
humanitarian initiative. The SOFA will contain language limiting the scope of the agreement to
the specific activity, but sometimes language is present expanding the agreement to cover other
activities as agreed upon by the two countries. The agreements are not based upon a treaty or
congressional action; rather, they are sole executive agreements.
For example, the African Crisis Response Initiative (ACRI) was a bilateral training program
introduced by the Clinton Administration in 1997. The United States entered into SOFAs with
many African countries specifically addressing the ACRI. Each of the SOFAs contained language
limiting the agreements to U.S. personnel temporarily in the country in connection with ACRI
activities or other activities as agreed upon by the countries. While the agreement may have been

110 Act Approving Compacts of Free Association with the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of
Micronesia, P.L. 99-239, § 311 (1986). See also Act approving Compact of Free Association between the United States
and the Government of Palau, P.L. 99-239, § 352 (1986).
111 T.I.A.S.
112 T.I.A.S.
113 55 Stat. 1560; Executive Agreement Series 235 (The agreement titled “Leasing of Naval and Air Bases,” establishes
that the bases and facilities are to be leased to the United States for a period of ninety-nine years, free from all rent and
charges. A typical lease includes an agreement by a lessor to turn over specifically-described premises to the exclusive
possession of the lessee for a definite period of time and for consideration/rent. In the present case, the agreement
called for a lease without consideration/rent, therefore it could be asserted that a use agreement rather than a lease was
created.).
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entered as a result of the ACRI, language allowing for other activities, as agreed between the two
countries, allows for the SOFA remain in force even though the ACRI does not currently exist.
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The last group of SOFAs discussed are agreements entered as sole executive agreements without
a specified activity or exercise. These agreements contain broad language of applicability. Some
of the agreements apply to U.S. personnel “present” in a country, others apply to U.S. personnel
“temporarily present” in a country. In addition to time limitations, most of the agreements contain
language which attempts to frame the scope of activities. The activities described may be as broad
as “official duties” or specific to a particular class of activities (i.e., humanitarian, exercises,
and/or training).
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Table 1. North Atlantic Treaty Organization: Status of Forces Agreement
NATO Member Country Agreements Supplementing or in Addition to the NATO SOFA
Belgium
Bulgaria
2001: Agreement concerning overflight, transit through, and presence in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria of U.S. forces, personnel, and
contractors in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Agreement concluded prior to Bulgaria joining NATO)
Canada
1953: Agreement relating to the application of the NATO status of forces agreement to U.S. forces in Canada, including those at the leased
bases in Newfoundland and Goose Bay, Labrador except for certain arrangements under the leased bases agreement
Czech Republic

Denmark
1956: Agreement relating to the status of personnel of the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group and of the personnel of the offshore
procurement program
Estonia
France
Germany, Federal Republic
1963: Agreements implementing the NATO status of forces agreement of August 3, 1959
of
Greece
1956: Agreement concerning the status of U.S. forces in Greece
Hungary
1997: Agreement concerning activities of U.S. forces in the territory of the Republic of Hungary
Iceland
1951: Annex on status of U.S. personnel and property
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Netherlands
1954: Agreement relating to the stationing of U.S. armed forces in the Netherlands
Norway
1954: Agreement concerning the status of military assistance advisory group under paragraph 1(a) of the NATO status of forces agreement
Poland
Portugal
Romania
2002: Agreement regarding the status of U.S. forces in Romania (Agreement concluded prior to Romania joining NATO)
Slovak Republic

Slovenia
2003: Agreement concerning the overflight and transit through the territory and airspace of Slovenia by U.S. aircraft, vehicles and personnel for
purposes of supporting security, transition and reconstruction operations in Iraq (Agreement concluded prior to Slovenia joining NATO)
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NATO Member Country Agreements Supplementing or in Addition to the NATO SOFA
Spain
1988: Defense cooperation agreement
Turkey
1954: Agreement relating to implementation of the North Atlantic Treaty Status of Forces Agreement
United Kingdom
1941: First in series of numerous agreements, some predating NATO, related to defense containing status of forces terms

Source: Treaties in Force: A List of Treaties and Other International Agreements of the United States in Force on November 1, 2007. Available at
http://www.state.gov/s/l/treaty/treaties/2007/index.htm.
Table 2. North Atlantic Treaty Organization: Partnership for Peace - Status of Forces Agreement
NATO PfP Member
Agreements Supplementing or in Addition to the NATO PfP SOFA
Country
Albania
1995: Agreement concerning the status of U.S. military personnel and civilian employees of the DOD who may be present in Albania in
connection with Search and Rescue (SAREX) joint military exercise. 2004: Supplementary agreement to “Agreement among member countries
of the North Atlantic Treaty and other participating states in the Partnership for Peace regarding the status of their forces” on the status of the
forces of the U.S. in Republic of Albania
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Bosnia-Herzegovina
2005: Agreement on status protections and access to and use of facilities and areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatia
2006: Memorandum of understanding concerning the use of airspace, ranges, airports, seaports, and training facilities by U.S. forces in Europe
Finland
Georgia
Ireland
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyz Republic
2001: Present in Kyrgyzstan in connection with cooperative efforts in response to terrorism, humanitarian assistance, and other agreed activities
Macedonia
Malta
Moldova
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NATO PfP Member
Agreements Supplementing or in Addition to the NATO PfP SOFA
Country
Montenegro
2007: Agreement on status protections and access to and use of military infrastructure in Montenegro
Russian Federation

Serbia
2006: SOFA (Concluded prior to joining NATO PfP program)
Sweden
Switzerland
Tajikistan
2001: Agreement regarding status of U.S. military personnel and civilian personnel of DOD present in Tajikistan in connection with cooperative
efforts in response to terrorism, humanitarian assistance and other agreed activities
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
Uzbekistan
Source: Treaties in Force: A List of Treaties and Other International Agreements of the United States in Force on November 1, 2007. Available at
http://www.state.gov/s/l/treaty/treaties/2007/index.htm.
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Table 3. Treaty as Underlying Source of Authority for Status of Forces Agreement
Country Year Treaty/Agreement
Applicability Language
Australia
1963
Agreement concerning the status of U.S. forces in Australia (14 U.S.T.
506), cites ANZUS Pact (3 U.S.T. 3420)
Guatemala
2005
Agreement regarding the status of U.S. personnel (T.I.A.S.), cites
Temporarily present in Guatemala
military assistance agreement (6 U.S.T. 2107), cites Rio Treaty (62 Stat
1681)
Haiti
1995
Agreement regarding status of U.S. military and civilian employees of
Temporarily present in Haiti in connection with official duties
DOD (NP), cites military assistance agreement (6 U.S.T. 3847), cites
Rio Treaty (62 Stat 1681)
Honduras
1982
Agreement relating to privileges and immunities for U.S. armed forces Temporarily present in Honduras for the purpose of participating in
(35 U.S.T. 3884), cites military assistance agreement (5 U.S.T. 843),
military exercises, or for other temporary purposes, authorized by the
cites Rio Treaty (62 Stat 1681)
government of Honduras
Japan
1960
Agreement under Article VI of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and
security (11 U.S.T. 1652), cites Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and
security (11 U.S.T. 1632)
Korea
1967
Agreement under Article V of the Mutual Defense Treaty regarding

facilities and areas and the status of U.S. armed forces in Korea (17
U.S.T. 1677), cites Mutual Defense Treaty (5 U.S.T. 2368)
Philippines
1993
Agreement regarding the status of U.S. military and civilian personnel

(T.I.A.S.), cites Mutual Defense Treaty (3 U.S.T. 3947)
Source: Treaties in Force: A List of Treaties and Other International Agreements of the United States in Force on November 1, 2007. Available at
http://www.state.gov/s/l/treaty/treaties/2007/index.htm.
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Table 4. Congressional Action as Underlying Source of Authority for Status of Forces Agreement
Country Year
Source
Marshall Islands
2004
Compact of Free Association (P.L. 99-239)
Micronesia 2004
Compact of Free Association (P.L. 99-239)
Palau 1986 Compact of Free Association (P.L. 99-658)
Source: Treaties in Force: A List of Treaties and Other International Agreements of the United States in Force on November 1, 2007. Available at
http://www.state.gov/s/l/treaty/treaties/2007/index.htm.
Table 5. Base Lease Agreement Containing Status of Forces Agreement Terms
Country Year
Source
Applicability Language
Antigua and Barbuda
1941/1977
U.K. - lease agreement
1941: Agreement pertains to naval and air bases leased to U.S.
(55 Stat. 1560)
1977: Agreement on defense areas and facilities (29 U.S.T. 4183)
Bahamas
1941/1950
U.K. - lease agreement
Numerous agreements pertaining to facilities and personnel
(55 Stat. 1560)
U.K. - Ascension Island
1956
Cites agreement between U.K./U.S. (1 U.S.T.
Extension of the Bahamas Long Range Proving Ground
545)
U.K. - Bermuda
1941/1950
U.K. - lease agreement
Agreements pertain to naval and air bases leased to U.S.
(55 Stat 1560)
U.K. - Diego Garcia
1966

Indian Ocean islands for defense (18 U.S.T. 28)
U.K. - Turks and Caicos Islands
1979

Defense area agreement (32 U.S.T. 429)
Source: Treaties in Force: A List of Treaties and Other International Agreements of the United States in Force on November 1, 2007. Available at
http://www.state.gov/s/l/treaty/treaties/2007/index.htm.
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Table 6. Status of Forces Agreement in Support of Specified Activity/Exercise
Country Year Applicability Language
Benin 1998 Temporarily present in Benin in connection with ACRI and other activities as may be agreed upon by the two governments
Cote D’Ivoire
1998
Temporarily present in Cote d’Ivoire in connection with ACRI and other activities as may be agreed upon by the two countries
Ethiopia
1994
Present in Ethiopia in connection with “Nectar Bend 94,” scheduled for 1 June, 1994 through 7 July, 1994, future exercises, and
otherwise in respect to their official duties
Gabon
1999
Temporarily present in Gabon in connection with “Gabon 2000” and other activities
Ghana
1998/2000
1998: Temporarily present in Ghana in connection with ACRI and other activities as may be agreed upon by two governments 2000:
Additional agreement, separate from ACRI, addressing individuals temporarily present in Ghana in connection with humanitarian relief
operations in Southern Africa
Madagascar
2000
Temporarily present in Madagascar in connection with current humanitarian relief operations and other activities as may be agreed
upon the two governments
Malawi
1997
Temporarily present in the Republic of Malawi in connection with the ACRI Mobile Training Team visit and other activities related to
ACRI as may be agreed upon by two governments
Mali
1997
Temporarily present in Mali in connection with ACRI Mobile Training Team visit and other activities as may be agreed upon up two
governments
Nepal
2000
Temporarily present in the Kingdom of Nepal in connection with the Multi-Platoon Training Event
Nigeria
2000
Temporarily present in Nigeria in connection with upcoming military training and other activities as may be agreed upon by two
governments
Peru
1995
Certain U.S. personnel who may serve for a period of less than ninety days at the ground-based radar site at Yurimajuas, and at other
locations as agreed by the Peruvian Air Force
Rwanda
2005
Present in Rwanda in connection with the military airlift of Rwandan military forces in support of operations in Darfur and future
mutually agreed activities
Source: Treaties in Force: A List of Treaties and Other International Agreements of the United States in Force on November 1, 2007. Available at
http://www.state.gov/s/l/treaty/treaties/2007/index.htm.
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Table 7. Status of Forces Agreement Not in Support of Specified Activity/Exercise and
Not Based on Underlying Treaty/Congressional Action
Country Year Applicability
Language
Afghanistan
2002
May be present in Afghanistan in connection with cooperative efforts in response to terrorism, humanitarian and civic assistance,
military training and exercises, and other activities
Bahrain 1971/1975/

1971: Agreement for the Deployment in Bahrain of the United States Middle East Force (22 U.S.T. 2184) - modified by 1975
1977/1991
agreement for the Deployment in Bahrain of the United States Middle East Force (26 U.S.T. 3027) and 1977 agreement on the Status
of Administrative Support Unit Personnel (28 U.S.T. 5312) 1991: Agreement concerning the deployment of United States forces
(T.I.A.S. 12236)
Bangladesh
1998
Agreement regarding the status of U.S. forces visiting Bangladesh
Belize
2001
Temporarily present in Belize in connection with military exercises and training, counter-drug related activities, United States security
assistance programs, or other agreed upon purposes
Botswana
2001
Temporarily present in Botswana for the purpose of carrying out exercises, training, humanitarian assistance, or other activities which
may be agreed upon by both governments
Brunei
1994
MOU on defense cooperation (military training, military exercises, exchange of personnel, exchange of information)
Cambodia
1996
Temporarily present in Cambodia in connection with military assistance activities and other official duties
Chad 1987/1998/

1987: Text classified 1998: Agreement regarding individuals temporarily present in Chad in connection with official duties relating to
2005
humanitarian demining activities 2005: Agreement regarding status of personnel of the U.S. in Chad
Congo, Democratic 1994
May be present in Zaire in connection with humanitarian efforts
Republic of the
Costa Rica
1983
Agreement relating to privileges and immunities for United States personnel providing assistance to the drought stricken provinces in
northern Costa Rica
Djibouti
2001
Status of forces agreement with related note
Dominican Republic 1988
U.S. personnel not members of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission present in Dominican Republic for a period less than six months in
connection with their official duties
Egypt
1981
While in the Arab Republic of Egypt, in connection with assistance and training programs, defense industrial cooperation, or such
other matters as may from time to time be agreed
El Salvador
2007
Personnel and contractors who may be temporarily present in El Salvador in connection with ship visits, training, exercises,
humanitarian activities and other activities as mutually agreed
Grenada
1984/1993
1984: SOFA 1993: Additional agreement concerning temporary assignment in Grenada in connection with exercises or activities
approved by both governments in accordance with usual procedures
Guinea
2002
Temporarily present in the Republic of Guinea in connection with training exercises, humanitarian relief operations, and other
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Country Year Applicability Language
activities as may be agreed upon by the two governments
Guyana
2000
Temporarily present in Guyana in connection with military exercises and training, counter-drug related activities, U.S. security
assistance programs, or other agreed purposes
Israel
1994
U.S. personnel sent to Israel for ship and aircraft visits, military exercises and other mutually agreed military activities; recognizing that
any decision regarding the sending of U.S. personnel to Israel will be the subject of separate arrangements between the parties
Jordan
1996
Present in Jordan in connection with their official duties
Kenya 1980
Text
classified
Kuwait 1991 Text
classified
Liberia
2005
Temporarily present in Liberia
Malaysia 1990 Text
classified
Maldives
2004
Agreement regarding military and DOD civilian personnel
Mongolia
1998
Agreement on military exchanges and visits, with annex
Mozambique
2000
Temporarily present in Mozambique in connection with humanitarian relief operations
Nicaragua 1998 Present in connection with the disaster relief/assistance effort and mutually agreed follow-on activities
Oman 1980
Text
classified
Panama
2001
Temporarily present in Panama
Papua New Guinea 1989
Temporarily present in Papua New Guinea in connection with their official duties (disaster relief, humanitarian and civic assistance
activities) from time to time as authorized by the Government of Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
2005
Temporarily present in Paraguay
Qatar 1992
Text
classified
Saint Kitts and
1987
Present in connection with their official duties
Nevis
Saint Lucia
2000
Present in St. Lucia in connection with military exercises and training, counter-drug related activities, U.S. security assistance
programs, or other agreed peaceful purposes
Saudi Arabia
1972
Agreement to govern the status, duties, administration and conduct of the United States Military Training Mission, to be known as the
United States Military Assistance Advisory Group, to Saudi Arabia
Senegal
2001
Temporarily present in Senegal in connection with training, humanitarian relief operations, exercises and other agreed purposes
Singapore
1990
Memorandum of Understanding between U.S. and Singapore regarding U.S. use of facilities in Singapore
Solomon Islands
1991
Temporarily present in Solomon Islands in connection with their official duties from time to time as authorized by the Government of
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Country Year Applicability Language
Solomon Islands
Somalia 1990 Text
classified
South Africa
1999
Present in the Republic of South Africa in connection with mutually agreed exercises and activities
Sri Lanka
1995
Present in Sri Lanka for exercises or other official duties
Sudan
1981
Present in Sudan in connection with their official duties
Suriname
2005
Temporarily present in the Republic of Suriname
Timor-Leste
2002
Present in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in connection with humanitarian and civic assistance, ship visits, military training
and exercises and other agreed activities
Tonga
1992
Temporarily present in Tonga, as authorized by Tonga, in connection with their official duties
Uganda
1994
Temporarily present in Uganda in connection with their official duties
United Arab
1994 Text
classified
Emirates
Western Samoa
1990
Present in Western Samoa in connection with their official duties, as authorized by the Government of Western Samoa
Source: Treaties in Force: A List of Treaties and Other International Agreements of the United States in Force on November 1, 2007. Available at
http://www.state.gov/s/l/treaty/treaties/2007/index.htm.
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ȱȱȱ

R. Chuck Mason

Legislative Attorney
rcmason@crs.loc.gov, 7-9294

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