For companies with employees traveling to Arkansas for projects, client meetings, or training, a clear and efficient per diem policy is essential for managing expenses.
This guide is designed to provide clarity on travel expenses in Arkansas. We will cover the official GSA per diem rates, explain the laws that govern employee reimbursement, and show you how to streamline the entire process.
Arkansas Per Diem Rate
Per diem rates for official travel in Arkansas are set by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). These federal rates are mandatory for federal employees and serve as a common benchmark for private sector companies looking to create an IRS-compliant reimbursement policy.
For Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025), key rates are broken down as follows:
Major Business and Tourist Centers
Arkansas's primary business and tourism hubs have their own designated Non-Standard Area (NSA) rates.
- Little Rock (Pulaski County):
- M&IE: $80 per day
- Lodging: A flat rate of $120 per night.
- Hot Springs (Garland County):
- M&IE: $74 per day
- Lodging: Seasonal, with a peak rate of $135 per night (Mar-Oct) and a rate of $117 per night for all other months.
The first and last day of travel, the M&IE rate is $60.00 for Little Rock and $55.50 for Hot Springs.
Standard CONUS Rate
For any county in Arkansas not specifically listed by the GSA—including other major cities like Fayetteville (Washington County) or Jonesboro (Craighead County)—the standard CONUS rate applies. For FY 2025, this rate is $178 ($110 for lodging and $68 for M&IE).
Arkansas Per Diem Rate Calculator
Find the exact per diem allowance for your business trip to Arkansas with our easy-to-use calculator. Select the fiscal year, choose your destination, and input your travel dates. The tool will instantly provide the correct lodging and M&IE rates based on the official GSA schedule.