CORONAVIRUS TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS & INFORMATION ADVISORIES

See below for important COVID-related travel advisories.

  • For CDC-related travel information, click here.
  • For DoD-related travel information, click here.

OVERVIEW

In response to COVID-19 concerns, the Department of Defense issued domestic and international travel restrictions for all service members, DoD civilians, and their families assigned to DoD installations, facilities and surrounding areas within the United States and its territories. While the COVID-19 pandemic still presents risk, the improving conditions warrant a more conditions-based, phased approach to personnel movement and travel.  Yet unless all the conditions of the memo are met, the current stop movement will remain in effect. The conditions to resume unrestricted travel rests on two overarching factors: 1) state and/or regional criteria, based on the administration’s Opening Up America Again guidelines and 2) installation-level factors based on conditions surrounding DoD installations, facilities, and locations.

INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL TO THE U.S.

The CDC announced changes to U.S. entry requirements for air passengers starting 6 Dec 2021.  Guidelines can be found on their Amended Global Testing Order found HERE.

  • Additional CDC Requirement: Non-U.S. Citizen, Non-U.S. Immigrants (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa):
  • Passengers must be fully vaccinated to travel to the United States by air. Limited exceptions are listed on the CDC Attestation Form, Page 3, Paragraph 2.

PATRIOT EXPRESS COVID-19 SCREENING GUIDANCE FOR BWI, SEATAC

FACE COVERING REQUIREMENTS

On May 20, 2021, the U.S. Transportation Command directed the use of face coverings when traveling on aircraft or while at transportation hubs such as airports or AMC APOE terminals.  Vaccination status does not exempt a passenger from wearing a mask.  Passengers may temporarily remove their mask for eating or drinking, but they should reapply their mask as quickly as possible.  Acceptable face coverings shall extend above the nose without interfering with eyewear, and below the chin to cover the mouth.  Additionally, AMC passenger terminals are conducting two tiered screening to include temperature checks and medical screening.  Click HERE to read more on CDC travel guidance.

Masks Required

'HOME' OR 'SELF' COVID TESTS

'Home' or 'Self' COVID tests will generally not be accepted for international air travel.  Most foreign countries do not allow entry with these types of COVID test.  AMC terminals will not accept self-tests unless the Foreign Clearance Guide or receiving country guidelines specify self-testing procedures and documentation.

For travel from a foreign country to the United States, ‘Home’ or ‘Self’ COVID tests must meet requirements listed on the CDC website under the 'Test and Documentation Requirements' section.

POSITIVE COVID TEST PROCEDURES

Do not proceed to the AMC Passenger Terminal if you currently have COVID.  Arriving to the terminal with an active case increases the risk of spreading the virus to other passengers.  Contact your Transportation Office or booking agency to be placed in medical hold status and to arrange alternative travel options.

If you are previously recovered from COVID, you must present proof of COVID positive results and written documentation from a treating physician indicating:
- Date of symptoms onset
- Start of the 3 month (90 day) period
- Statement the traveler has recovered.
NOTE:  Foreign countries have different entry requirements.  Some countries may not allow entry for passengers presenting documentation of recovery or may differ slightly.  Check the Foreign Clearance Guide for specific COVID entry requirements.
 

TERMINATION OF COVID-19 TESTING AT BWI & SEATAC AMC TERMINALS

On-site COVID-19 testing services at BWI & SEA-TAC AMC Terminals are no longer available.

Passengers requiring proof of a COVID-19 test MUST arrive at their departure terminal with this documentation at the time of check-in. Passengers arriving without proper documentation will be denied travel.

JAPAN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

**Updated 08 Apr 2022** Japan recently updated their COVID testing policy.  Please check the Foreign Clearance Guide or U.S. Forces Japan COVID-19 Information webpages for specific details.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF (SOUTH) COVID TEST REQUIREMENT

**Updated 20 Jan 2022** Visit the Foreign Clearance Guide or the link below for important information about COVID test requirements for personnel movement to the Republic of Korea:

https://www.usfk.mil/Newcomers/Traveling-to-Korea/

KUWAIT COVID-19 ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

**Updated 24 Feb 2022** All personnel entering Kuwait must present a negative result for a PCR (not antigen) test administered within no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Kuwait. 

QATAR COVID-19 ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

**Updated 21 Jan 2022** All passengers traveling to Qatar need to provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of arrival in Qatar.  For Al Udeid Air Base: Personnel who tested positive within the previous 90-days must have their positive viral test results and a signed letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official that states they have been cleared for travel. The positive test result and letter together are referred to as “documentation of recovery.”

SPAIN TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR PCS & DEPLOYMENT TRAVELERS

Each passenger arriving in Spain by air must complete the health control form available at www.spth.gob.es or on the Spain Travel Health App. Completion of this form will generate a QR code for each traveler.

TURKEY TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR PCS & DEPLOYMENT TRAVELERS

All travelers entering Turkey must complete a Traveler Entry Form within 72 hours prior to travel, and print/present it at check-in prior to departure. Children under the age of six (6) and transit passengers are exempt.

All military and civilian personnel entering Turkish military installations (including US Facilities within, e.g., Incirlik Air Base) must have documentation of COVID Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) negative result within previous 72-hours.