As of 10 FEB 2022

Service Members and Family Members traveling outside the continental United States (OCONUS) on official 

orders are required to have a negative viral COVID-19 test (molecular such as Abbott ID Now/PCR or antigen) within 

3 days of their flight. If the destination location requires a specific test, test timing, or test result format, travelers must 

follow that requirement. Valid proof can be electronic or printed, based upon country entry requirements which 

should be verified by the traveler to avoid delays, fines, or other complications. Testing is the traveler’s 

responsibility. Fully vaccinated individuals may be exempt from testing prior to travel from U.S. to OCONUS, but 

they must follow host nation requirements. Note many countries still require testing despite vaccination status.

Travelers should review the Foreign Clearance Guide (https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm) to determine 

entry requirements for their destination. Further, they are encouraged to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment 

Program (STEP) through the U.S. State Department (https://step.state.gov). This service provides free updates from 

the nearest U.S. Embassy regarding travel requirements and safety conditions.

Regardless of vaccination status, Service Members, Government Civilians, and Contractors on official 

orders must be tested within 3 days of their return to continental United States (CONUS). If unvaccinated, or not on 

official orders, travelers must be test within 1 day of arrival to CONUS. This means that each U.S. to OCONUS 

round-trip drives at least 2-3 tests per traveler depending upon vaccination status. Plan ahead.

What to Do if You Test Positive

• Contact your chain of command immediately.

• Individuals or family members who test positive for COVID-19 while executing OCONUS travel orders should immediately

start ROM procedures. If one traveler of the family tests positive, the entire family must ROM.

What if You Previously Tested Positive ≤ 90 Days Prior Travel

• A molecular COVID-19 test may continue to produce positive results after recovery from COVID-19. If unable to achieve a

negative result, consult with medical provider, Foreign Clearance Guidance, and State Department guidance to determine if

your destination will allow entry with a letter from a physician.

For more information regarding USSOUTHCOM Guidance, please visit the COVID-19 Resource Page at

https://www.southcom.mil/coronavirus/. 

Where to Get Tested for Official Travel

• Military Treatment Facilities (MTF) may execute free tests for service members and dependents for official travel.

• For the SOUTHCOM Army Health Clinic, supervisors should submit a memo detailing the date of travel, location of travel,

and the type of test required for entry to the country. Submit the memo as soon as the need for a COVID-19 test is identified to:

usarmy.gordon.medcom-eamc.mbx.southcom-lab-covid-19@mail.mil or please contact the Lab at 437-1163/1164/3742 to

schedule testing and receive reporting instructions.

• Test results can be obtained by accessing Tricareonline.com or by contacting Medical Records.

• Service members can also use commercial testing sites. These sites may not be covered by TRICARE unless medically

indicated (i.e. you have symptoms or were exposed), but expenses for official travel may be refunded via the travel claim.

− Use your Government Travel Charge Card (if issued) or a travel advance to cover expenses if necessary.

− If TRICARE denies coverage, maintain copies of all charges to submit with your travel claim.

• Travelers who are fully vaccinated must follow testing guidance of host nation, and if they test positive they will

still be required to conduct Restriction of Movement (ROM).