COVID-19 Advisory

Updated April 10, 2023

President Biden signed a bill ending the COVID-19 national emergency on Monday, April 10, 2023. The public health emergency is set to expire on May 11, 2023.

The Defense Department works closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the State Department to provide support to those on official travel in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

DoD Restrictions on Foreign and Domestic Travel

On January 30, 2023, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness issued a memorandum and guidance, Consolidated Department of Defense Coronavirus Disease 2019 Force Health Protection Guidance – Revision 4 [PDF, 21 pages] which amends the travel testing requirements for Service members, DoD civilian employees, DoD contractor personnel, and DoD family members.

On March 24, 2023, Revision 5 [PDF, 2 pages] was issued which ends the general post-exposure testing requirement for Service members in the workplace and modifies guidance for issuing medical personal protective equipment. For more information from the DoD, see accompanying guidance. This guidance amends previously issued memoranda.

Before you travel to other countries, review country-specific Travel Advisories and COVID-19 Country-Specific Travel Information. Many countries worldwide experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks are instituting traveler procedures and/or restrictions, which may include a mandatory period of quarantine upon arrival, border restrictions/closures, and/or require medical paperwork/declarations upon arrival. Countries may institute restrictions with little notice.

When returning to the U.S. from foreign travel, depending on your travel location, you may be required to enter the U.S. through select airports that have enhanced screening procedures before continuing on to your final destination.

Consider signing up for the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service from the Department of State allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to register their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Registration ensures you receive up-to-date safety and security information and helps the Department of State reach you in an emergency abroad.

More than 72 Hours Before Travel

If you need to adjust or cancel your travel plans, and there's more than 72 hours before your trip begins:

Less than 72 Hours Before Travel

If your trip begins in less than 72 hours, you have already received your airline ticket, or your trip has already started, contact your TMC directly to adjust or cancel your travel plans. Contact information is listed on your travel itinerary/invoice.

If you are approved to travel, be sure to monitor your flight’s status on the airline’s website or mobile application for any changes. Be aware of your airline’s COVID-19 travel procedures and those of any airport through which you will be traveling.

Pay close attention to testing requirements/timing and vaccination requirements for both your destination and your transit airports. If your destination or transit airport location has testing requirements, you may need to re-test if your delay/cancellation puts you outside the required time frame. If you are re-routed, be sure to review requirements for new transit airports.

If your flight changes or is cancelled before your ticket is issued (which typically occurs 72 hours before departure), you can rebook in DTS or MyTravel. If you have been ticketed, contact your TMC directly to rebook.