Per Department of Defense guidance and NAVADMIN 03/21, all Navy Reserve Sailors traveling outside the continental United States (OCONUS) on orders are required to have a negative Coronavirus test prior to travel.
Many countries are now requiring negative test results for service members before arrival. Testing is the responsibility of the Reserve Sailor, and they must determine their individual requirements based upon their destination location by referring to the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) and their airline’s policy.
OCONUS travelers must have a negative viral COVID-19 test (molecular or antigen) within 72 hours of embarkation. An antigen test may be used for testing prior to travel when a molecular test (such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Abbott ID NOW) is not available. However, a molecular test is the preferred test prior to travel. Travelers with valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination are currently not exempt from the testing requirement. Vaccinated travelers should only rely on molecular-based tests because they may be at higher risk of a false positive with an antigen test.
If the destination location requires a specific test, test timing, or test result format, travelers must follow the stricter requirement.
Once tested, Navy Reserve Sailors must have their test results in hand with time left before expiration prior to arrival at the next destination.
Navy Reserve Sailors who test positive for COVID-19 while executing OCONUS travel must stop and execute restriction of movement (ROM) procedures. If a test is positive, Navy Reserve Sailors should contact their Operational Support Officer (OSO) and Navy Reserve unit immediately to coordinate modifications to their orders.
Navy Reserve Sailors on active-duty orders can get free testing at a military treatment facility (MTF), but tests must be scheduled prior to arrival and OCONUS orders are required. Test results will be delivered within 24 hours after testing. Testing at commercial sites is a reimbursable travel expense if the authorizing official (AO) agrees that testing at an MTF was not available.
Preferred Military Treatment Facility Locations/Phone Contact/Testing Hours Available
(Pacific)
- Camp Pendleton, CA, (760) 685-3537, 24/7 testing available
- Bremerton, WA, (360) 340-5335, testing 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Madigan Army Hospital. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, (253) 968-4443, testing 6 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Atlantic)
- Portsmouth, VA, (757) 953-6200, 24/7 testing available
- Jacksonville, FL, (994) 250-6188, 24/7 testing available
- Camp Lejeune, NC, (910) 450-2956, 24/7 testing available
- Fort Belvoir, VA, COVID Clinic (571) 231-0532, testing 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Fort Belvoir, VA CDO (571) 585-6066, 24/7 testing available
- Walter Reed, Central Screening, (571) 335-9985, testing 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Walter Reed, CDO, (301) 547-1161, 24/7 testing available
For more information, please contact your Operational Support Officer (OSO) or your Navy Reserve unit. See also CNRFC N33 Travelgram 21-009 at https://private.navyreserve.navy.mil/cnrfc/N-Codes/N3/GOVDEL%20Messages/Forms/AllItems.aspx.
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