CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa –
Almost all international travel requires a COVID test within 3 days of departure. When in doubt, assume that one is needed. There is no requirement for domestic pre-travel testing within Japan at this time.
Who do I need to call to set up my Pre-Travel Test?
Each unit has a representative who is responsible for coordinating your test in advance. Contact your unit representative as soon as you have flight information (whether official travel or for leave), then reaffirm 5 days before your flight that you are on the list. If you are unsure who your unit COVID representative is, email Task_Force_Safeguard_Operations@usmc.mil to findout.
Where and when do I go for my Pre-Travel Test?
Test collection hours are Mon-Sat, 0730 to 1000, as follows:
If your departure flight is on Monday, your test collection day is Saturday at USNHO Drive-Thru.
If your departure flight is on Tuesday, your test collection day is Saturday at USNHO Drive-Thru.
If your departure flight is on Wednesday, your test collection day is Monday at 18th MDG Drive-Thru.
If your departure flight is on Thursday, your test collection day is Tuesday at 18th MDG Drive-Thru.
If your departure flight is on Friday, your test collection day is Wednesday at 18th MDG Drive-Thru.
If your departure flight is on Saturday, your test collection day is Thursday at 18th MDG Drive-Thru.
If your departure flight is on Sunday, your test collection day is Friday at 18th MDG Drive-Thru.
Do I need my results to board the plane or will the medical tell them?
You must print your results and present your paper documentation in order to board the plane. Additionally, for people flying commercially, you should bring the memo that explains test results for airline personnel. Copies of this in English, Japanese, and Korean are on USNHO’s webpage.
What if my test returns positive?
Public Health will reach out to you immediately. All normal protocols to establish medical care, isolation, and contact tracing will be followed. Quarantine will be arranged for your family members and other close contacts. If they were planning to depart on the same flight, they will need to remain on Okinawa and your unit and AMD will work to rebook all of you.
How do I obtain my results?
For those with TriCare, test results will typically be posted with your TriCare Online account on the evening of the day following your test collection.
For those without TriCare, please drop off a completed DD-2870 (boxes 1-13) at the time of your Drive Thru test. Explain your flight information in Box 8; an example is on our webpage. Your result will be emailed to the address you provide on the next calendar day.
What if it is the afternoon of the next day and I still do not have my results?
If it is after 20:00 on the next day and you do not yet have your results, you should call the COVID Care Line at 098-971-9691, Option 1, and we will help investigate.
How much will the test cost?
For Active Duty, AD Family members, and DoD civilians traveling on orders, there is no cost. For contractors and for family members of civilians traveling on orders, there may be a bill generated. If it is generated, it may be able to be waived. The rules here continue to fluctuate, and we appreciate your patience with the process.
For anyone going on leisure travel, a bill will likely be generated. The cost of the test is $51.33.
For questions about the billing and reimbursement process, please contact the Billing Office at DSN (315) 646-7213 or at 098-971-7213 from off base.
I’m having symptoms that could be COVID-19. May I use the Pre-Travel Drive-Thru testing site?
Our laboratory process is a bit different for people with symptoms, so we ask that you do not go for your travel test. Instead, call the COVID Care Line at 098-971-9691 to report your symptoms and arrange for diagnostic testing. This test will come back in plenty of time for your flight, and if the result is negative, you will still be permitted to depart.
I have recovered from COVID. Do I still need the test?
If you have had COVID-19 within the last 3 months, you do not need to be retested. Bring your isolation discharge paperwork with you to the AMC. If you do not have that, call the COVID Care Line at 098-971-9691, Option 1, and request a copy. If you are flying commercially, call us and we will provide you an official statement for you in Japanese.
If you had COVID-19 but more than three months ago, call the COVID Care Line at 098-971-9691, Option 1, five days before your flight. We will tailor testing and documentation to your situation.
I’m fully vaccinated. Do I still need the test?
Thank you for getting vaccinated! As you know, the vaccine is safe and very effective at preventing COVID disease (symptoms). We are still learning if it is just as good at preventing asymptomatic infection; it is possible you could still carry and transmit it. Therefore, at this time, yes, the pre-travel test is still needed. This policy may change in coming weeks as science develops.
Hawaii Travel
The following guidance is applicable to all personnel except 18th Wing. 18th Wing has different procedures for their personnel.
Test collection hours are Mon-Fri, 0730 to 1000, as follows:
If your departure flight is on Sunday or Monday, your test collection day is Friday at 18th MDG Drive-Thru.
If your departure flight is on Tuesday or Wednesday, your test collection day is Monday at 18th MDG Drive-Thru.
If your departure flight is on Thursday, your test collection day is Tuesday at 18th MDG Drive-Thru.
If your departure flight is on Friday, your test collection day is Wednesday at 18th MDG Drive-Thru.
If your departure flight is on Saturday, your test collection day is Thursday at 18th MDG Drive-Thru.
Who do I need to call to set up my Hawaii Pre-Travel Test?
Each unit has a representative who is responsible for coordinating your test in advance. Contact your unit representative as soon as you have flight information (whether official travel or for leave), and ensure they choose Pre Travel Hawaii. Additionally, ensure they list the destination as Hawaii. Then reaffirm 5 days before your flight that you are on the list. If you are unsure who your unit COVID representative is, email Task_Force_Safeguard_Operations@usmc.mil to find out.
For Hawaii travel, is there anything else I need to do?
Yes. After your pre-travel test for Hawaii is conducted, a result will be produced the same day. In order to meet Hawaii’s Safe Travel Program requirements, an additional document is required, which will be produced by Task Force SAFEGUARD. On the same day as the test, TFSG will receive the test result. If the result is negative, they will input the information on the additional paperwork and call to inform the individual the paperwork is ready for pick up. This is usually done on the same day of the test. Personnel may pick up this paperwork at TFSG located on the USNHO campus.