DOD announces broad travel restrictions for countries affected by COVID-19

The Defense Department imposed travel restrictions effective Friday and, in some cases, banned travel for 60 days to countries affected by COVID-19, according to a memo from Defense Secretary Mark Esper.

The order encompasses eight countries in Asia, Europe and the Middle East — including several locations where the United States has a substantial military presence.

The order essentially bans travel to, through or from China, Italy, Iran and South Korea — all of which are under a Travel Health Notice Level 3 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to Esper’s memo. A CDC level 3 advisory means a widespread community transmission of the disease is occurring.

The “stop movement” order applies all uniformed service members, DOD civilians and family members, encompassing “all forms of official travel,” including permanent changes of station, temporary duty and government-funded leave.

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