Defense Travel Restrictions: Green Locations

The Department of Defense (DoD) released an update to the travel policy memo that establishes a new process for designating locations as authorized for travel.

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What are the defense travel restrictions?

The Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) implements Department of Defense travel policy for over 2.4 million world-wideTravelers annually, spending $23 Billion in DoD appropriated funds.

The objective of defense travel is to promote effectiveness and efficiency in the DoD travel program through prudent management of Federal travel resources, emphasizing electronic processing, standardized business processes and best practices that enable Federal travelers to accomplish their mission.

What are the green locations?

The Department of Defense imposes travel restrictions on service members and their families for a variety of reasons, including security and morale. Green locations are those where travel is allowed without restriction. DoD officials announced the list of green countries in March 2020, which includes the following:

-Australia
-Bahrain
-Canada
-Cayman Islands
-Denmark
-Germany
-Greece
-Iceland
-Italy
-Japan
-Kuwait
-Netherlands
-New Zealand
-Norway
-Oman
-Qatar
-Singapore
South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States

What are the benefits of being in a green location?

There are many benefits to being in a green location, which is defined as a place with little to no tourist traffic. For one, it is easier to get around and get things done without large crowds of people. Additionally, prices for goods and services tend to be lower in green locations because businesses are not catering to the higher demand of tourists. You will also have a more authentic experience because you will be interacting with locals rather than other travelers.

What are the risks of being in a green location?

There are no specific risks associated with being in a green location. You should, however, always exercise caution and good judgment, and be aware of your surroundings.

How can you stay safe in a green location?

As the world slowly returns to some sense of normalcy, the Department of Defense is also returning to pre-COVID-19 travel guidelines.

DoD released an update to its COVID-19 travel guidance Jul. 13, which designates location statuses as either green, yellow or red in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) travel health notices.

The new designations will enable DoD officials to make decisions based on current risks and trends at the local level when considering restrictions on official travel and limiting mass gatherings, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles Cleveland, the department’s joint staff surgeon.

“This will allow commanders more flexibility in making decisions that balance mission requirements with force protection concerns,” Cleveland said.

The following precautions should be taken if you find yourself in a green location:

What should you do if you are in a green location and something happens?

If you are in a “green” location and something should happen, you should immediately notify your security office and your travel sponsor (if traveling on official business). You may also contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. If you are a contractor employee, please consult your company security officer and/or Evacuation Plan.

What are the restrictions on travel to green locations?

The restrictions on travel to green locations are as follows:
-You must have a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours prior to departure
-You will be screened upon arrival
-You must wear a face mask at all times while in transit
-You must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival

Can you travel to a green location if you are not in the military?

The Department of Defense (DoD) divides the world into categories based on the level of risk to service members, civilians, and contractors. These locations are known as Travel Risk Locations and they are color-coded: green, yellow, orange, or red. The travel restrictions for each color are as follows:

-Green: There are no travel restrictions for green locations. Service members, civilians, and contractors may travel freely to these locations.

-Yellow: Travel to yellow locations is restricted to essential personnel only. Service members, civilians, and contractors who must travel to yellow locations must receive approval from their chain of command prior to travel.

-Orange: Travel to orange locations is prohibited unless authorized by the Secretary of Defense. Essential personnel who must travel to orange locations must receive approval from the Secretary of Defense prior to travel.

-Red: Travel to red locations is prohibited. Essential personnel who must travel to red locations must receive approval from the resident of the United States prior to travel.

What are the consequences of violating the travel restrictions?

If you violate the travel restrictions, you may be subject to disciplinary action from your command, including possible court-martial. You could also be subject to civil penalties, including a fine of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years.

What are some tips for traveling to a green location?

The U.S. Department of State has lifted travel restrictions to a number of countries, effective immediately. Travelers should exercise normal precautions while visiting these destinations.

Some tips for traveling to a green location:
– Before you go, research the local laws and customs of the country you are visiting.
– Be aware of your surroundings and be cautious when meeting new people.
– Do not advertise the fact that you are a tourist or where you are staying.
– Keep your valuables close to you and do not flaunt them in public.
– Do not leave food or drinks unattended in public places.