Due to the confirmation of the COVID-19 omicron variant in the Republic of Korea, and to align with the ROK government’s COVID initiative requiring all international arrivals (including incoming USFK-affiliated personnel) undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine regardless of vaccination status, USFK will implement the same quarantine requirement for its affiliated community effective today until further notice.
This does not apply to intra-Korean travel including Jeju Island.
USFK’s affiliated community and SOFA individuals who have previously established a residence in South Korea are authorized to quarantine in their residence - including on-installation housing, quarters, barracks and dorms - with an approved quarantine action plan signed by a squadron or battalion commander, or civilian equivalent in their chain of command. To download a quarantine action plan template, visit the following link: Quarantine Action Plan Template.
All other non-SOFA affiliated arrivals and short-term visitors must complete their mandatory 10-day quarantine in a ROK-designated quarantine location. These individuals are not permitted to quarantine at a SOFA-affiliated individual’s residence unless granted an exception to policy by their chain of command or supervisor.
All travelers undergoing quarantine are confined to their approved quarantine location with the exception of travel for life, health or safety issues (e.g., loss of life, limb).
All travelers will take an entry and exit day PCR tests. Day 1 tests will be completed at a U.S. military treatment facility, while the Day 8/9 test may be conducted at a ROK government public health facility with commander/supervisor approval. Please note that if travelers receive testing from a ROK government public health facility, travelers will NOT be reimbursed for the cost of the test or any associated expense.
All non-travelers, regardless of vaccination status, who are cohabitating with the arriving individual(s), will restrict their movement until day 1 PCR test results are returned. If the results are negative, these individuals can resume all on and off-installation activities in compliance with current USFK policies.
Transportation for arriving individuals from the airport is limited to personal or government vehicles, or government contracted buses. Drivers and passengers will wear appropriate personal protective equipment including masks.
The USFK-affiliated community is reminded they must continue to follow all South Korean laws, rules and directives - including ROK social distancing levels and mask wear when off USFK installations - and adhere to USFK core tenets both on and off-installation.
USFK remains at a high level of readiness, and continues to maintain a robust combined defense posture to protect the Republic of Korea against any threat or adversary while implementing and maintaining prudent preventive control measures to protect the force.