The Samoan Government has announced it will be reopening its border to international travellers from August/September later this year. The country reported its second case on 27 November. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Samoas Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has announced the plan to reopen Samoas international borders to international travellers from August/September this year. Enroll inSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security updates. (Photo: Samoa Government Facebook page), The National University of Samoa to resume classes as planned for early this month, Secondary, Primary and Early Childhood Schools will gradually open in May upon Cabinets consideration of scheduled plan from Ministry of Education Sports and Culture on resumption of all schools, Business opening hours are extended from 6am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday, Curfew starts from 11pm to 6am the next day whereby only authorised personnel and vehicles are allowed on the road, For Sundays, business hours start from 12pm to 10pm at night, Public gatherings including church services are open but the public is encouraged to maintained social distancing, wearing facial mask and showing of vaccination masks, Resume international flights from this month May, for all our citizens travelling to Samoa for various purposes and for all those contracted to work in Samoa, Opening of international borders in August, September this year, 18 years and over have recorded 92.6 per cent those have two doses, 12 to 17 years old recorded 86.6 per cent those have two doses, 5 to 11 years old recorded 58.7 per cent have had two doses, A total of 70,439 have had their booster shots. Happy 108th birthday to the U.S. Navy Reserve. Persons with disabilities have easy access to medical facilities. You should not approach or feed them; they can become aggressive in the presence of food or if they feel threatened. Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips. +685 21436 / 21631 / 21452 or 22696. Email:AmEmbApia@state.gov or ApiaConsular@state.gov. Rapid antigen tests are readily available at public hospitals and private clinics. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. Advertising | Bars in American Samoa are . Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. See our webpage for further information. And we have the answer! Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter American Samoa without restrictions. Visit theDepartment of Homeland Security websitefor the latest travel restrictions to the United States. Cruise ship passengers need not apply. Avoid walking alone after dark or in remote areas. We look forward to welcoming visitors with open arms later this year, and we encourage travellers to experience Samoas untouched beauty, unique cultural experiences, rich heritage and friendly locals for themselves.. Samoa will open to citizens first in May before it welcomes international travellers in August. Tongan borders are closed to entry to all foreign nationals, except if authorisation is granted by the relevant Tongan government authorities. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has confirmed the country will welcome arrivals of Samoan citizens and foreign contractors from May, and allow travellers into the country from August/September, subject to Samoa's vaccination progress and the removal of restrictions to facilitate quarantine-free travel. List any local resources that can provide additional useful information. updated: 10 Jul 2020 Belarus American Samoa specific information: Belgium updated: 08 Mar 2022 Health boss Leausa Take Naseri says borders will re-open only when 98 percent of the eligible population has been vaccinated against Covid-19. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is not issuing a specific travel advisory for American Samoa at this time. Dress modestly and avoid public affection to avoid unwanted attention. Ironman competitor, Darren Young said he started wanting to be an Ironman because By Fuimaono Lumepa Hald victims compensation programs in the U.S. insurance providers for overseas coverage. Register or sign in to create events, jobs and access premium features. Opening of international borders in August, September this year The Prime Minister also confirmed the latest statistics on vaccination in the country. SAVALI ISSUE 08: DATED 03rd March 2023 | SAVALI 08: ASO 03 o Mati 2023; Saunoaga Aut a le Afioga i le Minisit o le Matgaluega o le Soifua Mllina i le "Fa'amanatuina o le Aso Fa'apitoa e Fa'atua ai le Fa'alogo" - (03/03/2023) Please exercise appropriate caution when you are walking, running, or riding a bike near stray dogs. In announcing the further lifting of Level 2 restrictions, the Prime Minister said this would include the, "opening of [] 'I've done it all' - Sir Rod Stewart on getting older and staying fit. [READ MORE] Embassy Messages Alerts View Alerts and Messages Archive Quick Facts PASSPORT VALIDITY: Must be valid at the time of entry BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: One page required for entry stamp CEO of Samoa's tourism authority Fa'amatuainu Lenata'i Suifua said that vaccinations and a tracer . Samoa Independent State of Samoa Travel Advisory October 24, 2022 Samoa - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions Exercise normal precautions in Samoa. Normal Immigration requirements, as outlined below, apply. Particular care should be taken near Apias downtown bars and restaurants, where a number of violent incidents involving foreigners and Samoans have occurred. Although there have been no major accidents involving the ferry service linking Upolu and Savaii, vessels are sometimes overloaded. for covid-19. Secondary, Primary and Early Childhood Education schools would gradually reopen this month upon Cabinets consideration of a schedule plan from the education sector on the resumption of schools. 05.05.2022. Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Most buses and taxis do not have ramps to accommodate wheelchairs. As international travel begins to take shape again, Samoa has been striving to ensure critical components of our travel-ready toolkit are in place. Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. White or transparent. It was recorded that 65,949 rapid tests had been administered and a new supply of Pfizer vaccines to help continue the vaccination roll-out in Savaii. A veterinarian from Cayman Islands was in Samoa for the last two weeks to help the By Fuimaono Lumepa Hald Reissued with updates to health information. Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA In a press release issued this week after the latest Cabinet meeting, Governor Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga stated that when the public is 95% fully vaccinated, the government will be able to open the borders. Local anticipation is building at travel borders opening again after more than a year of emergency restrictions to protect against the spread of the COVID 19 pandemic. However, disabled travelers should clarify with the hotel what accommodations are available before they book. +685 777 1776 Please leave a message and the Duty Officer will return your call. Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Telephone: +685 21436 / 21631 / 21452 or 22696 Samoa's borders are likely to remain closed for the rest of the year, as health authorities set a Covid-19 vaccination target. Assistance for U.S. Citizens. Samoa recently reduced its transmission level from. For more information visit the, U.S. Department of State COVID-19 Answers Portal, Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship Announcement, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter William Hart patrols Samoa EEZ. Sodomy is a criminal offence, punishable with a prison term. It was Communion Sunday on February 5, 2023,and the Samoan Congregation at Joint Base Meyer-Henderson Hall hosted a church service and to'ona'i to welcome Governor Lemanu, First Lady Ella Mauga, and the American Samoa delegation to the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area. Prime Minister Fiam Naomi Mata'afa has confirmed the country will welcome arrivals of Samoan citizens and foreign contractors from May, and allow travellers into the country from August/September, subject to Samoa's vaccination progress and the removal of . Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You should be aware that vehicle safety regulations are rarely enforced, and traffic violations occur routinely. If your guess was that the woman in the featured image snagged the job then youd be spot on. Traffic is particularly hazardous for the disabled in rural areas that have no footpaths and sidewalks. Normal Immigration requirements, as outlined below, apply. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. The last 12 Covid-19 samples from Samoa sent to New Zealand for testing have all returned negative results. easy canvas painting with black background. Roads in Samoa often traverse small streams. Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter American Samoa. In Samoa, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. Official Web Portal of the Government of Samoa. | Are vaccines available in Samoa for U.S. citizens to receive? Fax: +684 6335929. Amendments to quarantine conditions and the opening of borders for our neighbouring countries like Australia and Fiji as well as New Zealand. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned about fresh Covid-19 waves during the week. Unique American Samoa Borders Open stickers featuring millions of original designs created and sold by independent artists. Before that, Samoa would welcome the arrival of Samoan citizens and foreign contractors from this month. Samoa Tourism continues to work towards safe border re-opening July 8, 2021 As it continues to prepare for safe tourism reactivation, Samoa has announced that it will be launching the Samoa Travel Tracer - a contact tracing application made possible through a collaborative partnership between the Samoa Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Health. These standards may not be strictly enforced or meet the standards of similar facilities in the United States. Weekly flights to and from Australia continue. Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. The Samoan government said that vaccination rates have been critical in the decision to reopen. Advice for women travellers. July 20, 2022 News & Events. Of the latest cases, 202 patients admitted, 11 are in isolation at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, 1 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the rest discharged. Visit theUnited States Embassy in Samoawebsitefor updated information. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 2023-02-27 Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has announced the plan to reopen Samoa's international borders to international travellers from August/September this year. 05 March 2023, 4:00AM. and a state of emergency under ASCA 26.0101 et seq. 4 sizes available. Photo: Samoa Government Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa announced on Monday major changes to Samoa's State of Emergency orders. Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine. San Francisco, Honolulu, Darwin, Auckland. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). Mask usage in American Samoa is recommended in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation. It really is a world cruise and guests get to see an amazing variety of locations. For more information visit the Government of Samoa website. +(685) 21631 press 0 for the operator or extension 2222. Fiame announced the relaxed restrictions to the current State of Emergency such as: The National University of Samoa to resume classes as planned for this month. Visitors to Samoa, U.S. Citizens with emergencies, please call [685] 21631 press 0 for the operator or extension 2222, Outside of Office Hours, contact: [685] 7771776, Phone: +685 21436+685 21436 / 21631 / 21452 or 22696. Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers. In a special announcement aired on Facebook on Monday night, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said the island nation is set to open. Review the. 05 March 2023, 7:00AM. Recommended in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, +685 777 1776 Please leave a message and the Duty Officer will return your call, prevention of international child abduction. Samoa Ministry of Health Covid-19 vaccination advisory, 6 May 2021. Tonga's government has delayed plans to reopen its border to New Zealand. The average cost is around WST 20 (USD 8); payment is not covered by the government. F iji says it is already experiencing a boom in demand after announcing this week that it would open up quarantine-free travel to visitors from select countries, almost two years after closing its . Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa announced on Monday major changes to Samoa's State of Emergency orders. American Samoa closed its borders in March. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctors prescription. Fancy some sun and sand that isn't in Australia? Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Samoa. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Full travel advice: Local laws. Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. . Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Commencing September 22 2022: The . Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa said the plan to allow inbound passengers this month had been deferred. Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. *18 years and over have recorded 92.6 percent those have two doses *12 to 17 years old recorded 86.6 percent those have two doses *5 to 11 years old recorded 58.7 percent have had two doses Actions to Take Travelers are advised to review their immunity status prior to arrival. Travel.state.gov Country Information and Travel Advisory page. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. The ferry was currently moored offshore until its 14 day period was over, next Thursday. United States Embassy Samoa. Are there COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens? These blowholes are popular tourist attractions. Could video game skills help you get a job? Roads outside Apia are often narrow, winding, relatively steep, with narrow or no shoulders, and poorly lighted. Sweden switched to RHT in 1967, having been LHT from about 1734 despite having land borders with RHT countries, and approximately 90% of cars being left-hand drive (LHD). While rare, violent assaults, including sexual assaults, have occurred in Samoa. Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexual assaults occur. You can opt-out at any time. Uncle jailed 13 years for raping sisters kids. Find continuously updated travel restrictions for Samoa such as border, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be foundhere. Tonga cancelled all flights to the country in March . Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi told local radio the only thing his government was waiting on was the return to shore of 17 Samoan sailors quarantined on board the Lady Samoa III interisland ferry. The Samoan Government said that it is prioritising health and safety and is implementing a digital contact tracing app, training and upskilling for local employees, and has upgraded travel instructions and bolstered testing capabilities. Telephone. The footing around the mouths of most blowholes is very slippery. She added the Ministry of Health has predicted the virus to peak at the end of this month before the number of cases starts to fall. We advise: All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting or . Any U.S. citizen or non-citizen U.S. national has the right to contact a representative from the U.S. Embassy. If youare a U.S. citizen witha life-or-death emergency that requires a consular service, please contact the number listed below. The Emergency Operations Center shall continue to be activated to coordinate response efforts. Happy 108th birthday to the U.S. Navy Reserve. Japan and Thailand will both drop testing requirements from the start of next month. (File photo) Samoa's plan to reopen to the world would hinge on the country's vaccination. Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa has announced the returning of students to school and the resuming of international flights this month, though restricted to Samoan citizens travelling in for various purposes. As of Thursday night, 10,900 doses had reached 6200 men and 4700 women. There were 19 COVID-19 related deaths to date including 3 new deaths within the past 48 hours. Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Samoa. From 22nd September 2022, COVID-19 test and vaccination requirements were removed and no longer apply for travel and entry. The government says vaccination rates have remained pivotal in the decision to reopen, with the most recent data showing almost 93% of Samoa's population, aged 18 years and over, has been fully vaccinated. Visit theU.S. Department of State COVID-19 Answers Portal. Fiame also confirmed that only travellers who test positive on arrival at Faleolo airport would be quarantined at allocated sites and those tested negative would be released to be isolated at home. Consult your airline, cruise line, or other travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions. While in Samoa, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic in Samoa is part of the ongoing worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).The virus was confirmed to have reached Samoa on 18 November 2020. Non-citizen U.S. nationals can apply for a visitors permit at the Samoa Consulate General office in Pago Pago, American Samoa: Consulate General Of Samoa U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Taxis are widely available and used by Samoans and visitors alike. Canadians can visit American Samoa without an entry permit or visa for a period of up to 30 days. In an announcement overnight, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has confirmed Samoa will welcome international travellers into the country from 1st August 2022. The average cost is around WST 20 (USD 8); payment is not covered by the government. Check the CDC website for additional information and. Travellers must have: For more information, visit Permit Services Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (mpmc.gov.ws). A remote wilderness temperate climate add to the allure of this unique destination (as well as the legendary Japanese Soju!). Applications for immigrant visas are not received or processed at the U.S. Embassy Apia. State.gov Country Information and Travel Advisory page. Stranded residents are finally. Barbados American Samoa specific information: Belarus: Belarus requires most foreign citizens arriving in the country to either come with a negative COVID-19 test issued within 48 hours before arrival or quarantine for 14 days. Travel Weekly was invited to Intrepids first global summit since the pandemic. ACC Building, Matafele. First published by RNZ. Before that, Samoa would welcome the arrival of Samoan citizens and foreign contractors from this month. 2. International travel, planes and ships: (1) All international travel to and from Samoa by plane are suspended except as provided in exceptional circumstances approved by Cabinet. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. Hepatitis B. Samoa welcomes restart of cruise ship port calls The Port of Apia will welcome the return of cruise ships when Westerdam and Zuiderdam from the Holland America line call in at Matautu on Tuesday 18th October and Thursday 20th October respectively. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays. PRC testing is no longer widely available. All nationalities traveling to Samoa can apply for a 90-day Visitor Permit on arrival using the arrival card. There are also no anti-discrimination laws in place. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for travel on secondary roads. All international cruise ships and yachts scheduled to arrive after 19 March 2020 will not be granted entry into Tonga until further notice. 281 Likes, TikTok video from Jen (@ft.jenvjva): "When these borders open, I'm going home #SAMOA #FYP #homeoswheretheheartis #685baby #beautifulsamoa #samoatiktok685". Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. Currently, there are no requirements in place (such as health testing or quarantine) for all travelers entering the country, regardless of their vaccination status. Fiame said Samoa's high vaccination rate was critical in Cabinet's decision on when to open the borders. IMPORTANT INFORMATION - ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, How to Create the Best Samoa Family Holiday, The Best Samoan Themed Books To Read On Holiday, The Difference Between Samoa & American Samoa, Your Guide to the Islands of Savai'i and Upolu, The Most Stunning Waterfalls You'll Find in Samoa, Permit Services Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (mpmc.gov.ws), Register here if you don't have an account, a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay, visas for the next country of destination, sufficient funds to support themselves (while in Samoa). Flights to Samoa currently operate direct from Auckland with Air New Zealand, Sydney/Brisbane with Qantas, Nadi (Fiji) and Honolulu (Hawaii) with Fiji Airways. Information about services and how to schedule an appointment can be found athttps://ws.usembassy.gov/. Fiame said critical to the opening of borders are current vaccination rates, amending quarantine requirements and opening of borders by Fiji, Australia and New Zealand for Samoa. Don't drink and drive. He said he would make a formal announcement about the government's plans "soon.". Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings. Apia, SAMOA Samoa's new Minister of Health said a planned travel bubble with New Zealand will not happen until the country's eligible population are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Incidents of petty theft and robberies are common in Samoa. For further information on immigrant visas please visit the U.S. Consulate in Auckland. Due to poor and deteriorating road conditions, night driving on unlit rural roads can be dangerous and should be avoided if possible. READ MORE >> News Releases Tourism Views & Insights Published Monday, 17 October 2022 The Samoa government is being accused of ignoring mass vaccination advice from its own medical experts ahead of the deadly measles epidemic in 2019. Need help? Tuilaepa confirms that Samoa's international borders will remain closed and while the local economy opens up, all are encouraged to uphold social distancing measures and act responsibly at all times. You can cancel anytime. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Flights to Samoa currently operate direct from Auckland with Air New Zealand, Sydney/Brisbane with Qantas, Nadi (Fiji) and Honolulu (Hawaii) with Fiji Airways. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. However this morning he warned it was highly unlikely air travel in and out of the country would be opened soon. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. From 22nd September 2022, COVID-19 test and vaccination requirements were removed and no longer apply for travel and entry. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. Apia, SAMOA Samoa's Prime Minister says despite the nation still being Covid-19 free, it is highly unlikely the borders will be reopened at this stage, even to those wanting to attend urgent family matters. Fines may be given to individuals, businesses and organizations who do not comply with the governments COVID restrictions.