REDALERT

Information for International Travellers 

The current State of Emergency in Samoa requires that all international borders remain closed until further notice. Samoa remains free of COVID-19 and we hope to be able to welcome you back once it is safe. For any travellers who have already purchased international travel arrangements are advised to contact their booking agents for further information.

Airports, Flights & Cruiseships

Except in exceptional circumstances approved by Cabinet, all international travel to and from Samoa by plane are ceased. Repatriation of Samoan citizens to Samoa from American Samoa and vice versa may be possible via Samoa Airways. Mandatory COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements are in effect. For more information, please contact the Ministry of Health.

All boats and ships are prohibited access except in particular circumstances.

special travel advice for travelers entering samoa:

Updated: 30 june 2021 

1. ALL passengers are advised to communicate straight to the Samoa Health Authorities 21 days before planned travel time by emailing enquiries@health.gov.ws or samoahealth.travelenquiries@gmail.com for further clarification pertaining  to travel advice.

2. All travelers will be assessed on a case-by-case basis before being granted permission to  travel to Samoa.

3. Due to the current COVID-19 development in Fiji and the presence of the COVID-19 Delta Variant reported in over 80 countries globally.

THE FOLLOWING REQuiREMENTS WILL COME INTO FORCE AT 12:00am, 1st july 2021.

ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE IN ENGLISH - ANY OTHER LANGUAGE WILL BE DENIED BOARDING WITHOUT EXCEPTION.

4. With Samoa's limited and delayed supply of COVID-19 Vaccines from COVAX facility, Travelers  including crew are NOW required to be fully vaccinated before entry into Samoa with any COVID-19 vaccine and preferably vaccines already pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Janssen, Moderna, Sinopharm).

5. A legitimate vaccine certificate is required for boarding. Being fully vaccinated implies completion of the required prescribed doses as per vaccine used. All should have completed 2 weeks post vaccination prior to travel. The vaccine certificate must be a Health Authority Approved Certificate/Card of country where vaccination took place and should contain the following information:

1. Name of Country
2. Name of person should be same as name on passport
3. Identification/Registration Number if available
4. Address of Clinic and contact details
5. Name of Vaccine and Batch Number
6. Name of Vaccinator
7. Health Institution Stamp if available OR
8. A Letter from the General Practitioner (GP) or Health Authority - a letter or print out from their GP or Health Authority Confirming having been vaccinated as per information on the country of Origin COVID-19 Immunization Register (CIR).

6. A hard copy of vaccine  certificate must be presented on arrival into Samoa for sighting and also on registration at quarantine/isolation facilities.

7. A Negative rtPCR COVID test is still required to be taken within 72 hours of departure from originating airport. The lab result must be presented in hard copy on arrival into Samoa.

8. Blood Serology for COVID-19 Antibody Test to be done within 7 days before departure from originating airport must be presented in hard copy on arrival into Samoa. Rapid serology tests for IgM and lgG is not acceptable. Flight crews are exempted from this requirement if fully vaccinated.

9. Medical Clearance signed and done within 120 hours of departure from originating airport is still required. The medical clearance must be presented in hard copy on arrival into Samoa.

10. Passengers who haven't been vaccinated or  failed to complete required doses of vaccination will be denied boarding.

11. Children under 18 years and ALL who satisfy exempted criteria for Vaccination as per country of origin specific COVlD-19 vaccination policy are required to comply with requirements a,b&c below, in addition, a mandatory written report from a registered medical officer stating reason for exemption, refusal to vaccinate due to personal belief or his/her right is NOT a valid reason for exemption:

1. A Negative rtPCR COVID test is required to be taken within 72 hours of departure from originating airport. The lab result must be presented in hard copy on arrival into Samoa.
2. Medical Clearance signed and completed within 120 hours of departure from originating airport. The medical clearance must be presented in hard copy on arrival into Samoa. Form can be downloaded from the Ministry of Health Samoa website.
3. Blood Serology for COVID19 Antibody Test to be done within 7 days before departure from originating airport. Must be presented in hard copy on arrival into Samoa. Rapid serology tests for lgM and lgG is not acceptable.

12. All passengers will go into quarantine on arrival. Passengers who have complied with vaccination requirements should expect quarantine for a period determined by the Ministry of Health depending on vaccine type, and country of origin. Passengers categorized under bullet point 11 above will remain in quarantine for the full duration of quarantine OR as determined by the Ministry.

13. Any Passenger or Crew with a History of a Positive COVID-19 rtPCR test is NOT allowed to enter Samoa, unless they have satisfied the following:

1. Six (6) months have passed from date of the first positive test result;
2. Must provide genome sequencing test of the virus if avaiIable:
3. Must provide proof or 3 consecutive negative tests results  at least 14  days  apart  before the intended date of departure and must comply with all requirements stated above.
4. All COVID 19 PCR test results. genomic sequencing test and  Serology tests must be submined via email to Director General of Health on email ceo@health.gov.ws and Dr Robert Thomsen email robert@health.gov.ws

TRAVELLERS AND CREW ENTERING SAMOA MUST COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS NOTED.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AT SEA PORT (WHARF) -

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Due to Fiji"s current status worsening the following requirements now enforced;

I. All NEW joining crew including any traveler are NOW required to be fully vaccinated before joining any vessel designated for Samoa with any COVID-19 vaccine and preferably vaccines already pre-qualified by the World Health Organization  (AstraZeneca,  Pfizer,  Janssen, Moderna, Sinopharm,).

a). A legitimate vaccine certificate is required and a hard copy to be present on arrival into Samoa, an e-copy can be emailed  before departure.  Fully vaccinated  implies completion of the required prescribed doses as per vaccine used.

b). A Negative rtPCR COVID test is still required to be taken wit hin 72 hours of departure from originating seaport. The lab result must be transmitted via email or present hard copy on arrival into Samoa.

c). A blood serology for COVID-19 lgG and lgM antibodies to be done within 7 days is required before departure from originating seaport. The lab result must be transmitted via email or present hard copy on arrival into Samoa.

d). Medical Clearance signed and done within 120 hours of departure from originating seaport is still required. The medical clearance must be transmitted via email or present hard copy on arrival into Samoa.

2. All crew who have been on the vessel for 30 days or more who have or haven't been vaccinated is required to have a PCR test done at last port of call before onward voyage to Samoa.

3. Shipping companies and agents are advised to redirect voyages to last port of call where PCR  tests can be done or Countries categorized as COVlD-19 free (countries with no community transmission) before direct voyaging to Samoa.

4. Any New Crew with a history of a positive COVID-19 rtPCR test is not allowed to enter Samoa:

1. Unless Six (6) months have passed from date of the first positive test result:
2. Must provide genome sequencing test of the virus if available:
3. Must provide proof or 3 consecutive negative test results at least 28 days apart before intended date of departure and must comply v..ith all requirements stated above.
4. All COYID  19 PCR test results. genomic sequencing  test and  Serology  tests must be submitted via email to Director General of Health on email ceoralhealth.gov.ws and Dr Robert Thomsen email robcrttrdlhealth.gov.ws

5. A Vessel Crew who has been tested POSITIVE for COVID-19at last port of call will not be accepted.

6. All vessels are assessed on a case by case basis.

7. All vessels and  Fishing vessels entering Samoa that do not comply with the above, will be quarantined for a period not less than 21 days unless determined by the Ministry of Health.

WE EXPECT ALL TRAVELLERS AND CREW ENTERING SAMOA WILL COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS.

Your compliance with the conditions listed is imperative to ensuring the safety of all travelers and our people in Samoa. We endeavor to keep Samoa COVID-19 Free.

For travel preparations visit the Ministry of Health website at www.health.gov.ws to download the Government of Samoa, Ministry of Health Medical Clearance Health form and for information regarding rules of quarantine.

The Ministry of Health appreciates your full cooperation and patience on arrival as you may experie nce long delays.

Some Basic Information:

• All passengers eligible for COVID-19 vaccination  must complete require vaccination doses.
• All are required to wear a face mask at all times during the flight, upon arrival and while in quarantine.
• You will go directly into managed isolation upon arrival into Samoa at a designated location.
• You must change any foreign currency to Samoan Tala before traveling to Samoa as no banks will be open at the airport on arrival.
• Minimum period of quarantine is 14 days and can change any time, and you will be informed of any changes.
• You must bring your own personal necessities e.g. soap, tooth brush, tooth paste etc. to last for 14 days or more.
• Passengers are advised to check in only one piece luggage (required weight 23kg)
• You are not allowed to bring in any additional packages/parcels for delivery upon arrival into Samoa to family members etc.
• You are required to ensure you have sufficient medications to last you three months and note your medical condition on the Health declaration card.
• You are responsible for the cost of any medications prescribed while in quarantine.
• You are not allowed to bring alcohol or consume any alcohol while in quarantine.
• Passengers requiring special diets will be responsible for their own dietary needs and must inform the quarantine site staff of your dietary needs. You are responsible for costs associated with your dietary needs.
• The cost of accommodation. breakfast and lunch during quarantine will be paid by Government. Dinner will be the passenger's responsibility.

Travelers with Special Requirements

• If you have any medical conditions or above 60 years of age travelling alone and require regular medical assistance while in quarantine, you are advised to defer your travel until boarders are fully opened.
• All travelers requiring wheelchair assistance and those with special needs must be accompanied by an adult relative in flight and during the mandatory quarantine period.

Infants and Children less than 18 years of age:

• All infants and children should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the quarantine period.
• A written consent is required from parent or legal guardian for any child going into quarantine alone.
• Parents are advised that all children's immunizations are up to date especially measles vaccines due to the recent outbreak.
• Parents/ legal guardian travelling with infants/child must ensure sufficient supplies of basic needs e.g. milk, wipes, diapers, formula etc. for the duration of quarantine.

There are penalties if the conditions of quarantine are breached. This applies to all people in quarantine leaving or individuals and families going to quarantine sites.

The Ministry of Health is not responsible or liable for any costs or lost items on arrival or while in quarantine.

Key info:

• On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic.
• Samoa declares State of Emergency to come into effect on 22nd March 2020
• in exceptional circumstances approved by Cabinet, all international travel to and from Samoa by plane are ceased.
• 19 November 2020, Samoa recorded its first potential case of COVID-19. The case was detected at the border and while in managed isolation and test samples are being sent to New Zealand for confirmation. See here for further information on the Samoan Sailor Reconfirm Test Schedule.  Samoa still has no recorded community transmission of COVID-19. 
• On the 8th December 2020 the Samoan Government announced via Press Conference that the two historical cases identified at the border have now tested negative and are now cleared.