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. 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: 25 NOVember 2021 

Expect Changes at Short Notice

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 clarification pertaining to the 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 and spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant globally; Samoa's borders are closed. All those who wish to travel to Samoa please contact the Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or The Chairman of the Disaster Advisory Committee or any of Samoa's Mission Office overseas.

THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS ARE ENFORCED AND MUST COMPLY WITH.

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

4. All Travelers age 12 years and above including flight crew are NOW required to be fully vaccinated with the prescribed 2 doses, with the exception of Janssen vaccine before entry into Samoa with any COVID-19 vaccine and preferably vaccines already pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Janssen-single dose, 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 (14 days) 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 at least the following information:

a. Name of Country
b. Name of person - should be the same as name on passport or birth certificate
c. National Identification/Registration Number if available
d. Address of Clinic and contact details
e. Name of Vaccine and Batch Number
f. Dates of Vaccination
g. Name of Vaccinator ( optional)
h. Health Institution Stamp if available

6. A hard copy of vaccine certificate must be presented at check in and on arrival into Samoa for sighting and also during 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. Medical Clearance signed, stamped and fully completed by a GP within 120 hours of departure from originating airport is still required. The medical clearance must be presented in hard copy on arrival into Samoa.

9. All passengers with a legitimate vaccination certificate are exempted from doing blood serology. Failure to provide a legitimate vaccination certificate will result in NO BOARDING

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

11. Children 12 years and under and others who satisfy the exemption criteria for Vaccination as per country of origin specific COVID-19 vaccination policy are required to comply with requirements below:

1. All others with medical conditions that deem them exempt for Vaccination must email the aforementioned email addresses with a written report from a registered medical officer stating reasons for exemption;
2. The Ministry reserves the right to deny boarding if the Ministry is not satisfied with the medical report provided;
3. Refusal to vaccinate due to personal belief or his/her individual rights is NOT a valid reason for exemption;
4. Requirements a, b, and c below are mandatory and without exemption for travelling infants and children;
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, stamped and fully completed by a GP 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 Ministry of Health Samoa website; all sections must be filled in.
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 IgG is not acceptable.

12. All passengers entering Samoa will go into quarantine for at least 14 days or as determined by the Ministry of Health.

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

1. 30 days have passed from date of the last NEGATIVE test result following the date of the positive test;
2. Must provide genome sequencing test of the virus if avaiIable:
3. Must provide proof of 3 consecutive negative tests results on Day 10, Days and Day2 before intended date of departure and must comply with all other 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.

Your compliance with the conditions listed is imperative in 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 experience long delays. 

Some Basic Information:

• All passengers eligible for COVID-19 vaccination must complete required 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 borders 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 a 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.