Assistance for U.S. Citizens. Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Fiame said Samoa's high vaccination rate was critical in Cabinet's decision on when to open the borders. Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? 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 . Samoas Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has announced the plan to reopen Samoas international borders to international travellers from August/September this year. Samoa This Polynesian island will reopen in August. 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. A further 55,000 doses are expected in the country by early June. "The theme for this year's reopening of the borders, 'beautiful is back' is suitable for all our Samoans. Samoa Tourism Authoritys acting CEO, Pativaine Petaia-Tevita, said the tourism and hospitality industry is excited to get Samoa back on the radar as a must-visit destination, particularly as worldwide travel restrictions continue to ease and traveller confidence grows. For Samoas border reopening, a series of developments and new processes have been put into place to ensure Samoa is ready for international arrivals. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. 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 . Find continuously updated travel restrictions for Samoa such as border, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements. Orders were recommended by the National Emergency Operation Centre (N.E.O.C.) 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. Featuring DJs, live performances, drag queens and more, Pride Village is the place to be this weekend! and see the Ministrys recent vaccination update. American Samoa Open American Samoa Travel Restrictions 0% of citizens have been vaccinated Traveling from United States Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status Fully vaccinated Outgoing to American Samoa Return to the United States Traveling from the United States to American Samoa Review the. Telephone: +685 21436 / 21631 / 21452 or 22696 Samoa joins several other countries that have recently opened their borders and dropped travel requirements. 2023 The Misfits Media Company Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Other U.S. government agencies work with Samoa, some with offices in the Embassy and some throughout the country. Prime Minister Fiam Naomi Mata'afa confirmed the country would welcome Samoan citizens and foreign contractors starting this month, and allow travellers into the country from August or September. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. June 30, 2020 - The Governor ordered cut hours and pay be restored for government employees stranded outside of the territory since March when local borders were . Photo: Samoa Government Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa announced on Monday major changes to Samoa's State of Emergency orders. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays. 4 sizes available. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less. While in Samoa, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from in the United States. The most recent data shows that almost 93 per cent of Samoas population aged 18 and over has been fully vaccinated. Rapid antigen tests are readily available at public hospitals and private clinics. Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips. Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). There are a few significant differences in the rules of the road in Samoa as compared to the United States (e.g., meeting situation at an intersection). For emergency services in Samoa, dial 911. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. "Resume international flights from this month (May) for all our citizens travelling to Samoa for various purposes, and all those who are contracted to work in Samoa," she said. Verify this information with the SamoanOverseas Missionbefore you travel. Internal Restrictions: *Travel in Samoa: A State of Emergency was declared on 20 March 2020. 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. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings. Yes, For information about vaccination in Samoa, contact the. Currently, there are no requirements in place (such as health testing or quarantine) for all travelers entering the country, regardless of their vaccination status. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child. and approved by the Cabinet at its meeting Monday afternoon. For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting or transmitting Covid-19, please read theCDCs latest recommendations. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. 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. 3 weather alerts in effect American Samoa closed its borders in March. Fiame made the announcement on Monday night while advising of major changes to the current State of Emergency (S.O.E.) Fines may be given to individuals, businesses and organizations who do not comply with the governments COVID restrictions. Fancy some sun and sand that isn't in Australia? All of these efforts ensure we are in a top position to safely open borders to travellers, she said. Matafele Some vehicles in Samoa have left-hand drive steering systems, including rental vehicles and public transportation. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Check the CDC website for additional information andFrequently Asked Questions. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. Reissued with updates to health information. In an announcement overnight, Prime Minister Fiam Naomi Mataafa has confirmed Samoa will welcome international travellers into the country from 1 August 2022. Cambodia reopened its borders to international tourism in November 2021. Samoa Ministry of Health Covid-19 vaccination advisory, 6 May 2021. 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. Full travel advice: Local laws. Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at 21631 Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. 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. (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. ACC Building, Matafele. 05 March 2023, 4:00AM. Critical to the decision to reopen Samoas international borders was the current rates of the vaccination programme, amendments to quarantine conditions and the opening of borders of neighbouring countries like Australia and Fiji as well as New Zealand in October this year. Side streets tend to be gravel or dirt and their condition varies considerably, particularly during the rainy season when ruts and bumps develop. Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA With news that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is poised to approve Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine for young adults age 12 and older by this month and the territory nearing the deadline of its vaccination allocation, Lt Gov Talauega Eleasalo Ale has called on the Plans to open borders announced at this weeks cabinet meeting. Cabinet approved the continuation of Level 2 (orange) for another two weeks effective on Tuesday midnight until 17 May, she said. We do not pay medical bills. Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book. | In an announcement overnight, Prime Minister Fiam Naomi Mataafa has confirmed Samoa will welcome international travellers into the country from 1 August 2022. Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to, and foreign residents of, Samoa. 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. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Samoa. It really is a world cruise and guests get to see an amazing variety of locations. If you have a COVID-19 related question, call SamoasCOVID-19helplineat8006440. Fagatogo, Maoputasi Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa announced on Monday major changes to Samoa's State of Emergency orders. 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. 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. Some taxis are unlicensed, so you should use care in choosing a taxi and driver. (2) The Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture: . Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. Tonga cancelled all flights to the country in March . We now advise you to exercise normal safety precautions. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business. No specific groups have been targeted, and there have been no reported racially motivated or hate crimes against U.S. citizens. Entry and borders Tonga's borders fully reopened on 27th September 2022. She said the State of Emergency orders changes also include reopening schools and extending business hours while a nationwide curfew remains from 10pm to 6am every day. Consult the CDC website for accurate, up-to-date information. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. A veterinarian from Cayman Islands was in Samoa for the last two weeks to help the By Fuimaono Lumepa Hald See our webpage for further information. You can travel to Germany for all travel purposes, including tourism and visits, without restrictions, and e ntry requirements fare the same for all travelers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Measles. Unique American Samoa Borders Open stickers featuring millions of original designs created and sold by independent artists. Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Uncle jailed 13 years for raping sisters kids. Vaccination Roll-Out Commendable Be aware of your surroundings. In March of 2020, as the pandemic started its global rampage, American Samoa closed its borders, effectively shutting out the virus, as well as more than a thousand American Samoans stranded in Hawaii, the U.S. mainland and abroad. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries* to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet all requirements. Could video game skills help you get a job? Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. For more information on ATM locations and banking services, visit theANZ Bankwebsite or theBSPwebsite. However, there is a very limited police presence elsewhere in Samoa (where order is maintained primarily by local village authorities), and police response outside of Apia is not as quick or reliable as it is in Apia. Although there have been no major accidents involving the ferry service linking Upolu and Savaii, vessels are sometimes overloaded. Consult your airline, cruise line, or other travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions. Apia, Samoa. This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy in Samoa. San Francisco, Honolulu, Darwin, Auckland. Advice for women travellers. Apia, Samoa Cruise ship passengers need not apply. From 22nd September 2022, COVID-19 test and vaccination requirements were removed and no longer apply for travel and entry. The Prime Minister said the amended S.O.E. Incidents of petty theft and robberies are common in Samoa. Samoa Airways | Flight Bookings From Samoa to NZ & Australia 'I've done it all' - Sir Rod Stewart on getting older and staying fit. Could video game skills help you get a job? Sexual assaults occur. Cabinet has commended the vaccination campaign and the continued leadership by the Health and DAC in their perseverance with the program rollout in the community. 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. What an honour to receive this award at Taumeasina Island Resort. Fiame said Samoa's high vaccination rate was critical in Cabinet's decision on when to open the borders. Adequate health facilities are available in Apia but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards. Thailand and Singaporedropped its testing requirements late last month andFijidropped it early this month. Normal Immigration requirements, as outlined below, apply. 'I've done it all' - Sir Rod Stewart on getting older and staying fit. Amendments to quarantine conditions and the opening of borders for our neighbouring countries like Australia and Fiji as well as New Zealand. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. Critical to this decision are the current rates of our vaccination programme. July 20, 2022 News & Events. Information about services and how to schedule an appointment can be found athttps://ws.usembassy.gov/. Health boss Leausa Take Naseri says borders will re-open only when 98 percent of the eligible population has been vaccinated against Covid-19. You should be aware that vehicle safety regulations are rarely enforced, and traffic violations occur routinely. The average cost is around WST 20 (USD 8); payment is not covered by the government. If your guess was that the woman in the featured image snagged the job then youd be spot on. We advise: Photo: Samoa MoH. June 18, 2020 - The American Samoa Department of Health announced all returning travelers need to get a Medical Clearance within 3 days of arrival from Samoa Ministry of Health. Samoa will open its international borders from August. Samoan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations about importing or exporting items such as firearms, fruits, pets and other animals, and drugs. Its just like the TV show Succession, but far less entertaining, raunchy, and everyone gets along. Police in Apia generally respond quickly to incidents. Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Source: RNZ Pacific 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. 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. You should remain aware of your surroundings, lock your doors at night, and do not leave your belongings unattended. HIV/AIDS: Only minimal treatment is available in Samoa. Find out the entry rules for each country, Popular destinations open to most visitors from the United States. Please enable Javascript in current site to keep going. From 22nd September 2022, COVID-19 test and vaccination requirements were removed and no longer apply for travel and entry. Copyright 2023 Osini Faleatasi Inc. dba Samoa News | All Rights Reserved, Despite police chiefs claims, ASCO employees not arrested or charged, Fagaitua & Leone High Schools' JROTCs accredited for next three years, Bipartisan Peace Corps Reauthorization Act reintroduced in U.S. House. Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative. Register or sign in to create events, jobs and access premium features. Email:AmEmbApia@state.gov or ApiaConsular@state.gov. Travel.state.gov Country Information and Travel Advisory page. The Emergency Operations Center shall continue to be activated to coordinate response efforts. "Cabinet considered the plan for reopening of our international borders. With churches streaming services, Tuila'epa pointed out he could now switch between services and attend all of them. The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be foundhere. Create your very own adventure in beautiful Samoa! Visit theSamoa Immigration websitefor Samoas most current visa information. The average cost is around WST 20 (USD 8); payment is not covered by the government. Samoa Ministry of Health Covid-19 vaccination advisory, 6 May 2021. Decorate your laptops, water bottles, notebooks and windows. 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. Hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. If youare a U.S. citizen witha life-or-death emergency that requires a consular service, please contact the number listed below. Visitors indicating they have tested HIV positive will be subject to questioning by a health professional upon entry. Blowholes:Samoa has numerous blowholes (lava tubes open to the sea where wave action produces often spectacular geysers). Samoa had previously announced it would likely reopen in 'August or September.'. To avoid injury from shifting vehicles, you should ride only in the passenger compartment, not on the automobile deck during the crossing. Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter American Samoa without restrictions. Further information may be found on theFAAs safety assessment page. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. 04 March 2023, 8:46PM. 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. Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. These blowholes are popular tourist attractions. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. 281 Likes, TikTok video from Jen (@ft.jenvjva): "When these borders open, I'm going home #SAMOA #FYP #homeoswheretheheartis #685baby #beautifulsamoa #samoatiktok685". "Heroic" flight attendant comes to the rescue as woman gives birth on Frontier Airlines flight, Register for duo, Air New Zealands new training and engagement hub and be in the draw to win some epic prizes. The blood alcohol limit for driving in Tonga is 0.015%. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. Travelers are advised to review their immunity status prior to arrival. There have been several cases of attacks by multiple dogs. Fines may be given to individuals, businesses and organizations who do not comply with the governments COVID restrictions. Orders that lifted the ban on mass gatherings. Travel Weekly was invited to Intrepids first global summit since the pandemic. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. Business Hours Emergency Telephone:+685 21631 ext. Photo: Samoa Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trader. Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. 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. Need help? Japan and Thailand will both drop testing requirements from the start of next month. At least 48 hours prior to your arrival, you must apply for and receive authorization from the Entry Permit Waiver Program. Samoa continues under Alert Level 2 for two more weeks commencing midnight tonight until 17 May 2022. There is no law pertaining specifically to the status of disabled persons. Persons with disabilities have easy access to medical facilities. Samoa, one of the most popular Pacific Islands, is set to reopen its borders to travellers very soon. Hepatitis B. He also touched on the importance of the suspension of church services and urged the use of the internet to stream services so members could worship from the safety of their homes. Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter American Samoa. Valasi Tafito Selesele told the Samoa Observer that the latest amendments to the State of Emergency Orders was only to start the conversation. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Tongan borders are closed to entry to all foreign nationals, except if authorisation is granted by the relevant Tongan government authorities. Pacific health leaders expect benefits from health overhaul, Australia sending vaccine doses to Fiji, Timor Leste, Samoa Govt accused of negligence ahead of lethal 2019 measles outbreak, Vanuatu residents 'exhausted' after two cyclones in three days, Power outages, state of emergency as Kevin hits Vanuatu, Severe tropical cyclone Kevin lashes Vanuatu, a day after Judy, Man killed in Beach Haven fatal assault named, Super Rugby Pacific: Blues defeated by Brumbies 25-20, Lean on him: Aoteraoa artists pay tribute to Bill Withers. American Samoa closed its borders in March. 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. You can use rental cars but be aware that limited roadside assistance is available. All international cruise ships and yachts will not be granted entry into Samoa. Bipartisan Peace Corps Reauthorization Act reintroduced in U.S. House, In a surprise move, Dept of Health will lead the new hospital project, Man and woman face drug charges after roach intitially found in their vehicle.