The Government has reduced the mandatory isolation and quarantine days from 21 to 14, in addition to that, it has lifted the six months ban on those previously tested positive for COVID.
This is while the Country battles with the rapid increase of community COVID-19 cases in the Country which has doubled in the last 48 hours. The confirmed active cases now stand at 622.
The amended advisory is outlined in the latest Health Travel Advisory issued today, endorsed by the Acting Director-General Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen.
Any passenger or crew with a Positive COVID-19 PCR test is not allowed to enter Samoa unless they have completed three consecutive negative tests 7 days apart from the date it was tested positive before the intended date of departure and must comply with all other requirements.
“All COVID 19 PCR test results, genomic sequencing test, and Serology tests must be submitted via email to the Director General of Health.”
The Government also noted that all travelers age 12 years and above including flight crew are now required to be fully vaccinated with the prescribed two doses preferably of vaccines pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Janssen-single dose, Moderna, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covaxin, Novavax) before entry into Samoa.
The Airlines are urged to conduct pre-departure screening of passengers for signs and symptoms including temperature check and general condition at check-in.
Furthermore, a legitimate vaccine certificate is required for boarding, and being fully vaccinated implies completion of the required prescribed doses as per the vaccine used.
“All should have completed 2 weeks (14 days) post-vaccination prior to travel.”
Also that a hard copy of the vaccine certificate must be presented at check-in and upon arrival into Samoa for sighting and also during the registration at quarantine/isolation facilities.
Electronic documents on phones or other electronic devices including email are not acceptable and all documents must be in English, the use of other languages will not be accepted.
Travelers are also required to download the Samoa Travel Tracer app onto their phones before travel.
Also, a negative Nucleic Acid Amplification Test is still required to be taken within 48 hours of departure from originating airport for all passengers and flight crew.
“The test result must have the testing laboratory or Clinic letterhead and stamp. Any results received by email or presented as inbox are not accepted.
The lab result must be presented in hard copy on arrival in Samoa and medical Clearance signed, stamped, and fully completed by a General Practitioner within 120 hours of departure from originating airport is still required for all passengers and flight crew.
The medical clearance must be presented in hard copy on arrival in Samoa.
The ban on Countries identified as ‘high risk’; South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, United States of America, Australia, remains in effect.
However, the exemption is granted on a case-by-case basis for approved returning residents and essential workers only. “All travelers will be assessed on a case-by-case basis before being granted permission to travel to Samoa.”
Children, 11 years and under, and others who satisfy the exemption criteria for Vaccination as per the country of origin-specific COVID-19 vaccination policy are required to email a written report from a registered medical officer stating reasons for exemption.
“The Ministry reserves the right to deny boarding if it is not satisfied with the medical report provided.”
The Health Authority informs the public travelling to Samoa they will go directly into managed isolation upon arrival into Samoa at a designated location.
They must change any foreign currency to Samoan Tala before traveling to Samoa as no banks will be open at the airport upon arrival and they are not allowed to bring in any additional packages/parcels for delivery upon arrival into Samoa to family members. Also alcohol or consume any alcohol while in quarantine.
