A month after the declaration of Samoa’s opening of international borders the Ministry of Health issued a “special travel advice” over the weekend to “expect changes at short notice”.
The Ministry of Health notice says that the latest advisory is for “Air travel only” and a reminder for all passengers to wear masks inflight and on arrival.
“With the current emergence of the Covid-19 Omicron variants with imminent spread to other countries including Samoa; Samoa’s borders are closed to all traveler except returning residents and essential workers only.
“Airline carriers are encouraged to conduct pre-departure screening of passengers for signs and symptoms including temperature check and general conditions.
“All travellers age 12 and above including flight crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the prescribed 2 doses preferably of vaccines pre-qualified by the World Health Organisation (AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Janssen-single dose, Moderna, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covaxin, Novavax) before entry into Samoa.”
The MOH also emphasized that 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 or Card of country where vaccination took place…”
The MOH further points out that electronic documents on phones or other electronic devices including emails will not be accepted, and that all incoming travellers should present a hard copy of their vaccine certificate at check-in and on arrival in Samoa.
