Parents may also contact the. Holidaymakers wanting to travel to Samoa once borders re-open will likely have to wait until 2022. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. You should exercise extreme caution when fording these streams, which can become swollen and dangerous with little warning. Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance. All of these efforts ensure we are in a top position to safely open borders to travellers, she said. Consultthe CDC websitefor accurate, up-to-date information. Schools open on Monday 4 May 2020, until further notice. 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. You should be aware that vehicle safety regulations are rarely enforced, and traffic violations occur routinely. In many areas, tap water is not potable. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites. Avoid walking alone after dark or in remote areas. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website. Any U.S. citizen or non-citizen U.S. national has the right to contact a representative from the U.S. Embassy. Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? See our webpage for further information. Samoan authorities have laid out their Covid-19 vaccination plans, listing people who will receive the incoming Astra Zeneca vaccine by consent. U.S. citizens have lodged a large number of complaints about unethical business practices. Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to, and foreign residents of, Samoa. Are there COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens? 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. 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. Leausa says despite rigorous border testing, vaccines are the last line of defense against the virus getting a foot-hold in the country. 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. 2021 Sun (Fiji) News Pte Ltd. All Rights reserved. A veterinarian from Cayman Islands was in Samoa for the last two weeks to help the By Fuimaono Lumepa Hald Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions, Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. Samoan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations about importing or exporting items such as firearms, fruits, pets and other animals, and drugs. Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. 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. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. There are 15,600 doses remaining of the current allotment from the WHO backed Covax facility which must be used before the end of May. Greece: From 1 May 2022, travelers to Greece no longer need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, a negative test, or a certificate of recovery. Terms & Conditions | See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details. The Samoan Government has announced it will be reopening its border to international travellers from August/September later this year. Results are generally available within 30 minutes. 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. To avoid being swept in, you should not approach too closely and should never stand between the opening of the blowhole and the sea. (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. For Samoas border reopening, a series of developments and new processes have been put into place to ensure Samoa is ready for international arrivals. Sweden switched to RHT in 1967, having been LHT from about 1734 despite having land borders with RHT countries, and approximately 90% of cars being left-hand drive (LHD). Due to poor and deteriorating road conditions, night driving on unlit rural roads can be dangerous and should be avoided if possible. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Box Therapy for Mental Wellness. THEREFORE, I, Lolo M. Moliga, Governor of American Samoa, declare a continued public health emergency under ASCA 13.0301 et seq. The Samoan Government has announced an official date for Samoa to reopen its borders to international travellers. 05.05.2022. While rare, violent assaults, including sexual assaults, have occurred in Samoa. Thailand and Singaporedropped its testing requirements late last month andFijidropped it early this month. Check the CDC website for additional information andFrequently Asked Questions. #samoa # . Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter American Samoa. Weekly flights to and from Australia continue. Police in Apia generally respond quickly to incidents. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Samoa are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Some family-based beach accommodations in the outer villages are also working to provide accessibility for disabled persons. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. | Samoa's borders have opened to the world with fanfare, celebrations and happy reunions. For more information visit the Government of Samoa website. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. Check the CDC website for additional information and. updated: 10 Jul 2020 Belarus American Samoa specific information: Belgium updated: 08 Mar 2022 Drivers should familiarize themselves with operating requirements and local traffic laws before operating a vehicle in. Flights to Samoa currently operate direct from Auckland with Air New Zealand, Sydney/Brisbane with Qantas, Nadi (Fiji) and Honolulu (Hawaii) with Fiji Airways. At least 48 hours prior to your arrival, you must apply for and receive authorization from the Entry Permit Waiver Program. A new initiative by the Mental Health Unit was initiated on the 29th August 2018, supported by Samoan boxing champion. United States Embassy Samoa. New Caledonia, Tahiti, and Indonesiaall recently removed pre-departure testing requirements. Rapid antigen tests are readily available at public hospitals and private clinics. In a special address to the nation this afternoon Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has said Samoa's international borders will be open in the coming months, as early as August-September. Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips. Task Force urged to ramp up media campaign to reach unvaccinated. Side streets tend to be gravel or dirt and their condition varies considerably, particularly during the rainy season when ruts and bumps develop. We look forward to welcoming visitors with open arms later this year, and we encourage travellers to experience Samoas untouched beauty, unique cultural experiences, rich heritage and friendly locals for themselves.. Featuring DJs, live performances, drag queens and more, Pride Village is the place to be this weekend! Travel Weekly was invited to Intrepids first global summit since the pandemic. 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. 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. Photo / Getty Images Tumuauatasi Matafeo was in Samoa in March, 2020, when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the. A referendum in 1955 overwhelmingly rejected a change to RHT, but, a few years later, the government ordered it and it occurred on Sunday, 3 September 1967 at 5 am. Relaxed Restriction Samoa's borders are likely to remain closed for the rest of the year, as health authorities set a Covid-19 vaccination target. Print Subscription | All nationalities traveling to Samoa can apply for a 90-day Visitor Permit on arrival using the arrival card. She added the Ministry of Health has predicted the virus to peak at the end of this month before the number of cases starts to fall. You must pay a departure tax when you leave the country (this tax is normally included in airfares). Hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. In Samoa, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. United States Embassy Samoa Samoa Latest update Still current at: 26 February 2023 Updated: 11 January 2023 Latest update:We've reviewed our advice for Samoa. Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Samoa. Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to American Samoa. Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Stranded residents are finally. Advertising | Incidents of petty theft and robberies are common in Samoa. HIV/AIDS: Only minimal treatment is available in Samoa. There is no law pertaining specifically to the status of disabled persons. 2222 or +685 777 1776 All nationalities traveling to Samoa can apply for a 90-day Visitor Permit on arrival using the arrival card. Internal Restrictions: *Travel in Samoa: A State of Emergency was declared on 20 March 2020. All international cruise ships and yachts scheduled to arrive after 19 March 2020 will not be granted entry into Tonga until further notice. 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. Email:AmEmbApia@state.gov or ApiaConsular@state.gov. Happy 108th birthday to the U.S. Navy Reserve. Samoa had previously announced it would likely reopen in 'August or September.'. Take care not to offend. To avoid injury from shifting vehicles, you should ride only in the passenger compartment, not on the automobile deck during the crossing. Visit Samoan Government and/or Samoa Ministry of Health for the most up-to-date information in Samoa. Be aware of your surroundings. 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. 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. for covid-19. Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Mask usage in American Samoa is recommended in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation. The last 12 Covid-19 samples from Samoa sent to New Zealand for testing have all returned negative results. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. It's a possibility that travelers will have to show a negative test to enter the country. 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. However this morning he warned it was highly unlikely air travel in and out of the country would be opened soon. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. The blind and persons in wheelchairs or on crutches will have difficulty navigating in and around Apia because of a limited number of stoplights and sidewalks. 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 Japan and Thailand will both drop testing requirements from the start of next month. There is no recognition of same-sex relationships, marriage or adoption by same-sex couples in Samoa. 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. Fiame said Samoa's high vaccination rate was critical in Cabinet's decision on when to open the borders. *Opening of international borders in August, September this year The Prime Minister also confirmed the latest statistics on vaccination in the country. Create your very own adventure in beautiful Samoa! The Samoan Government has announced an official date for Samoa to reopen its borders to international travellers. You can use rental cars but be aware that limited roadside assistance is available. IMPORTANT INFORMATION - ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, How to Create the Best Samoa Family Holiday, The Best Samoan Themed Books To Read On Holiday, The Difference Between Samoa & American Samoa, Your Guide to the Islands of Savai'i and Upolu, The Most Stunning Waterfalls You'll Find in Samoa, Permit Services Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (mpmc.gov.ws), Register here if you don't have an account, a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay, visas for the next country of destination, sufficient funds to support themselves (while in Samoa). Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. 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. If you have a COVID-19 related question, call SamoasCOVID-19helplineat8006440. The Emergency Operations Center shall continue to be activated to coordinate response efforts. We advise: Vehicles should never enter a stream if the roadbed is not visible or if the waters depth is more than the vehicles clearance. Hepatitis B. In announcing the further lifting of Level 2 restrictions, the Prime Minister said this would include the, "opening of [] Could video game skills help you get a job? The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be foundhere. With borders just open, now is the time to Visit Beautiful Samoa. Cargo planes have been busier than ever in recent years, so the move towards sustainable aviation fuel is a big step forward for the environment. Consult your airline, cruise line, or other travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions. However, disabled travelers should clarify with the hotel what accommodations are available before they book. Measles. 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. Travel.state.gov Country Information and Travel Advisory page. 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 . Based on the health records and the base with which the virus has spread, it was expected COVID-19 would reach its peak by the end of this month. . Visitors indicating they have tested HIV positive will be subject to questioning by a health professional upon entry. Valasi Tafito Selesele told the Samoa Observer that the latest amendments to the State of Emergency Orders was only to start the conversation. Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi told local radio the only thing his government was waiting on was the return to shore of 17 Samoan sailors quarantined on board the Lady Samoa III interisland ferry. Amendments to quarantine conditions and the opening of borders for our neighbouring countries like Australia and Fiji as well as New Zealand. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. 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. The ferry was currently moored offshore until its 14 day period was over, next Thursday. Before that, Samoa would welcome the arrival of Samoan citizens and foreign contractors from this month. 11 December 2017, 12:00AM. Samoa Ministry of Health Covid-19 vaccination advisory, 6 May 2021. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA In a press release issued this week after the latest Cabinet meeting, Governor Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga stated that when the public is 95% fully vaccinated, the government will be able to open the borders. Fax: +685 22030 Telephone. You can opt-out at any time. Tongan borders are closed to entry to all foreign nationals, except if authorisation is granted by the relevant Tongan government authorities. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Samoa. Stranded residents are finally going home. Samoa This Polynesian island will reopen in August. Fancy some sun and sand that isn't in Australia? You should not approach or feed them; they can become aggressive in the presence of food or if they feel threatened. In an announcement overnight, Prime Minister Fiam Naomi Mataafa has confirmed Samoa will welcome international travellers into the country from 1 August 2022. Find out the entry rules for each country, Popular destinations open to most visitors from the United States. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings. From 22nd September 2022, COVID-19 test and vaccination requirements were removed and no longer apply for travel and entry. Photo: Samoa Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trader. The Samoa government is being accused of ignoring mass vaccination advice from its own medical experts ahead of the deadly measles epidemic in 2019. Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter American Samoa without restrictions. The prime minister said the important positive factor that had emerged from the restrictions was that most families were now worshipping together. The footing around the mouths of most blowholes is very slippery. An uncle who has been convicted of sexual offenses against his sisters children By Joyetter Feagaimaalii-Luamanu Email:CASTEP@state.gov, By U.S.Embassy Samoa | 12 September, 2022 | Categories: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Coronavirus, COVID-19, COVID-19 Information, With the COVID-19 pandemic, its a good reminder for U.S. Citizens in New Zealand to register with STEP. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Uncle jailed 13 years for raping sisters kids. Samoa will reopen its borders to international travellers from August. 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. Fagatogo, Maoputasi 'I've done it all' - Sir Rod Stewart on getting older and staying fit. Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. 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. Cruise ship passengers need not apply. The changes include reopening schools, amended business hours and plans to open Samoa's international borders. July 20, 2022 News & Events. Please enable Javascript in current site to keep going. Photo / PMN Samoa. PO Box 1313 (2) The Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture: . Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Their repatriation, or safe return home, would take some strategic planningand time. These blowholes are popular tourist attractions. Dosing info - Hep A. To receive alerts, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). 05 March 2023, 4:00AM. Most major roads are tar-sealed, but secondary roads are predominantly dirt and gravel and may be rough and/or overgrown with vegetation. Exercise particular caution in and around the Beach Road strip of bars in Apia. Recommended in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation. Travellers must have: For more information, visit Permit Services Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (mpmc.gov.ws). Orders were recommended by the National Emergency Operation Centre (N.E.O.C.) Samoa Airways | Flight Bookings From Samoa to NZ & Australia SAVALI ISSUE 08: DATED 03rd March 2023 | SAVALI 08: ASO 03 o Mati 2023; Saunoaga Aut a le Afioga i le Minisit o le Matgaluega o le Soifua Mllina i le "Fa'amanatuina o le Aso Fa'apitoa e Fa'atua ai le Fa'alogo" - (03/03/2023) Happy 108th birthday to the U.S. Navy Reserve. If you have a COVID-19 related question, call Samoa's COVID-19 helpline at 8006440. 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 In January 2022, Samoa reported several cases in managed isolation among passengers from an . Applications for immigrant visas are not received or processed at the U.S. Embassy Apia. 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. As international travel begins to take shape again, Samoa has been striving to ensure critical components of our travel-ready toolkit are in place. For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report. And we have the answer! Monday 2nd May 2022, Apia Samoa. While in Samoa, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from in the United States. Australia says it is sending fresh batches of Covid-19 vaccine doses to Fiji and Timor-Leste. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. As of Thursday night, 10,900 doses had reached 6200 men and 4700 women. The U.S. territory, 2,600 miles from Hawaii, shut down its borders in March to commercial flights to prevent . Seven people (and one dog) were injured as a result of the severe turbulence. Stay Safe. Fines may be given to individuals, businesses and organizations who do not comply with the governments COVID restrictions. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. Stay Informed: step.state.gov/step/. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799 Aviation Safety Oversight: he U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Samoas Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Samoas air carrier operations. We now advise you to exercise normal safety precautions. Emergency. Telephone: +685 21436 / 21631 / 21452 or 22696 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 . 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 . Man Shot Dead In Front Of Son In Targeted Attack Outside Gym, Migrant Shipwreck In Italy Kills At Least Fifty-Nine, Including Twelve Children, 'Poland Well-Prepared For Chinese Tourists' Arrivals, Turkey Widens Probe Into Building Collapses As Quake Toll Exceeds 50,000, Samoas Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Poland Well-Prepared For Chinese Tourists Arrivals, China Expands Transport Network To Boost Development, Prasad Launches Self-Defense Tool Business. For further information on immigrant visas please visit the U.S. Consulate in Auckland. +685 777 1776 Please leave a message and the Duty Officer will return your call. Leausa says the ministry is negotiating with New Zealand to secure vaccines for the remaining population. There are also no anti-discrimination laws in place. Blowholes:Samoa has numerous blowholes (lava tubes open to the sea where wave action produces often spectacular geysers). Most buses and taxis do not have ramps to accommodate wheelchairs. Some taxis are unlicensed, so you should use care in choosing a taxi and driver. Samoa will open its international borders from August. Information about services and how to schedule an appointment can be found athttps://ws.usembassy.gov/. You can cancel anytime. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. Official Web Portal of the Government of Samoa. Are vaccines available in Samoa for U.S. citizens to receive? Matafele Full travel advice: Local laws. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. Results are generally available within 30 minutes. Prime Minister Fiam Naomi Mata'afa confirmed this week that the country would welcome visitors into the country in August and September, just a few months way from now. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. In 2022, the people in American Samoa and their leaders are focused on preserving balance between our proven allegiance as a people to the nation we love, and the historical achievement of autonomy that defines a federal-territorial relationship unlike any other under the American flag.