Visit theDepartment of State Covid-19 crisis pagefor the latest information. Major hotels and some restaurants and stores accept major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, and American Express). Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers. Travellers must have: 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. Critical to this decision are the current rates of our vaccination programme. Since 17 March 2022 when the first community case was detected, 9,592 cases have been recorded for Samoa. Find continuously updated travel restrictions for Samoa such as border, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements. Its the question on every Intrepid employees mind. and see the Ministrys recent vaccination update. The Pacific Island nation of Samoa will reopen to travellers in the coming months and is urging Aussie travellers to visit. Business Hours Emergency Telephone:+685 21631 ext. There is no recognition of same-sex relationships, marriage or adoption by same-sex couples in Samoa. Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa said the plan to allow inbound passengers this month had been deferred. Valasi Tafito Selesele told the Samoa Observer that the latest amendments to the State of Emergency Orders was only to start the conversation. Monday 2nd May 2022, Apia Samoa. Health boss Leausa Take Naseri says borders will re-open only when 98 percent of the eligible population has been vaccinated against Covid-19. Samoa will open to citizens first in May before it welcomes international travellers in August. Please visit the. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Holidaymakers wanting to travel to Samoa once borders re-open will likely have to wait until 2022. Leausa says despite rigorous border testing, vaccines are the last line of defense against the virus getting a foot-hold in the country. Measles. 2023 The Misfits Media Company Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved. All nationalities traveling to Samoa can apply for a 90-day Visitor Permit on arrival using the arrival card. Hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. Please exercise appropriate caution when you are walking, running, or riding a bike near stray dogs. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa announced on Monday major changes to Samoa's State of Emergency orders. REOPENING BORDERS Samoa borders will open once eligible population fully vaccinated 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. Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. Photo / PMN Samoa. Samoa Ministry of Health Covid-19 vaccination advisory, 6 May 2021. Tuilaepa confirms that Samoa's international borders will remain closed and while the local economy opens up, all are encouraged to uphold social distancing measures and act responsibly at all times. The blood alcohol limit for driving in Tonga is 0.015%. For further information on immigrant visas please visit the U.S. Consulate in Auckland. Travel Weekly was invited to Intrepids first global summit since the pandemic. Earlier Tuila'epa indicated Cabinet was likely to approve the gradual easing of restrictions imposed under the Covid-19 State of Emergency, which had now been extended for a further four weeks until 7 May. All international cruise ships and yachts will not be granted entry into Samoa. You should exercise extreme caution when fording these streams, which can become swollen and dangerous with little warning. Relaxed Restriction Amendments to quarantine conditions and the opening of borders for our neighbouring countries like Australia and Fiji as well as New Zealand. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. Unique American Samoa Borders Open stickers featuring millions of original designs created and sold by independent artists. It has been two years since Samoa closed its borders due to the pandemic which has had a major impact on the tourism industry and the overall economy. Samoa Airways | Flight Bookings From Samoa to NZ & Australia In an announcement overnight, Prime Minister Fiam Naomi Mataafa has confirmed Samoa will welcome international travellers into the country from 1 August 2022. Most buses and taxis do not have ramps to accommodate wheelchairs. The average cost is around WST 20 (USD 8); payment is not covered by the government. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. All international cruise ships and yachts scheduled to arrive after 19 March 2020 will not be granted entry into Tonga until further notice. "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. You can cancel anytime. Happy 108th birthday to the U.S. Navy Reserve. Visitors to Samoa, U.S. Citizens with emergencies, please call [685] 21631 press 0 for the operator or extension 2222, Outside of Office Hours, contact: [685] 7771776, Phone: +685 21436+685 21436 / 21631 / 21452 or 22696. Check the CDC website for additional information and. Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance. The rainy (or monsoon) season in the South Pacific is from November to April, when strong winds, heavy rains, landslides, and disruptions to services could occur. You should remain aware of your surroundings, lock your doors at night, and do not leave your belongings unattended. Non-citizen U.S. nationals can apply for a visitors permit at the Samoa Consulate General office in Pago Pago, American Samoa: Consulate General Of Samoa Samoan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations about importing or exporting items such as firearms, fruits, pets and other animals, and drugs. for covid-19. Task Force urged to ramp up media campaign to reach unvaccinated. Opening of international borders in August, September this year The Prime Minister also confirmed the latest statistics on vaccination in the country. No specific groups have been targeted, and there have been no reported racially motivated or hate crimes against U.S. citizens. Fagatogo, Maoputasi Email:AmEmbApia@state.gov or ApiaConsular@state.gov. Samoa continues under Alert Level 2 for two more weeks commencing midnight tonight until 17 May 2022. Something we love to see! 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. Samoa's borders are likely to remain closed for the rest of the year, as health authorities set a Covid-19 vaccination target. Samoa Independent State of Samoa Travel Advisory October 24, 2022 Samoa - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions Exercise normal precautions in Samoa. Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter American Samoa without restrictions. 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. 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). The most recent data shows that almost 93 per cent of Samoas population aged 18 and over has been fully vaccinated. Police in Apia generally respond quickly to incidents. 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 There are also no anti-discrimination laws in place. 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. Barbados American Samoa specific information: Belarus: Belarus requires most foreign citizens arriving in the country to either come with a negative COVID-19 test issued within 48 hours before arrival or quarantine for 14 days. Cambodia reopened its borders to international tourism in November 2021. 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 . Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details: LGBTI Travelers: Same-sex acts are a crime in Samoa, with prison terms of up to seven years. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. To avoid injury from shifting vehicles, you should ride only in the passenger compartment, not on the automobile deck during the crossing. Pedestrians as well as vehicles and livestock regularly travel these roads. 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. Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. Normal Immigration requirements, as outlined below, apply. 'I've done it all' - Sir Rod Stewart on getting older and staying fit. One of the ferries, a multi-deck, automobile ferry, sometimes transports passengers on its automobile deck. Buses are slow, crowded, uncomfortable, undependable, and rarely used by visitors. High quality American Samoa Borders Open inspired Coffee Mugs by independent artists and designers from around the world. Thailand and Singaporedropped its testing requirements late last month andFijidropped it early this month. Seven people (and one dog) were injured as a result of the severe turbulence. Results are generally available within 30 minutes. Get all the info about the event right here. Please enable Javascript in current site to keep going. International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA), Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Although this facility may be operated and staffed by U.S. citizens, the Samoan government is solely responsible for its compliance with local safety, health, sanitation, and educational laws and regulations, including all licensing requirements of the staff in country. Advertising | Another supply of Pfizer vaccines arrived from New Zealand in the weekend, and this would assist with the vaccination roll-out for the 5 to 11 age group in Savaii. The Prime Minister said the amended S.O.E. 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. For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting or . Samoa joins several other countries that have recently opened their borders and dropped travel requirements. financial planning companies in bangalore Search. 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 . What an honour to receive this award at Taumeasina Island Resort. 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. Take care not to offend. 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. Privacy, Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa during the announcement In a special announcement aired on Facebook on Monday night, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said the island nation is set to open. Health boss Leausa Take Naseri says borders will re-open only when 98 percent of the eligible population has been vaccinated against Covid-19. Register here if you don't have an account. 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. Decorate your laptops, water bottles, notebooks and windows. Samoa's international borders officially open again from next week. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Samoa. Stranded residents are finally. Create your very own adventure in beautiful Samoa! Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Samoa are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. The accident rate then dropped sharply, but soon rose to . Copyright 2023 Osini Faleatasi Inc. dba Samoa News | All Rights Reserved, Samoa borders will open once eligible population fully vaccinated. 05 March 2023, 7:00AM. Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa has announced the returning of students to school and the resuming of international flights this month, though restricted to Samoan citizens travelling in for various purposes. 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. Travel.state.gov Country Information and Travel Advisory page. (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. (2) The Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture: . The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be foundhere. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. 'I've done it all' - Sir Rod Stewart on getting older and staying fit. Orders that lifted the ban on mass gatherings. Sodomy is a criminal offence, punishable with a prison term. 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) 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. (File photo) Samoa's plan to reopen to the world would hinge on the country's vaccination. Find out the entry rules for each country, Popular destinations open to most visitors from the United States. Due to the current outbreak of measles in Samoa, travellers intending to visit American Samoa are now required to demonstrate proof of immunisation at the border before entering the territory. Restaurants in American Samoa are open with restrictions. In an announcement overnight, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has confirmed Samoa will welcome international travellers into the country from 1st August 2022. Orders were recommended by the National Emergency Operation Centre (N.E.O.C.) Dress modestly and avoid public affection to avoid unwanted attention. Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Bars in American Samoa are . Its not all bad news, NCL is expecting to be sailing in clearer waters for the second half of 2023. If youare a U.S. citizen witha life-or-death emergency that requires a consular service, please contact the number listed below. All of these efforts ensure we are in a top position to safely open borders to travellers, she said. Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering American Samoa. Fiame noted the second dose for paediatric programme will commence this week with more vaccines donated by New Zealand. 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. Although there have been no major accidents involving the ferry service linking Upolu and Savaii, vessels are sometimes overloaded. Online application - Entry Permit Waiver Program Yellow fever With borders just open, now is the time to Visit Beautiful Samoa. Many of the new multi-story buildings provide ramps and elevators, but older public buildings do not. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Currently 7 percent have received their first shot of the two-dose AstraZeneca vaccine. 11 December 2017, 12:00AM. Samoa will reopen its borders to international travellers from August. Incidents of petty theft and robberies are common in Samoa. 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. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. Review the. *18 years and over have recorded 92.6 percent those have two doses *12 to 17 years old recorded 86.6 percent those have two doses *5 to 11 years old recorded 58.7 percent have had two doses Weekly flights to and from Australia continue. 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 Box Therapy for Mental Wellness. Consular services are only being offered via appointment. Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative. Visit theU.S. Department of State COVID-19 Answers Portal. Some taxis are unlicensed, so you should use care in choosing a taxi and driver. 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. The ferry was currently moored offshore until its 14 day period was over, next Thursday. Samoan authorities have laid out their Covid-19 vaccination plans, listing people who will receive the incoming Astra Zeneca vaccine by consent. 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. You can use rental cars but be aware that limited roadside assistance is available. Photo: Samoa Government. Applications for immigrant visas are not received or processed at the U.S. Embassy Apia. Before that, Samoa would welcome the arrival of Samoan citizens and foreign contractors from this month. Visit theUnited States Embassy in Samoawebsitefor updated information. However, disabled travelers should clarify with the hotel what accommodations are available before they book. You certainly wont miss the new wildlife ambulance when its out on the road! To receive alerts, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It's a possibility that travelers will have to show a negative test to enter the country. From 22nd September 2022, COVID-19 test and vaccination requirements were removed and no longer apply for travel and entry. The Samoan Government has announced an official date for Samoa to reopen its borders to international travellers. "Cabinet considered the plan for reopening of our international borders. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details. Samoa will open its international borders from August. The country reported its second case on 27 November. Yes, For information about vaccination in Samoa, contact the. 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. We've lowered the travel advice level. Register or sign in to create events, jobs and access premium features. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. Tonga cancelled all flights to the country in March . 05 March 2023, 4:00AM. Samoa had previously announced it would likely reopen in 'August or September.'. First published by RNZ. Samoa Ministry of Health Covid-19 vaccination advisory, 6 May 2021. Foreign nationals are required to show proof of vaccination status at check-in for incoming flights and ships. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Samoa. Visit Samoan Government and/or Samoa Ministry of Health for the most up-to-date information in Samoa. For more information on ATM locations and banking services, visit theANZ Bankwebsite or theBSPwebsite. See our Road Safety page for more information. The Emergency Operations Center shall continue to be activated to coordinate response efforts. Samoa's borders have opened to the world with fanfare, celebrations and happy reunions. Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to American Samoa. Traffic is particularly hazardous for the disabled in rural areas that have no footpaths and sidewalks. The footing around the mouths of most blowholes is very slippery. For Samoas border reopening, a series of developments and new processes have been put into place to ensure Samoa is ready for international arrivals. and a state of emergency under ASCA 26.0101 et seq. It really is a world cruise and guests get to see an amazing variety of locations. Ironman competitor, Darren Young said he started wanting to be an Ironman because By Fuimaono Lumepa Hald Entry and borders Tonga's borders fully reopened on 27th September 2022. United States Embassy Samoa The prime minister said the latest numbers from the Ministry of Health indicate 92.6 percent of those aged 18 years and older are fully vaccinated and 70,489 have also had their booster shots. If your guess was that the woman in the featured image snagged the job then youd be spot on. There have been several cases of attacks by multiple dogs. Generally, hospital staffing is minimal overnight. Marshalls launches big child health intervention, 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.