Dosing info - Hep B. 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. Verify this information with the SamoanOverseas Missionbefore you travel. Samoa Latest update Still current at: 26 February 2023 Updated: 11 January 2023 Latest update:We've reviewed our advice for Samoa. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Orders that lifted the ban on mass gatherings. Samoan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations about importing or exporting items such as firearms, fruits, pets and other animals, and drugs. Visit Samoan Government and/or Samoa Ministry of Health for the most up-to-date information in Samoa. The most recent data shows that almost 93 per cent of Samoas population aged 18 and over has been fully vaccinated. High quality American Samoa Borders Open inspired Coffee Mugs by independent artists and designers from around the world. and see the Ministrys recent vaccination update. These standards may not be strictly enforced or meet the standards of similar facilities in the United States. Travelers are advised to review their immunity status prior to arrival. Major hotels and some restaurants and stores accept major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, and American Express). READ MORE >> News Releases Tourism Views & Insights Published Monday, 17 October 2022 This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy in Samoa. List any local resources that can provide additional useful information. Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. Tonga cancelled all flights to the country in March . Copyright 2023 Osini Faleatasi Inc. dba Samoa News | All Rights Reserved, Samoa borders will open once eligible population fully vaccinated. Happy 108th birthday to the U.S. Navy Reserve. (File photo) Samoa's plan to reopen to the world would hinge on the country's vaccination. The pandemic has had a huge impact on Samoa's travel and tourism industry since its border closed in March 2020 and the country is eager to receive travellers who will aid in the island's . Register or sign in to create events, jobs and access premium features. There have been several cases of attacks by multiple dogs. Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. 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 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. 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. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. Its just like the TV show Succession, but far less entertaining, raunchy, and everyone gets along. 2023-02-27 Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has announced the plan to reopen Samoa's international borders to international travellers from August/September this year. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. The U.S. territory, 2,600 miles from Hawaii, shut down its borders in March to commercial flights to prevent . Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. Travel.state.gov Country Information and Travel Advisory page. Uncle jailed 13 years for raping sisters kids. 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. Visit theDepartment of State Covid-19 crisis pagefor the latest information. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas. You can get Samoan currency from ATMs, which are located in Faleolo Airport, Salelologa, and many locations in Apia. Dosing info - Hep A. Fiame made the announcement on Monday night while advising of major changes to the current State of Emergency (S.O.E.) Leausa says despite rigorous border testing, vaccines are the last line of defense against the virus getting a foot-hold in the country. A further 55,000 doses are expected in the country by early June. We advise: 'I've done it all' - Sir Rod Stewart on getting older and staying fit. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Samoa continues under Alert Level 2 for two more weeks commencing midnight tonight until 17 May 2022. Visit theUnited States Embassy in Samoawebsitefor updated information. Check the CDC website for additional information andFrequently Asked Questions. Stay Safe. Review the. Some vehicles in Samoa have left-hand drive steering systems, including rental vehicles and public transportation. 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. July 2, 2020. 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. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa announced on Monday major changes to Samoa's State of Emergency orders. Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world. At least 48 hours prior to your arrival, you must apply for and receive authorization from the Entry Permit Waiver Program. Yes, For information about vaccination in Samoa, contact the. The Samoan government said that vaccination rates have been critical in the decision to reopen. Cruise ship passengers need not apply. The Prime Minister also confirmed the latest statistics on vaccination in the country. Contact | Critical to this decision are the current rates of our vaccination programme. 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.. Samoa will officially open its borders to the world again next week - and it seems Kiwi travellers have been eager to go, with the first few flights out of New Zealand completely booked out. Samoa has to overcome New Zealand in their final pool game of the Vancouver 7s in By Shalveen Chand Some taxis are unlicensed, so you should use care in choosing a taxi and driver. Fines may be given to individuals, businesses and organizations who do not comply with the governments COVID restrictions. There is no law pertaining specifically to the status of disabled persons. Foreign nationals are required to show proof of vaccination status at check-in for incoming flights and ships. The Samoan Government has announced an official date for Samoa to reopen its borders to international travellers. As international travel begins to take shape again, Samoa has been striving to ensure critical components of our travel-ready toolkit are in place. 3 weather alerts in effect American Samoa closed its borders in March. Sodomy is a criminal offence, punishable with a prison term. Samoa will open its international borders from August. 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. Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa said the plan to allow inbound passengers this month had been deferred. Roads in Samoa often traverse small streams. The CDCs Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter American Samoa. 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. Samoas Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has announced the plan to reopen Samoas international borders to international travellers from August/September this year. See our Road Safety page for more information. . 05 March 2023, 7:00AM. Applications for immigrant visas are not received or processed at the U.S. Embassy Apia. *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 Rapid antigen tests are readily available at public hospitals and private clinics. Schools open on Monday 4 May 2020, until further notice. In many areas, tap water is not potable. 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 . For information about tropical cyclone preparedness, visit our, For information about all types of natural disasters, visit the. Online application - Entry Permit Waiver Program Yellow fever Health boss Leausa Take Naseri says borders will re-open only when 98 percent of the eligible population has been vaccinated against Covid-19. A national period of fasting and prayer is to be observed by every family in Samoa from Sunday 22 March 2020 until Sunday 29 March 2020 from 6.00am - 12.00pm daily. Tonga is a conservative country. and approved by the Cabinet at its meeting Monday afternoon. The country reported its second case on 27 November. Samoa has lifted all COVID-19 related travel restrictions. You must pay a departure tax when you leave the country (this tax is normally included in airfares). We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. The prime minister said the important positive factor that had emerged from the restrictions was that most families were now worshipping together. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays. Get all the info about the event right here. There is no recognition of same-sex relationships, marriage or adoption by same-sex couples in Samoa. Consult the CDC website for accurate, up-to-date information. PRC testing is no longer widely available. For further information on immigrant visas please visit the U.S. Consulate in Auckland. 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 For emergency services in Samoa, dial 911. American Samoa closed its borders in March. Its the question on every Intrepid employees mind. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 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. Visit the website of theSamoa Tourism Authorityfor road safety information. Further information may be found on theFAAs safety assessment page. 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. San Francisco, Honolulu, Darwin, Auckland. Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers. Stay Informed: step.state.gov/step/. Samoa, one of the most popular Pacific Islands, is set to reopen its borders to travellers very soon. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Samoa. Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter American Samoa without restrictions. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. In announcing the further lifting of Level 2 restrictions, the Prime Minister said this would include the, "opening of [] 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. Fiame said Samoa's high vaccination rate was critical in Cabinet's decision on when to open the borders. Cabinet approved the continuation of Level 2 (orange) for another two weeks effective on Tuesday midnight until 17 May, she said. However this morning he warned it was highly unlikely air travel in and out of the country would be opened soon. 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. All nationalities traveling to Samoa can apply for a 90-day Visitor Permit on arrival using the arrival card. 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. A new initiative by the Mental Health Unit was initiated on the 29th August 2018, supported by Samoan boxing champion. Vehicles should never enter a stream if the roadbed is not visible or if the waters depth is more than the vehicles clearance. Full travel advice: Local laws. Iupeli Siliva Building 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. 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. Any U.S. citizen or non-citizen U.S. national has the right to contact a representative from the U.S. Embassy. 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 should not approach or feed them; they can become aggressive in the presence of food or if they feel threatened. 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. An uncle who has been convicted of sexual offenses against his sisters children By Joyetter Feagaimaalii-Luamanu Check with the Samoa Ministry of Customs and Revenue to ensure the medication is legal in Samoa. Results are generally available within 30 minutes. Before that, Samoa would welcome the arrival of Samoan citizens and foreign contractors from this month. Please enable Javascript in current site to keep going. Visit theDepartment of Homeland Security websitefor the latest travel restrictions to the United States. It really is a world cruise and guests get to see an amazing variety of locations. for covid-19. The Prime Minister said the amended S.O.E. You can find more information about entry requirements and the departure tax fromtheSamoa Mission to the United Nationsat 800-2nd Avenue, Suite 400J, New York, NY 10017, ph: +(212) 599-6196 and fax: +(212) 599-0797, orby email. The blood alcohol limit for driving in Tonga is 0.015%. International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA), Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. For more information visit the Government of Samoa website. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. Email:AmEmbApia@state.gov or ApiaConsular@state.gov. By entering your email address you're giving us permission to send you news and offers. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less. 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. Could video game skills help you get a job? Samoa will open to citizens first in May before it welcomes international travellers in August. State.gov Country Information and Travel Advisory page. Holidaymakers wanting to travel to Samoa once borders re-open will likely have to wait until 2022. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Samoa are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. 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. . Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. To avoid injury from shifting vehicles, you should ride only in the passenger compartment, not on the automobile deck during the crossing. Samoa recently reduced its transmission level from. The Emergency Operations Center shall continue to be activated to coordinate response efforts. Ironman competitor, Darren Young said he started wanting to be an Ironman because By Fuimaono Lumepa Hald Incidents of petty theft and robberies are common in Samoa. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. Emergency. Samoa welcomes restart of cruise ship port calls The Port of Apia will welcome the return of cruise ships when Westerdam and Zuiderdam from the Holland America line call in at Matautu on Tuesday 18th October and Thursday 20th October respectively. 4 sizes available. ACC Building, Matafele. Alerts and Messages for U.S. Taxis are widely available and used by Samoans and visitors alike. A remote wilderness temperate climate add to the allure of this unique destination (as well as the legendary Japanese Soju!). The accident rate then dropped sharply, but soon rose to . Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Samoa should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. You can use rental cars but be aware that limited roadside assistance is available. Samoa Independent State of Samoa Travel Advisory October 24, 2022 Samoa - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions Exercise normal precautions in Samoa. He said he would make a formal announcement about the government's plans "soon.". Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa announced on Monday major changes to Samoa's State of Emergency orders. Visit theU.S. Department of State COVID-19 Answers Portal. Fax: +685 22030 Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. ACC Building, Normal Immigration requirements, as outlined below, apply. 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. In Samoa, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. Canadians can visit American Samoa without an entry permit or visa for a period of up to 30 days. *Opening of international borders in August, September this year The Prime Minister also confirmed the latest statistics on vaccination in the country. 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 WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned about fresh Covid-19 waves during the week. Samoa's borders are likely to remain closed for the rest of the year, as health authorities set a Covid-19 vaccination target. Cambodia reopened its borders to international tourism in November 2021. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is not issuing a specific travel advisory for American Samoa at this time. Menu CEO of Samoa's tourism authority Fa'amatuainu Lenata'i Suifua said that vaccinations and a tracer . 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. The changes include reopening schools, amended business hours and plans to open Samoa's international borders. To avoid being swept in, you should not approach too closely and should never stand between the opening of the blowhole and the sea. +685 777 1776 Please leave a message and the Duty Officer will return your call. Consultthe CDC websitefor accurate, up-to-date information. "The theme for this year's reopening of the borders, 'beautiful is back' is suitable for all our Samoans. There were 19 COVID-19 related deaths to date including 3 new deaths within the past 48 hours. Flights to Samoa currently operate direct from Auckland with Air New Zealand, Sydney/Brisbane with Qantas, Nadi (Fiji) and Honolulu (Hawaii) with Fiji Airways. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for travel on secondary roads. 2023 The Misfits Media Company Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved. These blowholes are popular tourist attractions. Stranded residents are finally. You should remain aware of your surroundings, lock your doors at night, and do not leave your belongings unattended. Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. 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. Side streets tend to be gravel or dirt and their condition varies considerably, particularly during the rainy season when ruts and bumps develop. Fagatogo, Maoputasi Fiame said Samoa's high vaccination rate was critical in Cabinet's decision on when to open the borders. Since 17 March 2022 when the first community case was detected, 9,592 cases have been recorded for Samoa. Photo: Samoa MoH. Travellers must complete the arrival health declaration form prior to landing in. The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be foundhere. Find out the entry rules for each country, Popular destinations open to most visitors from the United States. Internal Restrictions: *Travel in Samoa: A State of Emergency was declared on 20 March 2020. 'I've done it all' - Sir Rod Stewart on getting older and staying fit. From 22nd September 2022, COVID-19 test and vaccination requirements were removed and no longer apply for travel and entry. 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. Parents should be aware that U.S. citizens and non-citizen nationals 16 years of age and older have a right to apply for a U.S. passport and to request repatriation assistance from the U.S. government, both without parental consent. 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. [READ MORE] Embassy Messages Alerts View Alerts and Messages Archive Quick Facts PASSPORT VALIDITY: Must be valid at the time of entry BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: One page required for entry stamp If you have a COVID-19 related question, call SamoasCOVID-19helplineat8006440. Other U.S. government agencies work with Samoa, some with offices in the Embassy and some throughout the country. 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) To receive alerts, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Travellers must have: The Samoan Government has announced an official date for Samoa to reopen its borders to international travellers. Visit theSamoa Immigration websitefor Samoas most current visa information. Entry and borders Tonga's borders fully reopened on 27th September 2022. However, disabled travelers should clarify with the hotel what accommodations are available before they book. Samoa Tourism continues to work towards safe border re-opening July 8, 2021 As it continues to prepare for safe tourism reactivation, Samoa has announced that it will be launching the Samoa Travel Tracer - a contact tracing application made possible through a collaborative partnership between the Samoa Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Health. Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Samoa. Most buses and taxis do not have ramps to accommodate wheelchairs. 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.