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. Samoas Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa addresses the UN Human Rights Council in a session for her countrys Universal Periodic Review, 4 November, 2021. Photo / PMN Samoa. You must pay a departure tax when you leave the country (this tax is normally included in airfares). Decorate your laptops, water bottles, notebooks and windows. 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. [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 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. Schools open on Monday 4 May 2020, until further notice. Traffic travels on the left in Samoa, and you should exercise extra caution if you are accustomed to driving on the right. Recommended in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. A remote wilderness temperate climate add to the allure of this unique destination (as well as the legendary Japanese Soju!). To avoid injury from shifting vehicles, you should ride only in the passenger compartment, not on the automobile deck during the crossing. Yes, For information about vaccination in Samoa, contact the. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. Most buses and taxis do not have ramps to accommodate wheelchairs. 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. While rare, violent assaults, including sexual assaults, have occurred in Samoa. The last 12 Covid-19 samples from Samoa sent to New Zealand for testing have all returned negative results. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa announced on Monday major changes to Samoa's State of Emergency orders. Samoa Independent State of Samoa Travel Advisory October 24, 2022 Samoa - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions Exercise normal precautions in Samoa. (File photo) Samoa's plan to reopen to the world would hinge on the country's vaccination. 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). Actions to Take Samoa has secured enough vaccines for 40,000 people this year, a considerable shortfall on herd immunity target of 120,000 people. Before that, Samoa would welcome the arrival of Samoan citizens and foreign contractors from this month. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. In an announcement overnight, Prime Minister Fiam Naomi Mataafa has confirmed Samoa will welcome international travellers into the country from 1 August 2022. The CDCs Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative. The Emergency Operations Center shall continue to be activated to coordinate response efforts. Something we love to see! and see the Ministrys recent vaccination update. *Opening of international borders in August, September this year The Prime Minister also confirmed the latest statistics on vaccination in the country. Privacy, Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa during the announcement 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. Dress modestly and avoid public affection to avoid unwanted attention. Persons with disabilities have easy access to medical facilities. Non-citizen U.S. nationals will need a visitor permit before travelling to Samoa. The average cost is around WST 20 (USD 8); payment is not covered by the government. There are also no anti-discrimination laws in place. 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. 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. Samoa's borders are likely to remain closed for the rest of the year, as health authorities set a Covid-19 vaccination target. Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at 21631 Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. Happy 108th birthday to the U.S. Navy Reserve. Telephone. Flights to Samoa currently operate direct from Auckland with Air New Zealand, Sydney/Brisbane with Qantas, Nadi (Fiji) and Honolulu (Hawaii) with Fiji Airways. . Fancy some sun and sand that isn't in Australia? Visit the website of theSamoa Tourism Authorityfor road safety information. Cruise ship passengers need not apply. The changes include reopening schools, amended business hours and plans to open Samoa's international borders. Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to, and foreign residents of, Samoa. 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. For Samoas border reopening, a series of developments and new processes have been put into place to ensure Samoa is ready for international arrivals. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for travel on secondary roads. Please exercise appropriate caution when you are walking, running, or riding a bike near stray dogs. Find continuously updated travel restrictions for Samoa such as border, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. There have been several cases of attacks by multiple dogs. Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. 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. Happy 108th birthday to the U.S. Navy Reserve. You can travel to Germany for all travel purposes, including tourism and visits, without restrictions, and e ntry requirements fare the same for all travelers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. and a state of emergency under ASCA 26.0101 et seq. Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter American Samoa without restrictions. "Cabinet considered the plan for reopening of our international borders. 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. The Prime Minister said the amended S.O.E. 'I've done it all' - Sir Rod Stewart on getting older and staying fit. 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 . The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. To avoid being swept in, you should not approach too closely and should never stand between the opening of the blowhole and the sea. 04 March 2023, 8:46PM. 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 See our webpage for further information. Commencing September 22 2022: The . The country reported its second case on 27 November. 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. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Samoa are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Parents may also contact the. The last 12 Covid-19 samples from Samoa sent to New Zealand for testing have all returned negative results. Roads in Samoa often traverse small streams. +(685) 21631 press 0 for the operator or extension 2222. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). Photo: Samoa MoH. If youare a U.S. citizen witha life-or-death emergency that requires a consular service, please contact the number listed below. Matafele Samoa will open to citizens first in May before it welcomes international travellers in August. 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 . Samoa will reopen its borders to international travellers from August. Travellers must complete the arrival health declaration form prior to landing in. 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. Since 17 March 2022 when the first community case was detected, 9,592 cases have been recorded for Samoa. Samoa had previously announced it would likely reopen in 'August or September.'. Take care not to offend. +685 777 1776 Please leave a message and the Duty Officer will return your call. 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. In an announcement overnight, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has confirmed Samoa will welcome international travellers into the country from 1st August 2022. Advice for women travellers. Canadians can visit American Samoa without an entry permit or visa for a period of up to 30 days. United States Embassy Samoa Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. Samoa Ministry of Health Covid-19 vaccination advisory, 6 May 2021. Office of American Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs. The blood alcohol limit for driving in Tonga is 0.015%. 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. July 2, 2020. Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. These standards may not be strictly enforced or meet the standards of similar facilities in the United States. 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. Seven people (and one dog) were injured as a result of the severe turbulence. It's a possibility that travelers will have to show a negative test to enter the country. Box Therapy for Mental Wellness. Fiame also confirmed that only travellers who test positive on arrival at Faleolo airport would be quarantined at allocated sites and those tested negative would be released to be isolated at home. Check the CDC website for additional information and. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Vehicles should never enter a stream if the roadbed is not visible or if the waters depth is more than the vehicles clearance. Uncle jailed 13 years for raping sisters kids. Foreign nationals are required to show proof of vaccination status at check-in for incoming flights and ships. 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. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. 05 March 2023, 4:00AM. 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. You can get Samoan currency from ATMs, which are located in Faleolo Airport, Salelologa, and many locations in Apia. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Samoa. "Resume international flights from this month (May) for all our citizens travelling to Samoa for various purposes, and all those who are contracted to work in Samoa," she said. . Some family-based beach accommodations in the outer villages are also working to provide accessibility for disabled persons. Are there COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens? The Samoan Government has announced an official date for Samoa to reopen its borders to international travellers. Australia says it is sending fresh batches of Covid-19 vaccine doses to Fiji and Timor-Leste. Are vaccines available in Samoa for U.S. citizens to receive? State.gov Country Information and Travel Advisory page. Official Web Portal of the Government of Samoa. 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. financial planning companies in bangalore Search. 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. July 20, 2022 News & Events. 'I've done it all' - Sir Rod Stewart on getting older and staying fit. From 22 September 2022, Samoa's international borders are open to all following the removal of restrictions. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. At least 48 hours prior to your arrival, you must apply for and receive authorization from the Entry Permit Waiver Program. Consultthe CDC websitefor accurate, up-to-date information. Fiame noted the second dose for paediatric programme will commence this week with more vaccines donated by New Zealand. Please enable Javascript in current site to keep going. For emergency services in Samoa, dial 911. Travelers are advised to review their immunity status prior to arrival. Sexual assaults occur. Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance. Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world. Information about services and how to schedule an appointment can be found athttps://ws.usembassy.gov/. If you have a COVID-19 related question, call Samoa's COVID-19 helpline at 8006440. 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. Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. In many areas, tap water is not potable. The Samoa government is being accused of ignoring mass vaccination advice from its own medical experts ahead of the deadly measles epidemic in 2019. Prime Minister Fiame 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 restrictions to facilitate quarantine-free travel. Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy in Samoa. Print Subscription | Travellers must have: 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. Opening of international borders in August, September this year The Prime Minister also confirmed the latest statistics on vaccination in the country. Travel Weekly was invited to Intrepids first global summit since the pandemic. American Samoa closed its borders in March. Copyright 2023 Osini Faleatasi Inc. dba Samoa News | All Rights Reserved, Samoa borders will open once eligible population fully vaccinated. Urban roads in Apia and the main roads circumnavigating and crossing the island are generally kept in fair condition, although bumps and potholes are common. Side streets tend to be gravel or dirt and their condition varies considerably, particularly during the rainy season when ruts and bumps develop. Samoa's borders are likely to remain closed for the rest of the year, as health authorities set a Covid-19 vaccination target. For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report. Samoa's international borders officially open again from next week. Rapid antigen tests are readily available at public hospitals and private clinics. Travellers must have: For more information, visit Permit Services Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (mpmc.gov.ws). Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. All nationalities traveling to Samoa can apply for a 90-day Visitor Permit on arrival using the arrival card. Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips. Before that, Samoa would welcome the arrival of Samoan citizens and foreign contractors from this month. The Samoan government said that vaccination rates have been critical in the decision to reopen. We advise: Sodomy is a criminal offence, punishable with a prison term. There were 19 COVID-19 related deaths to date including 3 new deaths within the past 48 hours. Weekly flights to and from Australia continue. Major hotels and some restaurants and stores accept major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, and American Express). Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa announced on Monday major changes to Samoa's State of Emergency orders. Normal Immigration requirements, as outlined below, apply. Exercise particular caution in and around the Beach Road strip of bars in Apia. Be aware of your surroundings. 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. CEO of Samoa's tourism authority Fa'amatuainu Lenata'i Suifua said that vaccinations and a tracer . Before that, Samoa would welcome the arrival of Samoan citizens and foreign contractors from this month. Currently 7 percent have received their first shot of the two-dose AstraZeneca vaccine. Particular care should be taken near Apias downtown bars and restaurants, where a number of violent incidents involving foreigners and Samoans have occurred. Enroll inSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security updates. Holidaymakers wanting to travel to Samoa once borders re-open will likely have to wait until 2022. 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. Samoa has lifted all COVID-19 related travel restrictions. Many of the new multi-story buildings provide ramps and elevators, but older public buildings do not. (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. You should exercise extreme caution when fording these streams, which can become swollen and dangerous with little warning. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. International Financial Scams:See theDepartment of Stateand theFBIpages for information. San Francisco, Honolulu, Darwin, Auckland. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. The Pacific Island nation of Samoa will reopen to travellers in the coming months and is urging Aussie travellers to visit. The average cost is around WST 20 (USD 8); payment is not covered by the government. 11 December 2017, 12:00AM. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas. Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Samoa should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. To receive alerts, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). for covid-19. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays. In late 2019, Samoa suffered a measles epidemic. And we have the answer! 05 March 2023, 7:00AM. Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Samoa. Samoa continues under Alert Level 2 for two more weeks commencing midnight tonight until 17 May 2022. U.S. citizens have lodged a large number of complaints about unethical business practices. Measles. Its just like the TV show Succession, but far less entertaining, raunchy, and everyone gets along. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about. 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 webpage for more information oninsurance providers for overseas coverage. Reissued with updates to health information. 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. Samoa recently reduced its transmission level from. Apia, Samoa. 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. Apia, Samoa There is no recognition of same-sex relationships, marriage or adoption by same-sex couples in Samoa. Taxis are widely available and used by Samoans and visitors alike. Find out the entry rules for each country, Popular destinations open to most visitors from the United States. Orders were recommended by the National Emergency Operation Centre (N.E.O.C.) Check the CDC website for additional information andFrequently Asked Questions. The Samoan Government has announced an official date for Samoa to reopen its borders to international travellers. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. 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 . A decision to allow quarantine-free international travel to Tahiti in July 2020 saw the country suffer a large COVID-19 outbreak, causing the government to close its borders again in February 2021 . 281 Likes, TikTok video from Jen (@ft.jenvjva): "When these borders open, I'm going home #SAMOA #FYP #homeoswheretheheartis #685baby #beautifulsamoa #samoatiktok685". For more information on ATM locations and banking services, visit theANZ Bankwebsite or theBSPwebsite.