Entry permits for citizens of Samoa and Tonga will now require a 14-day review before issuance and no children under vaccination age, that is less than 6 months, will be allowed entry into the territory.
The new policy, prompted by the measles epidemic, was issued by the Attorney General’s Office yesterday and is effective immediately.
According to the notice which is posted on the Office of Legal Affairs website: “Effective immediately ALL permits for travel from Samoa and Tonga will require a 14 day review period before issuance.
“All children traveling from these destinations who are too young to be vaccinated with the measles vaccine will NOT be allowed to enter the Territory while the Emergency Declaration for Measles is effective.”
Airlines and local shpping agents have been sent the notice.
Before the change the entry permits were processed within a day or two.
Immigration sponsors now have to submit proof of immujnization of the traveler as part of the permit application process and the Department of Health has to give the ok before Immigration will issue an entry permit.
The Health Department clearances for entry permits will be processed at the DOH Physical Clinic in Fagaalu.
We will report more details about the entry permit application process for travelers from Tonga and Samoa as they become available.
