If you’re traveling to Samoa, the Ministry of Health has issued new isolation requirements; and any traveler who doesn’t adhere to any of the conditions will be fined up to $2,000 tālā or publicly named and shamed, or both.
That is the latest from the Ministry of Health updated travel advisory, issued May 14th.
All arriving passengers are required to submit to a nasal swab for PCR testing and must sign a consent form for self/home isolation.
They must self isolate at home for seven days and are required to arrange for a medical supervised RAT test at any health facility or private clinic on day 3 and 7 of self-isolation. They must report results to the Ministry of Health.
Self-testing at home is not permitted. All travelers who test positive will have self-isolation extended for 10 days from date of positive test and must be tested on the tenth day of isolation.
“Airline carriers are encouraged to conduct pre-departure screening of passengers, for signs and symptoms including temperature check and general condition,” said the MOH advisory.
The Ministry also requires that all travelers, 12 years and older, including the flight crew, are to be fully vaccinated with the prescribed two doses of vaccines pre-qualified by the World Health Organization.
MOH will only allow “hard copies” of the required vaccine certificates and will not accept any electronic copies on phones or other devices including emails.
This, also, applies to results of COVID tests taken 48-hours before departure from originating airport or for supervised RAT test within 24 hours before departure from originating airport.
All passengers leaving an airport they have been in transit through, must repeat a RAT test before checking in again.
“Failure to provide a legitimate vaccination certificate and required documents will result in no boarding,” warned MOH.
All close contacts of positive cases must self-isolate for 7 days with RAT test conducted on day 7.
If any of these conditions are not met, the traveler may be fined $2000 tala.
