COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Samoa (12 July Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and permanent residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No

• Travel to Samoa is prohibited under the ongoing State of Emergency, unless approved by the Samoan government due to exceptional circumstances, e.g. repatriation. All travellers are advised to communicate their intent to travel to Samoa to the Health Authorities, at least 21 days before planned travel time by sending a mail to [email protected] or [email protected].

• Travellers from Fiji and countries recording widespread transmission of COVID-19 Delta variant are not allowed to travel or transit directly to Samoa. Travellers from these countries must spend at least 28 days in a country with minimal or no recorded community transmission of the Delta Variant before undertaking travel to Samoa.

• Passengers or crew members with a history of a positive COVID-19 rt-PCR test result are not allowed to enter Samoa unless they meet the strict entry conditions mentioned below:

• Six months have passed from the date of the first positive test result;

• Must provide genome sequencing test of the virus if available;

• Must provide proof of 3 consecutive negative COVID-19 test results at least 14 days apart before the intended date of departure

• All COVID-19 PCR test results, genomic sequencing tests and Serology tests must be submitted via email to the Director general of health on email [email protected] and Dr. Robert Thomsen email [email protected].

• For additional details please check this link

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• A COVID-19 negative certificate obtained within 72 hours before departure to Samoa is required on arrival. All travellers need to present a hard copy of a COVID-19 test on arrival to health officials.

• A legitimate vaccine certificate is required for boarding. Fully vaccinated implies completion of the required prescribed doses as per the vaccine used. Arriving travellers should have completed 2 weeks post-vaccination prior to travel to Samoa. A hard copy of the vaccine certificate must be presented on arrival in Samoa.

• A Blood serology report for a COVID-19 antibody test obtained within 7 days before departure to Samoa must be presented in hard copy on arrival in Samoa. Rapid serology tests for IgM and IgG are not accepted.

• Fully vaccinated flight crews are exempted from this requirement.

• Travellers are also required to present a Medical Clearance signed and obtained within 120 hours before departure to Samoa. The medical clearance must be presented in hard copy on arrival in Samoa.

• Passengers or crew members with a history of a positive COVID-19 rt-PCR test result are not allowed to enter Samoa unless they meet the strict entry conditions mentioned below:**

• Six months have passed from the date of the first positive test result;

• Must provide genome sequencing test of the virus if available;

• Must provide proof of 3 consecutive negative COVID-19 test results at least 14 days apart before the intended date of departure

• All COVID-19 PCR test results, genomic sequencing tests and Serology tests must be submitted via email to the Director general of health email [email protected] and Dr. Robert Thomsen email [email protected].

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• Arriving travellers will be required to spend a minimum of 14 days in quarantine. The exact duration of the quarantine will be determined by local health authorities depending on the vaccine type and travel history of the passenger.

• Based on the above restrictions, all incoming travellers will be subjected to a minimum of 14 days of quarantine.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Travellers must complete the Medical Clearance form available here.

Vaccination Required

• Yes

• The Samoan government has announced that travellers including crew are now required to be fully vaccinated before entry into Samoa with any vaccine prequalified by WHO, i.e. AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Janssen, Moderna, or Sinopharm.

• A legitimate vaccine certificate (hard copy) is required for boarding and on arrival in Samoa. Fully vaccinated implies completion of the required prescribed doses as per the vaccine used. Arriving travellers should have completed 2 weeks post-vaccination prior to travel.

• Passengers who haven’t been vaccinated or fail to complete the required doses of vaccination will be denied boarding.

Insurance Required

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Airline Restrictions

• Significant

• There are limited commercial flights to and from the country.

• The Samoan Government has allowed flights between the islands of Savai'i and Upolu only for medical emergencies.

• Very limited cargo and repatriation flights are operating.

Border Restrictions

• Significant

• Samoa’s international borders are currently closed under an ongoing State of Emergency.

• Travellers will not be permitted to board the plane if they have a positive COVID-19 test result, fail to provide a negative COVID-19 certificate, or if exhibiting symptoms.

• Seaport access to Apia is limited to cargo ships only. Health screening for crew and passengers is mandatory.

• International cruise ships and yachts will not be granted entry into Samoa.

Curfew Restrictions

• Moderate

• The government has extended the state of emergency until 1 August. This entails restrictions on entry to Samoa and among other COVID-19 restrictions.

Social Distancing Restrictions

• Moderate

• Public gatherings are limited to 100 people.

• Family reunions are restricted to five people, as are graveside or committal services for funerals.

• Entertainment venues are operating at reduced capacity and if following social distancing norms.

• A ban on most gatherings and public activities remains in place on Sundays.

Internal Travel Restrictions

• Moderate

• Inter-island travel and public transport have resumed.

• Services remain inoperational on Sundays.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Most non-essential shops are open for limited hours from Monday to Saturday.

• Supermarkets are allowed to open on Sundays.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels and private rentals are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants and entertainment venues are open for limited hours.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Cafes are open.

• Nightclubs and bars are open for limited hours from Monday to Saturday and must remain closed on Sundays.

Beaches open?

• Yes

• Swimming in rivers is permitted, and beaches are open except on Sundays.

Masks required in public?

• No

• Masks are recommended.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practise social distancing, maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.