If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. At least 48 hours prior to your arrival, you must apply for and receive authorization from the Entry Permit Waiver Program. There were 19 COVID-19 related deaths to date including 3 new deaths within the past 48 hours. These blowholes are popular tourist attractions. Samoan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations about importing or exporting items such as firearms, fruits, pets and other animals, and drugs. See our webpage for more information oninsurance providers for overseas coverage. Samoan authorities have laid out their Covid-19 vaccination plans, listing people who will receive the incoming Astra Zeneca vaccine by consent. Register here if you don't have an account. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions, Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. He said he would make a formal announcement about the government's plans "soon.". You can cancel anytime. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details. 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 . Travellers must complete the arrival health declaration form prior to landing in. Stay Informed: step.state.gov/step/. Roads outside Apia are often narrow, winding, relatively steep, with narrow or no shoulders, and poorly lighted. There are also no anti-discrimination laws in place. In January 2022, Samoa reported several cases in managed isolation among passengers from an . United States Embassy Samoa. Visitors indicating they have tested HIV positive will be subject to questioning by a health professional upon entry. Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Samoa should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Could video game skills help you get a job? Leausa says the ministry is negotiating with New Zealand to secure vaccines for the remaining population. Samoa, one of the most popular Pacific Islands, is set to reopen its borders to travellers very soon. "Heroic" flight attendant comes to the rescue as woman gives birth on Frontier Airlines flight, Register for duo, Air New Zealands new training and engagement hub and be in the draw to win some epic prizes. Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. 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. Buses are slow, crowded, uncomfortable, undependable, and rarely used by visitors. American Samoa closed its borders in March. There is no recognition of same-sex relationships, marriage or adoption by same-sex couples in Samoa. Travelers are advised to review their immunity status prior to arrival. Aviation Safety Oversight: he U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Samoas Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Samoas air carrier operations. Visit the website of theSamoa Tourism Authorityfor road safety information. Le Masinae - Vaniah Toloa. Measles. Blowholes:Samoa has numerous blowholes (lava tubes open to the sea where wave action produces often spectacular geysers). Create your very own adventure in beautiful Samoa! Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book. Leausa says despite rigorous border testing, vaccines are the last line of defense against the virus getting a foot-hold in the country. List any local resources that can provide additional useful information. For emergency services in Samoa, dial 911. Samoa joins several other countries that have recently opened their borders and dropped travel requirements. 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. 05 March 2023, 7:00AM. These standards may not be strictly enforced or meet the standards of similar facilities in the United States. The footing around the mouths of most blowholes is very slippery. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). 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. Terms & Conditions | Hepatitis B. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. For further information on immigrant visas please visit the U.S. Consulate in Auckland. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? 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. Apia, Samoa. First published by RNZ. Monday 2nd May 2022, Apia Samoa. The Prime Minister also confirmed the latest statistics on vaccination in the country. Seven people (and one dog) were injured as a result of the severe turbulence. Prime Minister Fiam Naomi Mata'afa confirmed this week that the country would welcome visitors into the country in August and September, just a few months way from now. *Opening of international borders in August, September this year The Prime Minister also confirmed the latest statistics on vaccination in the country. All international cruise ships and yachts will not be granted entry into Samoa. You should remain aware of your surroundings, lock your doors at night, and do not leave your belongings unattended. Consular services are only being offered via appointment. 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. Qantas has gone full Malcolm Turnbull and is on the jobs and growth kick. Commencing September 22 2022: The . The blood alcohol limit for driving in Tonga is 0.015%. Something we love to see! One of the major changes is that all incoming travellers will be released to go home if they test negative for Covid upon arrival and quarantine at home while those who are positive will be quarantined for seven days. You can opt-out at any time. You must pay a departure tax when you leave the country (this tax is normally included in airfares). and a state of emergency under ASCA 26.0101 et seq. Rapid antigen tests are readily available at public hospitals and private clinics. Adequate health facilities are available in Apia but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards. In an announcement overnight, Prime Minister Fiam Naomi Mataafa has confirmed Samoa will welcome international travellers into the country from 1 August 2022. The ferry was currently moored offshore until its 14 day period was over, next Thursday. 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. Box Therapy for Mental Wellness. You can use rental cars but be aware that limited roadside assistance is available. Advertising | Orders that lifted the ban on mass gatherings. Flights to Samoa currently operate direct from Auckland with Air New Zealand, Sydney/Brisbane with Qantas, Nadi (Fiji) and Honolulu (Hawaii) with Fiji Airways. Its the question on every Intrepid employees mind. Samoa continues under Alert Level 2 for two more weeks commencing midnight tonight until 17 May 2022. Photo: Samoa MoH. For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report. PO Box 1313 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. 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. Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Samoa. The average cost is around WST 20 (USD 8); payment is not covered by the government. 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. Samoa recently reduced its transmission level from. In an announcement overnight, Prime Minister Fiam Naomi Mataafa has confirmed Samoa will welcome international travellers into the country from 1 August 2022. +(685) 21631 press 0 for the operator or extension 2222. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. Cabinet has commended the vaccination campaign and the continued leadership by the Health and DAC in their perseverance with the program rollout in the community. Enroll inSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security updates. Flights to Samoa currently operate direct from Auckland with Air New Zealand, Sydney/Brisbane with Qantas, Nadi (Fiji) and Honolulu (Hawaii) with Fiji Airways. Telephone. Parents may also contact the. #samoa # . Other U.S. government agencies work with Samoa, some with offices in the Embassy and some throughout the country. Samoa is located in an area of high seismic activity called the Ring of Fire and is subject to earthquakes which can trigger a tsunami. 4 sizes available. Exercise particular caution in and around the Beach Road strip of bars in Apia. Are vaccines available in Samoa for U.S. citizens to receive? Results are generally available within 30 minutes. Travellers must have: For more information, visit Permit Services Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (mpmc.gov.ws). Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child. Sexual assaults occur. Drivers should familiarize themselves with operating requirements and local traffic laws before operating a vehicle in. Before that, Samoa would welcome the arrival of Samoan citizens and foreign contractors from this month. Visit Samoan Government and/or Samoa Ministry of Health for the most up-to-date information in Samoa. The Prime Minister said the amended S.O.E. Samoa Independent State of Samoa Travel Advisory October 24, 2022 Samoa - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions Exercise normal precautions in Samoa. Persons with disabilities have easy access to medical facilities. Generally, hospital staffing is minimal overnight. Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering American Samoa. Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine. Could video game skills help you get a job? Stay Safe. (File photo) Samoa's plan to reopen to the world would hinge on the country's vaccination. For more information visit the, U.S. Department of State COVID-19 Answers Portal, Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship Announcement, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter William Hart patrols Samoa EEZ. Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy in Samoa. If youare a U.S. citizen witha life-or-death emergency that requires a consular service, please contact the number listed below. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. Vehicles should never enter a stream if the roadbed is not visible or if the waters depth is more than the vehicles clearance. Consult your airline, cruise line, or other travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions. 05.05.2022. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. 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. Samoa has lifted all COVID-19 related travel restrictions. Some incidents have involved residential break-ins. Taxis are widely available and used by Samoans and visitors alike. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. Rapid antigen tests are readily available at public hospitals and private clinics. You should not approach or feed them; they can become aggressive in the presence of food or if they feel threatened. 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. Samoas Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa addresses the UN Human Rights Council in a session for her countrys Universal Periodic Review, 4 November, 2021. Opening of international borders in August, September this year The Prime Minister also confirmed the latest statistics on vaccination in the country. Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Traffic is particularly hazardous for the disabled in rural areas that have no footpaths and sidewalks. Emergency. 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. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 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. *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 The Samoan Government has announced an official date for Samoa to reopen its borders to international travellers. Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites. 11 December 2017, 12:00AM. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is not issuing a specific travel advisory for American Samoa at this time. Samoa's international borders officially open again from next week. Check with the Samoa Ministry of Customs and Revenue to ensure the medication is legal in Samoa. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. 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. Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. 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. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. 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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 . 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. Normal Immigration requirements, as outlined below, apply. 'I've done it all' - Sir Rod Stewart on getting older and staying fit. Amendments to quarantine conditions and the opening of borders for our neighbouring countries like Australia and Fiji as well as New Zealand. . Take care not to offend. 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. 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. The blind and persons in wheelchairs or on crutches will have difficulty navigating in and around Apia because of a limited number of stoplights and sidewalks. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. 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. Major hotels and some restaurants and stores accept major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, and American Express). Samoa Ministry of Health Covid-19 vaccination advisory, 6 May 2021.