Three more countries have been added to the list of countries from which travelers originating from or transiting through will require 14 days of quarantine before being granted entry to Samoa.

Iran, Kuwait and Taiwan are now grouped with China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Italy in the virus black list.

Travelers from these states or transiting through them must spend at least 14 days at a country that is free of the novel coronavirus and must undergo medical clearance within three days before arrival in Samoa.

“In the event you arrive within the 14 day period as noted above, you will be returned to the country of last Port before arrival in to Samoa,” a Samoa Government Advisory released on Friday reads.

It is unclear as of now if there are any travelers held under quarantine at the Faleolo airport.

The Government spokesman, Nanai Laveitiga Tuiletufuga said normally the Ministry of Health would make contact in case of a new admission. 

Nanai said the Ministry makes decisions about adding country according to their monitoring. 

The Government requires compulsory screening of all arriving passengers in Samoa; the policy is now effective at all ports of entry.

Countries requiring compulsory medical checks prior to entry include, Malaysia, Australia, Vietnam, USA – California, Sapin, United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Canada and Bahrain.

Samoan sailors have been reportedly stranded in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates due to delays caused by extra requirements needed to be met due to beefed up preventative measures.

Meanwhile Samoans and non-Samoans alike are likely to be denied entry without a two-week period of quarantine in a country and a medical certification if arriving from a blacklisted country. 

The medical clearance is required on check in prior to the issuing of passenger boarding passes.

Travelers have reportedly been cancelling or missing flights due to flight restrictions imposed by the Samoa Government in its bid to keep the country free of coronavirus.