Unvaccinated travelers to be denied entry to Samoa

By Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong 29 April 2021, 10:00PM

The Ministry of Health has elevated restrictions to prevent COVID-19 infection at the international borders and will reject any traveler who has not been fully vaccinated from entering the country.

Children under 18 years are exempt from the latest requirement for incoming travelers. 

In a special travel advisory signed by the Director General of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri the local authorities confirmed the strict measures that are to take effect in May. 

“Travelers including crew are now required to be fully vaccinated before entry into Samoa with any vaccine pre-qualified by the World Health Organisation (AstraZeneca, Pfizer, & Janssen),” says the Ministry of Health.

“A legitimate vaccine certificate is required for boarding. Fully vaccinated implies completion of the required prescribed doses as per vaccine used. 

“All should have completed 2 weeks post vaccination prior to travel.” 

Incoming travelers are asked to present a hard copy of the vaccination certificate on arrival into Samoa. 

To ensure the country remains Covid-free, Health issued a stern warning to passengers who haven’t been vaccinated or fail to complete required doses of vaccination “will be denied boarding”. 

All travelers will be assessed on a case by case basis before being granted permission to travel to Samoa, says the Ministry of Health. 

A negative RT-PCR COVID test is still required to be taken within 72 hours of departure from the originating airport. The laboratory result must be presented in hard copy on arrival into Samoa. 

Other requirements such as medical clearance signed and completed within 120 hours of departure from originating airport is still compulsory.  

The medical clearance must be presented in hard copy on arrival into Samoa, the M.O.H. has reaffirmed. 

“All passengers who have complied with above requirement should expect quarantine for a period determined by the Ministry of Health depending on vaccine type, and country of origin. 

“Travelers and crew entering Samoa must comply with all requirements noted.”

The Ministry of Health urged the public that their compliance with the conditions listed is imperative to ensuring the safety of all travelers and the people of Samoa. 

“We endeavor to keep Samoa COVID-19 free.” 

For information on travel preparations you can visit the Ministry of Health website www.health.gov.ws for information regarding rules of quarantine. 

By Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong 29 April 2021, 10:00PM

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