A Member of Parliament has called for the relaxing of travel restrictions to American Samoa and the hosting of a leaders dialogue with the U.S. territory to strengthen relations including trade. 

The Fa'asaleleaga No. 4 MP Tea Peato made the appeal during debate on the 2022-2023 Budget in the parliament last week.

He said the travel requirements for Samoans to enter the U.S. territory is “complicated” and appealed to the Government to consider waiving some of these requirements to give accessibility to all Samoans.

Using the opportunity to remind the Cabinet of the importance of strengthening relations between the two neighbouring islands, the Fa'asaleleaga No. 4 MP said permits for the residents of the two Samoas will make travel easier as well as strengthen relations to grow trade.

Tea was particularly referring to a new system introduced by the American Samoa Government called the "Talofa Pass", which allows an individual to apply for approval from the American Samoa Government to enter American Samoa. 

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition Party, Lauofo Pierre Lauofo interjected and echoed his support for the issue, asking the Government to find ways to make the process simpler. Lauofo recalled his recent trip to American Samoa and said the paperwork involved getting a permit online as well as a police report before receiving a permit to travel. 

He then made reference to the geographical proximity of the two nations, but lamented the requirements for entry into the U.S. territory, saying they are complex while emphasising the need for weekly flights to be increased beyond three a week.

However, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt then interjected and said he must clarify that negotiations between the American Samoa and Samoa were planned until the COVID-19 lockdown forced their postponement. 

He added that the Government is waiting for the arrival of the Prime Minister to oversee an agreement and ensure understanding is reached between the two neighbours.

American Samoa currently remains under a closed-border policy thus only bona fide current residents and other authorised personnel with approval from the American Samoa Government can travel to American Samoa during their public health emergency. 

Last month this newspaper reported that health officials from Samoa and American Samoa were to meet to finalise the travel policy for an inter-Samoa route as the country and territory prepared for twice-weekly flights.

One of the requirements for Samoa citizens planning to enter the U.S. territory is for passengers to register on the American Samoa Government’s Talofa Pass web system https://talofapass.as.gov five days prior to departure. Another requirement is for travellers to update a copy of his or her COVID-19 vaccination card and have in their possession valid travel documents. The traveller is also required to apply for an Entry Permit and OK Board through the website: www.legalaffairs.as.gov 

An approved DoH medical clearance signed by a registered doctor in Samoa is also required to be uploaded to the Talofa Pass system. Travellers 5 years and older must be fully vaccinated — fully vaccinated meaning 14 days prior to travel.