COVID-19 Information | U.S. Embassy in Samoa

Last updated: 12/09/20

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FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC), VISIT CORONAVIRUS.GOV

Country-Specific Information:

Samoa has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders. Public services for both government and business sectors are widely available. The government continues to maintain restrictions for public operating hours and large gatherings.
State of Emergency Order issued December 3, 2020
State of Emergency Order issued November 19, 2020

Entry and Exit Requirements:

- Temperature and symptom checks will be conducted on arrival at the airport before all passengers are transported to the quarantine locations.
  - Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes, but in very limited cases
  - All international travel to Samoa is suspended except as provided in exceptional circumstances approved by Cabinet.
  - With the travel restrictions in place, passengers may enter on limited flights which are primarily intended for Samoan citizens/residents returning home.
  - Air New Zealand is running a weekly outbound service from Apia to Auckland every Friday. Passengers can depart Samoa on these weekly flights.
  - Samoa Airways and Fiji Airways have yet to resume flights to and from Apia.
  - U.S. citizens who hold Samoan permanent residency or work permits should contact the Samoa Immigration Office for details on requesting entry into the country.
  - U.S. citizens seeking to enter Samoa by yacht, sailboat, or other small watercraft should contact Samoa Ports Authority or Samoa Immigration before planning travel for additional information.
  - Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
  - All are required to have a COVID-19 test done within three days prior to arrival. Only RT-PCR COVID-19 are accepted
  - All are also required to undergo a medical examination by a Registered Medical Practitioner within three days prior to arrival.
  - Hard copies of both COVID-19 and medical report must be presented at check-in and on arrival to airline and health officials.
  - Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
  - Residents and/or tourists seeking an extension of status must contact the Samoa Immigration Office.

Movement Restrictions:

Is a curfew in place? No
Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No

Quarantine Information:

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
Entry into Samoa for U.S. citizens is currently very limited.
All passengers will go directly into managed isolation upon arrival at designated locations (typically a hotel). Minimum period of quarantine is 14 days but may change at short notice.

COVID-19 Testing:

Details on the availability of tests may be obtained by calling the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 call center at 800 6440 from within Samoa or through the Ministry of Health website.
The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Transportation Options:

Are commercial flights operating? Yes
– One international flight (an Air New Zealand flight to Auckland) is available weekly.
– Travelers transiting Auckland to the United States are limited to a 24-hour transit in Auckland. They must remain airside during transit.

Is public transportation operating? Yes
– Masks are not required on public transport.
– Messages from health authorities encouraged the public to wear a mask, keep 2 meters social distancing and practice good hygiene such as washing hands regularly.

Fines for Non-Compliance:

Fines are in place for individuals, business or organizations who do not comply with the country’s State of Emergency orders.

Consular Operations:

Routine American Citizen Services are available by appointment. You may contact our American Citizen Services by email at Apiaconsular@state.gov
Routine visa services are currently suspended until further notice. For more information contact our visa Section at Apiaconsular@state.gov

Local Resources:

Samoa Ministry of Health COVID-19 Call Center – 800-6440

On Entering the United States:

For any questions related to your ability to enter the United States, we refer you to the Department of Homeland Security at dhs.gov.

By U.S.Embassy Samoa | 8 December, 2020 | Categories: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Coronavirus, COVID-19, COVID-19 Information