Samoa: Officials to reduce alert to Level 2; COVID-19 restrictions extended until April 19 /update 3

Event

Samoan officials will reduce the country's alert to Level 2, the second highest in a four-tier system, from April 6 amid improving COVID-19 activity. Under Level 2 measures in effect through April 19, the government and the private sector can resume operations 06:00-14:00 Monday to Saturday. All businesses will remain closed on Sundays. Public gatherings can occur with up to 15 people; churches and funerals can accommodate 30 people.

The government will also permit ferry services between Upolu and Savaii Monday to Saturday under social distancing protocols.

Domestic Measures
Officials continue to require facemasks in public. A heightened security presence, including checkpoints, is likely to continue in Apia and other areas to ensure compliance with regulations. Delivery and shipping delays are highly likely, and lingering disruptions are possible once the lockdown ends.

International Travel Restrictions
Most foreign nationals and international flights remain banned until further notice; some repatriation and cargo flights occur with government approval. The government approves inbound travel on a case-by-case basis; entrants must submit a request to health authorities 21 days before the planned journey. Officials have banned all passengers who have been in or transited high-risk countries Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Eswatini, Germany, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, the UK, the US, and Zimbabwe. Travel is possible from American Samoa with permission. Authorities bar entry for anyone with a positive COVID-19 test result within six months of arrival.

All arrivals 12 years old and above must be fully vaccinated two weeks before entry. Passengers must provide a hard copy of their vaccination certification and medical clearance obtained within 120 hours before initial departure that states if they have had COVID-19. Travelers must also receive a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours before departure. Officials require individuals to quarantine for at least 14 days, though officials will extend quarantine time for arrivals that test positive for COVID-19. The government has also suspended home quarantine options for most travelers; diplomats and inbound passengers from New Zealand and Pacific countries and territories without COVID-19 can still apply for home quarantine.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain nonconfrontational if stopped by police. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers. Ensure business appointments conform to operating hours. Consider adjusting itineraries for time-sensitive travel or prepare to shelter in place during lockdown periods.