Samoa: Officials maintaining Level 1 COVID-19 restrictions through July 26 /update 8

Event

Officials are maintaining Level 1 COVID-19 measures, the lowest in a four-tier system, nationwide through at least July 26. However, authorities have eased quarantine measures for most inbound passengers. Under the modified rules, arrivals with a negative COVID-19 test result can forego self-quarantine. International entrants must arrange for a supervised rapid antigen test (RAT) on day five after arrival and report results to the Ministry of Health. Anyone that tests positive for COVID-19 must self-quarantine for seven days and take another supervised RAT before entering the community.

Domestic Measures
Facemasks remain mandatory in public. Public gatherings can occur with up to 50 people indoors and 100 people outside. Children under 12 years old cannot enter public establishments until further notice.

The government allows interisland ferry services and other public transport to operate with social distancing and other measures. A heightened security presence, including checkpoints, will likely continue in Apia and other areas to ensure compliance with regulations. Delivery and shipping delays may occur.

International Travel Restrictions
Most foreign nationals remain banned from entering the country until Aug. 1. 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 like Belgium, Botswana, Eswatini, Germany, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, the UK, the US, and Zimbabwe. Authorities bar entry for anyone with a positive COVID-19 test result within six months before arrival.

Arrivals 12 years old and above must be fully vaccinated at least 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; authorities will only accept documents in English. Travelers must receive a negative supervised RAT result within 24 hours or a negative PCR test result within 48 hours before departure to board flights.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain nonconfrontational if stopped by police. Plan for queues and delays at transport hubs and available shopping centers.