01 Aug 2022 | 07:27 AM UTC
Samoa: Government reopens border as of Aug. 1; domestic measures ongoing. /update 9
Samoan officials lift border restrictions as of Aug. 1. Reduced domestic COVID-19 measures continue.
Event
The government in Samoa has lifted border controls, permitting foreign nationals to enter the country as of Aug. 1.
Domestic Measures
The government has ended a state of emergency declaration as of late July. However, facemasks and social distancing measures remain mandatory in public. A heightened security presence, including checkpoints, will likely continue in Apia and other areas to ensure compliance with regulations.
International Travel Restrictions
Samoa allows inbound passengers; travelers 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; authorities will only accept documents in English. Travelers must receive a negative supervised rapid antigen test (RAT) result within 24 hours or a negative nucleic acid test result within 48 hours before departure to board flights.
Arrivals with a negative COVID-19 test result can forego self-quarantine. International entrants must arrange for a supervised 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. Travelers that test positive after seven days must continue to undergo testing every three days to exit quarantine.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Remain nonconfrontational if stopped by police. Plan for queues and delays at transport hubs and available shopping centers.
