RETURNING SAMOAN RESIDENTS; TAKE NOTE
By Eirenei Ariu Toleafoa
Government via the Ministry of Health has re-issued a Travel Advisory for all Samoa citizens and residents wishing to be repatriated home on flights sanction by Government.
The advisory follows reports received that a high number of returning Samoans booked on the last repatriation flight were denied boarding for failure to meet all the mandated health regulations.
To that effect, Government is re-issuing the Travel Advisory urging all returning Samoans to comply.
The Advisory is printed verbatim;
The Ministry of Health again send out a reminder to all Samoan citizens coming home on repatriation flights that are considered under special circumstances requiring certain conditions.
All Travellers
• All are required to complete the Health Declaration Card inflight
• All are required to have a COVID19 test done within three days before arrival
• All are required to undergo medical examination by a Registered Medical Practitioner within three days before arrival.
• You will not be permitted to board the plane;
-If you have a positive COVID19 test OR
-COVID19 test Not Done OR
-Medical clearance report/certificate Not Done OR
-You have any of the following symptoms:
COUGH, FEVER, SORE THROAT, and FLU like symptoms
• Hard copied of COVID19 test and a medical report should be presented on arrival to health officers.
• Failure can result in no board or entry denied and will be returned to last port where you boarded the flight to Samoa.
• You will be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival into Samoa at a designated location.
• You must bring your own personal necessities e.g. soap, tooth brush, tooth paste etc., to last for 14 days of quarantine.
• Passengers are advised to check in 1 piece of luggage (required weight 23 kg) when boarding.
• You are not allowed to bring any additional packages/parcels for delivery upon arrival into Samoa to family members etc.
Ministry of Health will not be responsible or liable for any lost or misplaced items.
a. If you have any known medical conditions, please ensure;
b. you have enough supply of medication to last you 3 months
c. inform Samoa Foreign Affairs and MOH of your conditions.
• You are responsible for the cost of any medications prescribed while in quarantine.
• You are not allowed to bring alcohol nor consume any alcohol on the quarantine sites
• Passengers who are on special diets will be responsible for their own special dietary needs/meals.
• You are required to wear a face mask at all times during the flight and upon arrival
• Elderly Travellers with any Chronic Medical Conditions and those with Special Needs needing assistance must be accompanied by an adult relative in flight and during the 14 day quarantine period
• The cost of accommodation, breakfast and lunch during quarantine will be paid by the Government. Dinner will be the passenger’s responsibility.
Children and Infants
• All Children and infants less than 18 years SHOULD be accompanied by a Parent or legal guardian.
• Parents are advised that all children’s immunizations are up to date especially measles vaccination due to the recent outbreak in Samoa.
• Parent/Legal guardian travelling with an infant/child MUST ensure sufficient supplies of basic needs e.g. diapers, wipes, formula etc. for the duration of the quarantine.
Passengers transiting through from COVID19 Free Pacific Island Countries listed below are also required to comply with all requirements as stated above. But they are required to provide proof of staying at their COVID19 Free country for the last 28 days or more prior to flying.
Pacific Island Countries
• Federal States of Micronesia
• Nauru
• Tonga
• Kiribati
• Palau
• Tuvalu
• Marshall Islands
• Solomon Islands
• Vanuatu
All Samoan passport holders and Samoan permanent residents repatriating home must comply with above requirements and contact Samoa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
All other passport holders travelling from COVID19 affected countries MUST submit request for entry approval by Government of Samoa through Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Each request will be assessed on a case by case basis and MUST be submitted within 15 working days before intended travel.
There are penalties if the conditions of the quarantine are breached. This applies to both people leaving or going into quarantine.
The Ministry of Health reminds all citizens of Samoa that there will be no excuses for anyone if they fail to complete their Health Declaration test and Reports.
The Government also entrusted everyone’s compliance with the conditions listed is imperative ensuring the safety of all who are travelling and the people in Samoa to endeavour keeping Samoa COVID19 Free.
