Health officials from Samoa and American Samoa will meet Monday to finalise the travel policy for an inter-Samoa route as the country and territory prepare for twice-weekly flights.

Samoa News reports that there will be two flights per week between Pago Pago and Faleolo International Airport with the protocols to govern the inter-Samoa flights to be finalised during the virtual meeting.

The American territory’s Department of Health (D.O.H.) announced the resumption of flights in Pago Pago last Thursday (Samoa Time) during the territory’s COVID-19 Task Force briefing, which Samoa News reports came on the back of a zoom conference meeting with officials from Samoa’s Ministry of Health.

One of the requirements for Samoa citizens planning to enter the American territory is for the passengers to register on the American Samoa Government’s TALOFA Pass web system https://talofapass.as.gov five days prior to departure. One of the requirements for the travellers is to update a copy of his or her COVID-19 vaccination card and valid travel documents.

The traveller is also required to apply for an Entry Permit and OK Board (at www.legalaffairs.as.gov). 

An approved DoH medical clearance signed by a registered doctor in Samoa is also required to be uploaded to the TalofaPass system. Travellers 5 years and older must be fully vaccinated — fully vaccinated meaning 14 days prior to travel. 

According to the entry requirement, a Rapid Antigen COVID test will be administered at the airport four to six hours prior to departure; and quarantine of 72 hours before travelling to American Samoa is required.

For travellers entering Samoa from Pago Pago, they must apply with the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and the Samoa Consul Office in Fagatogo; and must be fully vaccinated for travellers who are 5 years and older; and Rapid Antigen COVID test will be conducted at the airport four to six hours prior to departure.

Travellers will be quarantined upon arrival in Apia for 10 days and quarantined for 72 hours before travelling to Samoa.

In Apia, the Samoa M.O.H. announced that it has modified the “Travel Advisory for American Samoa Only” as of 27 April 2022 and the advisory is for “air travel only”. Travellers are reminded that they must wear masks inflight and on arrival.

The M.O.H. also posted on its website and social media platforms, the travel advisory notice signed by Director General of Health, Leausa Dr Take Naseri, which includes entry requirements in the Independent State and required travel documents.

According to the advisory, all passenger’s are advised to communicate straight to the Samoa Health Authorities at least 21 days before planned travel time by emailing [email protected] (or [email protected]) for clarification pertaining to this travel advise.

It also says that all travelers will be assessed on a case-by-case basis before being granted permission to travel to Samoa. A passenger holding a valid airline ticket to Samoa has been pre-approved by the Samoan Government to travel.

“Only Samoan Residents/Citizen, essential workers and those approved for medical and visa clearance are allowed to enter Samoa,” the advisory said.

It also states that all passengers entering Samoa from Pago Pago will go into quarantine for at least 10 days or as determined by the M.O.H. — up to 21 days or more if tested positive in quarantine.

Due to limited quarantine sites and rooms available, Samoa Ministry of Health says it can only accept and accommodate a maximum of 40 passengers per week, according to the notice.