COVID-19 pandemic - Samoa
OceaniaSamoacountrywide
Epidemic
Closed
36
2020-03-24 11:00
2020-03-25 01:00
2023-02-08 15:25
Update 2023-02-08: This event will be closed, as the situation in the country has not changed for a long time (e.g. restrictive measures, entry regulations, etc.). It will be reactivated and updated if the situation changes. The Country Dossiers and the Destination Manager provide an overview of the existing restrictions and entry regulations.
A3M
Update 2022-09-28: In Samoa, all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, and proof of vaccination is no longer required at public gatherings/events, on domestic flights, or on public transport.
FCDO
Update 2022-09-22: According to media reports published on Wednesday (21 September), Samoa has lifted all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, meaning that since this Thursday (22 September), travellers are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or other COVID-19 documentation. Post-arrival testing requirements have also been dropped, and face masks are now only recommended instead of legally required on airport premises.
NZ Herald
Update 2022-08-12: According to the authorities' instructions, an antigen test must be carried out within three days of arrival in Samoa. Previously, it was to be carried out within five days. The result of the test must be communicated to surveillance@health.gov.ws.
Ministry of Health (Samoa)
Update 2022-07-26: The state of emergency and the COVID-19-related alert level system on Samoa were ended by Tuesday evening (26 July, local time). International borders are scheduled to reopen as of Monday (1 August).
PINA
Update 2022-07-05: The state of emergency in Samoa has been extended until at least 26 July, according to information published by authorities on Monday (4 July).
Government of Samoa
Update 2022-06-29: Alert Level 1 measures in Samoa will remain in effect until at least 26 July. Travellers are required to take a rapid test on day 5 of arrival; if test results are positive, seven days of quarantine are to be observed.
Samoa Observer, Government of Samoa
Update 2022-06-27: According to information published by authorities, the state of emergency in Samoa has been extended until at least 4 July.
Goverment of Samoa
Update 2022-06-08: According to information provided by authorities, travellers are required to take a PCR test upon arrival and to submit to a rapid test on day 3 and day 7 of quarantine. For the time being, only fully vaccinated travellers are allowed to enter Samoa.
Samoa Tourism Authority
Update 2022-05-31: Up to and including 27 June, Samoa is on alert level 1, i.e. most domestic restrictions have been lifted. There is no longer a general requirement to wear a mask in public. This is according to a government announcement on Monday (30 May).
Government of Samoa
Update 2022-05-17: Samoa will resume air traffic with New Zealand and Australia as well as Fiji on 22 June, but the borders will not be reopened to all travellers until 1 August. Meanwhile, the country's night curfew has been lifted, but Samoa will remain on alert level 2 until at least 31 May, according to media reports on Tuesday (17 May).
RNZ
Update 2022-05-03: According to information published by authorities on Monday (2 May), Alert Level 2 restrictions in Samoa will remain in effect until at least 17 May. The curfew has been shortened and now applies from 11 pm to 6 am (local time). Samoa's borders are set to reopen to international travellers from August/September 2022. Individuals aged 12 years and older currently eligible to enter the country must be fully vaccinated, and are required to provide a PCR, LAMP, or TMA test (no more than 48 hours old) or a negative rapid antigen test (no more than 24 hours old). Arrivals are subject to 10 days of quarantine.
Samoa Tourism Authority, Samoa Government
Update 2022-04-08: According to information published by authorities, the state of emergency has been extended until at least 8 May. Proof of vaccination must be presented to attend public events, on public transport (including in taxis) and on domestic flights, among others. A driving ban is in place for private vehicles from 2 pm to 6 am (local time).
More information is available via the link below.
Government of Samoa
Update 2022-04-05: Since Tuesday (5 April), only Alert Level 2 has been in force in Samoa, i.e. shops are allowed to reopen between 6 am and 2 pm (local time). Public transport also resumed for this time of day. However, the country's borders remain closed. Leisure facilities, bars and sports venues are also not yet allowed to open. Bathing on the beaches remains prohibited.
Samoa Observer, Smart Traveller (AUS)
Update 2022-03-22: According to media reports on Tuesday (22 March), authorities in Samoa have extended the lockdown for another 14 days until 5 April.
The New Zealand Herald
Update 2022-03-19: During the lockdown (Level 3) in Samoa, entry into and exit from the country by air or water will no longer be possible until further notice. This is according to media reports from Saturday (19 March).
RNZ
Update 2022-03-18: According to media reports on Thursday (17 March), a seven-day lockdown will apply on the island until Saturday (26 March) midnight (local time). Among others, meetings will be banned and essential businesses as well as other areas of public life will have to close.
Xinhua
Update 2022-02-11: On Friday (11 February), the alert level was lowered to level 1. The state of emergency was extended until 13 March.
Government of Samoa
Update 2022-01-28: According to media reports, the lockdown in Samoa ended Friday (28 January) in a downgrade of the country from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2. Ferries between the islands are operating again, but restrictions on participant numbers in events or passenger numbers in public transportation remain in place.
Samoa Observer
Update 2022-01-26: The lockdown in Samoa has been extended until at least Friday (28 January) at 6 pm (local time).
RNZ
Update 2022-01-24: The lockdown in Samoa has been extended until at least Thursday (27 January) at 6 pm (local time), with stores permitted to open Tuesday (25 January) and Thursday (27 January) from 8 am to 2 pm (local time) only.
Samoa Observer
Update 2022-01-22: From Saturday (22 January) at 6 pm until Monday (24 January) at 6 pm (local time a lockdown will be imposed on Samoa. Only essential services will still be permitted to function and all other businesses will be closed. Additionally, public transport as well as driving private vehicles will be suspended.
RNZ, Stuff
Update 2022-01-14: According to information published by authorities on Friday (14 January), the state of emergency in Samoa has been extended until at least 13 February 2022.
Government of Samoa
Update 2021-10-27: The overall rating was reassessed and updated due to adjusted standards, which take greater account of the local healthcare infrastructure.
A3M
Update 2021-10-21: The overall rating was reassessed and updated due to adjusted standards, which take greater account of the local healthcare infrastructure.
A3M
Update 2021-10-07: The authorities of Samoa have adjusted their entry regulations on 27 September. Entry is still only possible after prior registration with the authorities of the island and under consideration of the applicable entry, testing and quarantine regulations.
Government of Samoa
Update 2021-05-27: The Federal Foreign Office updated its information on Samoa on Thursday (27 May) and reports a 14-day quarantine after entry. (Samoan sources recently reported 21 days, see below.) A COVID-19 test result needs to be shown for entry. The Federal Foreign Office also refers to the 'COVID-19 Management Plan', which has been in force since last year.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2021-05-20: A revised Corona pandemic regulation came into effect on Tuesday (18 May). Regular air traffic remains suspended. Arriving travellers must be quarantined for 21 days. This must be carried out in an approved hotel or at home. Gatherings at airports or piers are prohibited. Hotels and restaurants are allowed to open under restrictions.
Government of Samoa
Update 2021-04-29: According to UK authorities on Thursday (29 April), travellers wishing to enter Samoa under a special permit will need proof of a fully completed COVID-19 vaccination.
FCDO
Update 2021-02-23: According to reports, the quarantine can last 21 days or more. For more details on entry restrictions, see the link below.
Government of Samoa
Update 2021-01-12: The state of emergency in Samoa remains in force until further notice.
Government of Samoa
Update 2020-12-22: According to current information from the Federal Foreign Office on Tuesday (22 December), Samoa is initially under a state of emergency until 31 December. Level 1 of the national COVID-19 Management Plan requires travellers to enter quarantine after entry and spend a further 7 days in self-isolation even after release. So far, however, entry (if at all) is only possible for Samoan nationals.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2020-12-04: Persons travelling to Samoa will need a negative RT-PCR test not more than 72 hours old and will have to submit a health declaration. A medical examination must also be carried out within three days before arrival. A report of this examination must be carried on entry. Persons who tested positive for COVID-19 within six months before their journey must have four negative tests carried out at seven-day intervals after this period before being granted an entry permit. In addition to the above-mentioned tests, they must also undergo an antibody test three days before entry. Travellers from Pacific countries without cases of COVID-19 must prove that they have stayed exclusively in one of these countries for at least 28 days before travelling to Samoa.
After entry a 14-day quarantine period must be observed.
Ministry of Health
Update 2020-10-01: The German Federal Foreign Office lifted the warning against non-essential tourist travel to Samoa on Thursday (01 October), but continues to advise against non-essential tourist travel to the country.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2020-09-28: The state of emergency was extended until 26 October.
RNZ
Update 2020-08-30: According to media reports on Saturday (30 August), the state of emergency in Samoa was extended until at least 27 September. Currently, there is also a ban on boat trips between the islands of Upolu and Savaii.
RNZ
2020-03-25: On Thursday (26 March), international air traffic to and from Samoa will be suspended until further notice to contain the worldwide coronavirus outbreak. Foreign cruise ships and yachts are also being refused permission to dock. No case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Samoa so far.
Travellers are advised to inform themselves via local media and authorities about the current situation on site and to follow instructions from authorities,
FCO, WHO
Pandemic information:
- Robert Koch Institut (RKI)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- COVID-19 Dashboard (Johns Hopkins University)
- COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map (IATA)
Related A3M incidents:
- Information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak - worldwide
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): Human-to-human transmission of the viral disease primarily occurs through droplets and aerosols, but COVID-19 may also spread by touching contaminated surfaces. The course of the disease can vary greatly; symptoms commonly include rhinorrhea, sore throat, coughing, fever, headaches, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of smell, taste or appetite. COVID-19 may also cause severe breathing problems and pneumonia as well as cardiovascular and organ dysfunction. Infections may also progress entirely asymptomatic, leaving people unaware they have contracted the virus. The incubation period ranges from 1-14 days, with an average period of 5-6 days.
Advice: Authorities recommend to wear protective face masks, to avoid contact with infected people and to generally adhere to social distancing and hygiene measures in place (e.g. thorough and frequent hand-washing, avoid face-touching).
Please note the following information regarding our handling of entry requirements as a result of the coronavirus: COVID-19 disclaimer
A3M
Update 2022-09-28: In Samoa, all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, and proof of vaccination is no longer required at public gatherings/events, on domestic flights, or on public transport.
FCDO
Update 2022-09-22: According to media reports published on Wednesday (21 September), Samoa has lifted all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, meaning that since this Thursday (22 September), travellers are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or other COVID-19 documentation. Post-arrival testing requirements have also been dropped, and face masks are now only recommended instead of legally required on airport premises.
NZ Herald
Update 2022-08-12: According to the authorities' instructions, an antigen test must be carried out within three days of arrival in Samoa. Previously, it was to be carried out within five days. The result of the test must be communicated to surveillance@health.gov.ws.
Ministry of Health (Samoa)
Update 2022-07-26: The state of emergency and the COVID-19-related alert level system on Samoa were ended by Tuesday evening (26 July, local time). International borders are scheduled to reopen as of Monday (1 August).
PINA
Update 2022-07-05: The state of emergency in Samoa has been extended until at least 26 July, according to information published by authorities on Monday (4 July).
Government of Samoa
Update 2022-06-29: Alert Level 1 measures in Samoa will remain in effect until at least 26 July. Travellers are required to take a rapid test on day 5 of arrival; if test results are positive, seven days of quarantine are to be observed.
Samoa Observer, Government of Samoa
Update 2022-06-27: According to information published by authorities, the state of emergency in Samoa has been extended until at least 4 July.
Goverment of Samoa
Update 2022-06-08: According to information provided by authorities, travellers are required to take a PCR test upon arrival and to submit to a rapid test on day 3 and day 7 of quarantine. For the time being, only fully vaccinated travellers are allowed to enter Samoa.
Samoa Tourism Authority
Update 2022-05-31: Up to and including 27 June, Samoa is on alert level 1, i.e. most domestic restrictions have been lifted. There is no longer a general requirement to wear a mask in public. This is according to a government announcement on Monday (30 May).
Government of Samoa
Update 2022-05-17: Samoa will resume air traffic with New Zealand and Australia as well as Fiji on 22 June, but the borders will not be reopened to all travellers until 1 August. Meanwhile, the country's night curfew has been lifted, but Samoa will remain on alert level 2 until at least 31 May, according to media reports on Tuesday (17 May).
RNZ
Update 2022-05-03: According to information published by authorities on Monday (2 May), Alert Level 2 restrictions in Samoa will remain in effect until at least 17 May. The curfew has been shortened and now applies from 11 pm to 6 am (local time). Samoa's borders are set to reopen to international travellers from August/September 2022. Individuals aged 12 years and older currently eligible to enter the country must be fully vaccinated, and are required to provide a PCR, LAMP, or TMA test (no more than 48 hours old) or a negative rapid antigen test (no more than 24 hours old). Arrivals are subject to 10 days of quarantine.
Samoa Tourism Authority, Samoa Government
Update 2022-04-08: According to information published by authorities, the state of emergency has been extended until at least 8 May. Proof of vaccination must be presented to attend public events, on public transport (including in taxis) and on domestic flights, among others. A driving ban is in place for private vehicles from 2 pm to 6 am (local time).
More information is available via the link below.
Government of Samoa
Update 2022-04-05: Since Tuesday (5 April), only Alert Level 2 has been in force in Samoa, i.e. shops are allowed to reopen between 6 am and 2 pm (local time). Public transport also resumed for this time of day. However, the country's borders remain closed. Leisure facilities, bars and sports venues are also not yet allowed to open. Bathing on the beaches remains prohibited.
Samoa Observer, Smart Traveller (AUS)
Update 2022-03-22: According to media reports on Tuesday (22 March), authorities in Samoa have extended the lockdown for another 14 days until 5 April.
The New Zealand Herald
Update 2022-03-19: During the lockdown (Level 3) in Samoa, entry into and exit from the country by air or water will no longer be possible until further notice. This is according to media reports from Saturday (19 March).
RNZ
Update 2022-03-18: According to media reports on Thursday (17 March), a seven-day lockdown will apply on the island until Saturday (26 March) midnight (local time). Among others, meetings will be banned and essential businesses as well as other areas of public life will have to close.
Xinhua
Update 2022-02-11: On Friday (11 February), the alert level was lowered to level 1. The state of emergency was extended until 13 March.
Government of Samoa
Update 2022-01-28: According to media reports, the lockdown in Samoa ended Friday (28 January) in a downgrade of the country from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2. Ferries between the islands are operating again, but restrictions on participant numbers in events or passenger numbers in public transportation remain in place.
Samoa Observer
Update 2022-01-26: The lockdown in Samoa has been extended until at least Friday (28 January) at 6 pm (local time).
RNZ
Update 2022-01-24: The lockdown in Samoa has been extended until at least Thursday (27 January) at 6 pm (local time), with stores permitted to open Tuesday (25 January) and Thursday (27 January) from 8 am to 2 pm (local time) only.
Samoa Observer
Update 2022-01-22: From Saturday (22 January) at 6 pm until Monday (24 January) at 6 pm (local time a lockdown will be imposed on Samoa. Only essential services will still be permitted to function and all other businesses will be closed. Additionally, public transport as well as driving private vehicles will be suspended.
RNZ, Stuff
Update 2022-01-14: According to information published by authorities on Friday (14 January), the state of emergency in Samoa has been extended until at least 13 February 2022.
Government of Samoa
Update 2021-10-27: The overall rating was reassessed and updated due to adjusted standards, which take greater account of the local healthcare infrastructure.
A3M
Update 2021-10-21: The overall rating was reassessed and updated due to adjusted standards, which take greater account of the local healthcare infrastructure.
A3M
Update 2021-10-07: The authorities of Samoa have adjusted their entry regulations on 27 September. Entry is still only possible after prior registration with the authorities of the island and under consideration of the applicable entry, testing and quarantine regulations.
Government of Samoa
Update 2021-05-27: The Federal Foreign Office updated its information on Samoa on Thursday (27 May) and reports a 14-day quarantine after entry. (Samoan sources recently reported 21 days, see below.) A COVID-19 test result needs to be shown for entry. The Federal Foreign Office also refers to the 'COVID-19 Management Plan', which has been in force since last year.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2021-05-20: A revised Corona pandemic regulation came into effect on Tuesday (18 May). Regular air traffic remains suspended. Arriving travellers must be quarantined for 21 days. This must be carried out in an approved hotel or at home. Gatherings at airports or piers are prohibited. Hotels and restaurants are allowed to open under restrictions.
Government of Samoa
Update 2021-04-29: According to UK authorities on Thursday (29 April), travellers wishing to enter Samoa under a special permit will need proof of a fully completed COVID-19 vaccination.
FCDO
Update 2021-02-23: According to reports, the quarantine can last 21 days or more. For more details on entry restrictions, see the link below.
Government of Samoa
Update 2021-01-12: The state of emergency in Samoa remains in force until further notice.
Government of Samoa
Update 2020-12-22: According to current information from the Federal Foreign Office on Tuesday (22 December), Samoa is initially under a state of emergency until 31 December. Level 1 of the national COVID-19 Management Plan requires travellers to enter quarantine after entry and spend a further 7 days in self-isolation even after release. So far, however, entry (if at all) is only possible for Samoan nationals.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2020-12-04: Persons travelling to Samoa will need a negative RT-PCR test not more than 72 hours old and will have to submit a health declaration. A medical examination must also be carried out within three days before arrival. A report of this examination must be carried on entry. Persons who tested positive for COVID-19 within six months before their journey must have four negative tests carried out at seven-day intervals after this period before being granted an entry permit. In addition to the above-mentioned tests, they must also undergo an antibody test three days before entry. Travellers from Pacific countries without cases of COVID-19 must prove that they have stayed exclusively in one of these countries for at least 28 days before travelling to Samoa.
After entry a 14-day quarantine period must be observed.
Ministry of Health
Update 2020-10-01: The German Federal Foreign Office lifted the warning against non-essential tourist travel to Samoa on Thursday (01 October), but continues to advise against non-essential tourist travel to the country.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2020-09-28: The state of emergency was extended until 26 October.
RNZ
Update 2020-08-30: According to media reports on Saturday (30 August), the state of emergency in Samoa was extended until at least 27 September. Currently, there is also a ban on boat trips between the islands of Upolu and Savaii.
RNZ
2020-03-25: On Thursday (26 March), international air traffic to and from Samoa will be suspended until further notice to contain the worldwide coronavirus outbreak. Foreign cruise ships and yachts are also being refused permission to dock. No case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Samoa so far.
Travellers are advised to inform themselves via local media and authorities about the current situation on site and to follow instructions from authorities,
FCO, WHO
Pandemic information:
- Robert Koch Institut (RKI)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- COVID-19 Dashboard (Johns Hopkins University)
- COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map (IATA)
Related A3M incidents:
- Information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak - worldwide
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): Human-to-human transmission of the viral disease primarily occurs through droplets and aerosols, but COVID-19 may also spread by touching contaminated surfaces. The course of the disease can vary greatly; symptoms commonly include rhinorrhea, sore throat, coughing, fever, headaches, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of smell, taste or appetite. COVID-19 may also cause severe breathing problems and pneumonia as well as cardiovascular and organ dysfunction. Infections may also progress entirely asymptomatic, leaving people unaware they have contracted the virus. The incubation period ranges from 1-14 days, with an average period of 5-6 days.
Advice: Authorities recommend to wear protective face masks, to avoid contact with infected people and to generally adhere to social distancing and hygiene measures in place (e.g. thorough and frequent hand-washing, avoid face-touching).
Please note the following information regarding our handling of entry requirements as a result of the coronavirus: COVID-19 disclaimer