Samoa issues Special Travel Advisory due to Measles outbreak in Am Samoa

Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 26 APRIL 2023: Due to the outbreak of Measles in American Samoa, and a State of Emergency now declared in the territory, the Ministry of Health in Apia has issued a special travel advisory and putting measures in place to protect against the possible introduction of Measles in to the country.

A Special Travel advisory will come into effect on Monday 1st of May 2023 and will remain in effect for the duration of American Samoa’s State of Emergency for ALL travelers from the Territory.

All travelers, including infants aged 6 months and above, are required to be vaccinated with a Measles containing vaccine before entering Samoa.

For children below 2 years of age must comply with the following:

1. Infants aged 6 months to 15 months Single dose
2. 15months to 24 months Complete required 2 doses

A legitimate vaccine certificate/note is required before boarding and a hard copy must be presented both at check-in and upon arrival into Samoa for sighting. Vaccine certificates in electronic form stored on phones or other electronic devices must have a QR code.

Being fully vaccinated indicates having completed the required prescribed doses as per vaccine used. All passengers should have completed 2 weeks (14 days) post vaccination prior to travel. The vaccine certificate/Note must be a Health Authority Approved Certificate/Card of country where vaccination took place.

Failure to provide a legitimate vaccination certificate, or meet the above conditions will result in NO BOARDING or Denied Entry into Samoa.

Upon Arrival into Samoa and pursuant to section 29 of the Health Ordinance 1959:

a. All passengers are required to wear face masks at all times and are strongly encouraged to take precautionary and preventative measures within the first seven days of arrival.

b. Passengers must submit to a Nasal pharyngeal Swab for PCR testing upon request by Health Officials at the Airport.