Samoa is well and truly open, welcoming fully vaccinated international travellers from 1 August 2022 on Air New Zealand and 2 August from Australia on Qantas.
Scenes at the airport from those first flights were full of emotions as families reconnected and the warm welcoming locals greeted tourists with smiles and open arms.
In preparation for the returning tourists, Samoa has developed a series of new processes to ensure Samoa is travel-ready, and that the health and safety of the local community and international travellers are of utmost priority.
Speaking to Travel Monitor’s journalist on the ground, Kate Webster, the Minister for Tourism, Honourable Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster said the health and safety of travellers and the local community is the first priority.
“We are taking it slowly to ensure that everyone is safe when enjoying beautiful Samoa,” Honourable Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster said.
“Australia is a very important market for Samoa and we are delighted to welcome the new Qantas flights to Apia, Samoa,” Honourable Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster added.
Pre-pandemic, Australia along with New Zealand was one of the biggest markets for Samoa, something Honourable Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster hopes will return now the borders are open.
The country is also looking forward to the return of the cruise industry, with Apia being a port of call for a number of cruise ships.
Samoa’s robust preparations for returning travellers included its own digital contact tracing app, training and upskilling for local employees, upgraded travel instructions and bolstered testing capabilities.
Vaccination rates amongst local Samoans have remained pivotal in the decision to reopen, with the most recent data showing almost 93 per cent of Samoa’s population, aged 18 years and over, has been fully vaccinated.
The visit Samoa, travellers must be fully vaccinated with the prescribed 2 doses of vaccines pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Janssen-single dose, Moderna, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covaxin, Novavax). A legitimate vaccine certificate is required for boarding.
Additionally, a negative covid test – a supervised rapid antigen test (RAT) is required within 24 hours of departure or PCR, taken within 48 hours of departure. Travellers will also need to complete a supervised RAT test on day three after their arrival. This is easily done at the hospital.
The Ministry of Health has indicated that requirements will be relaxed further, giving confidence and inspiring travellers. Click HERE for the latest detailed travel advice.
