Travel restrictions

Samoan scholarship students cannot travel in 2022

TV1Samoa reports that a member of the scholarship committee said they're awaiting word from the various governments involved.

An attempt has been made by Australia and New Zealand to offer some of the students online classes while they wait for travel restrictions to end.

TV1Samoa reports the scholarship for the 2022 school year are not affected.

 

Photo file Fijivillage  Caption: USP Laucala campus in Suva, Fiji 

     

EU recommends new travel restrictions for US as cases rise

The daily average for hospital admissions has risen past 100,000 for the first time since last winter.

The recent wave, driven by the Delta variant, is most severe in the US South but cases are rising nationwide.

Monday's guidance from the 27-nation bloc reverses advice from June that lifted restrictions on American travellers ahead of tourism season.

The recommendation is nonbinding, meaning individual countries will be allowed to decide if they still wish to allow US visitors with proof of vaccination, negative tests, or quarantine.

Australia borders: Citizens living overseas could be 'trapped' if they return

Since March last year, the country has banned its citizens from leaving the country as part of its COVID strategy.

That restriction has not previously applied to Australians who usually live in other countries.

But they will now need to apply for an exemption for outbound travel - in line with rules for other Australians.

Australia's tough border rules have been controversial. Critics say this change - in effect from 11 August - will further punish families and deter citizens from returning.

Samoa's preventative measures hitting travelers

Although Samoa has not recorded a case, travelers are required to get a medical clearance at least three days before their arrival in Apia to confirm they are free of any infectious diseases.

However, a Samoan community leader in New Zealand said the confusion and the cost to get a medical clearance was forcing many people to cancel their travel plans.

Teleiai Edwin Puni, who was in Apia this month, wants better public awareness by the Samoan government to educate people about coronavirus.