All passengers arriving on Samoa Airways flights from Samoa into America Samoa must provide proof of MMR immunization or Immunity.
The airline received a directive from the Office of the Governor in American Samoa that all visitors travelling from Samoa into American Samoa must provide proof of MMR immunisation or Immunity.
The new border control restriction came into effect on 13 November 2019 when the American Samoa Territory declared a Health Emergency signed by the Governor of American Samoa, Lolo M. Moliga.
CEO for Samoa Airways, Tupuivao Seiuli says it is vital that all visitors travelling to American Samoa through Samoa, comply with these new conditions to reduce further disruption to their travel plans and assist our neighbours in their efforts to contain the recent outbreak of measles.
“In accordance with this declaration, we wish to inform all passengers travelling or intending to travel to American Samoa on our aircraft that all visitors must now also provide proof of MMR (Measles) Immunisation or proof of MMR (Measles) Immunity as a condition of entry into the territory of American Samoa as per an emergency declaration from the Governor of American Samoa.” Said Tupuivao Seiuli
The declaration letter further advises that any visitor who fails to provide such proof on arrival will be denied entry and placed back on the arriving vessel and returned to point of origin.
“The duration of this declaration is thirty days and is subject to extension by the Director of the Department of Health in American Samoa,” said Tupuivao Seiuli
“We are currently in discussion with the Ministry of Health about the possibility of including an immunisation booth at Fagalii Airport with medical personnel to administer the vaccine and issue certification to passengers.
Samoa Airways will continue to keep its passengers informed and up to date with any further developments.