NOTICE:
In line with the Samoa Government State of Emergency Order for Coronavirus, all international travel to and from Samoa has ceased from Thursday, 26 March 2020, except as provided in exceptional circumstances approved by Cabinet. The current Amended State of Emergency Order #35, which commenced on 21 December 2020 and has been extended to last until 17 January 2021, can be viewed here: Samoan version / English version.
The Government of Samoa has approved repatriation flights (Auckland – Apia) for returning Samoan residents stuck in New Zealand; the first flight commenced on 29 May 2020. Samoans, resident in New Zealand, are not allowed to travel to Samoa for fa’alavelave (funerals, weddings, church/school openings etc) or to visit family, as priority is given to Samoan residents to return home safely.
Registrations for repatriation flights to Samoa (Auckland – Apia) are facilitated through the Samoa Consulate-General in Auckland (telephone: +64 (0) 9 303 1012).
Repatriation flights (Auckland-Apia) announced for the First Quarter of 2021: 22 January (for Sailors), 12 February, 5 March and 26 March.
Requirements for all travelers to Samoa:
1. Have a negative rtPCR COVID test within 72 hours before boarding from last port;
2. Medical clearance within 72 hours before boarding from last port;
3. Blood serology for COVID19 antibody test within 5 days before boarding; and
4. Expect managed quarantine isolation to be extended to 21 days.
As per Cabinet decision of 27 November 2020, it is compulsory for all returning residents to sign a declaration to verify whether he or she had contracted COVID-19, before being allowed into the country. Any returning resident with a history of a positive COVID-19 test result is not allowed to enter Samoa unless 6 months have passed from the date of the positive test result, among other conditions.
Due to the emergence and rapid transmission of the new COVID-19 variant in certain parts of the world, as of 30 December, travelers originating or transiting through the United Kingdom and South Africa from 1 October 2020 are denied entry into Samoa, until further review. Travelers and transit passengers from all other countries including New Zealand, Australia and the United States, will be assessed on a case by case basis as Samoa continues to monitor the spread of the new COVID-19 variant.
For further information, please refer to the latest Travel Advisory and Medical Clearance Form or visit health.gov.ws.
Emergency benefit to help temporary visa holders – From 1 December 2020, people on temporary work, student or visitor (non sponsored) visas who cannot return home and or support themselves may get an Emergency Benefit from the New Zealand Ministry of Social Development. This support programme is expected to last until 28 February 2021. For more information, please visit: www.workandincome.govt.nz/temporaryvisa
Relevant notices/advisories:
Special Travel Advisory (11 January 2021)
Government of Samoa Medical Clearance Form (11 January 2021)
Faigamalaga mo le Kuata Muamua ole Tausaga 2021 (6 January 2021)
Media Release – COVID19 Cases & Alert Level Response Activated (27 November 2020)
Media Release – New Mandates for Repatriation Flights (27 November 2020)
Guideline for Repatriation of Deceased Bodies
Repatriation flights (AU/NZ), Deceased Citizens and other Changes (4 September 2020)
Press Release – Conditions of International Travel Under SOE (16 July 2020)
Requirements for Home Quarantine (Isolation) (3 June 2020)
Press Release – Passenger Flights to Repatriate Samoan Nationals (20 May 2020)
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For the latest official updates, information and advice on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) for Samoa, visit the Government of Samoa COVID-19 Webpage:
https://www.samoagovt.ws/category/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/
Ministry of Health website: www.health.gov.ws
Addresses for Government social media platforms which are updated on the go, are as follows for your information and awareness.
FACEBOOK: @samoagovt | @dmosamoa | @publichealthsamoa
TWITTER: @samoagovt | @dmosamoa
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Greetings from the High Commissioner
Talofa Lava!
Soifua Manuia i le Paia ma Mamalu Maualuluga o Samoa o lo’o Ala’ala ma Papa’a’ao i Aotearoa
Kia Ora whanau and friends of Samoa in New Zealand
Samoa and New Zealand’s relationship dates back to 1914, at the beginning of World War 1, when New Zealand took over control of Samoa from Germany. Following WW1, New Zealand continued to Administer Samoa under a Mandate from the League of Nations (United Nations) until our independence in 1962. Samoa and New Zealand established diplomatic relations in 1962, which relations was further enhanced by the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between our two countries in August of the same year. This is the only such Treaty signed by either country, to date.
Several factors have contributed to the unique relationship between New Zealand and Samoa, including the many positive achievements of the rising Samoan ethnic population in Aotearoa. The increased presence of Samoans in the NZ Parliament as well as in Senior Positions of Government have also helped to secure avenues through which the interests of Samoans in New Zealand can be better heard and realised.
The bilateral relations between our two countries has been further amplified by New Zealand’s ongoing assistance to Samoa’s emergency needs as well as to our economic and social developments over the years. The frequent visits of high-ranking officials between our two countries have also helped in developing better understanding and appreciation of each country’s priorities and aspirations.
Samoa is committed to further develop and deepen the close relationship that we share with New Zealand, including those in the fields of trade, tourism, sports and culture.
Our Samoan people who have settled in this friendly land of Aotearoa, to seek opportunities to also help improve the lives of their families and communities back home in Samoa, will remain a source of pride to our Country as they continue to contribute to the development of our warm relations with New Zealand.
On behalf of the Samoan Government, I would like to thank the New Zealand Government and People for the opportunities given to our Samoan People. Thank you also to our other Development Partner Countries for their positive contributions to our country’s development over the years.
It is an honour and a privilege to serve as Samoa’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, and in enhancing the warm relations between our two countries as well as Samoa’s relations with the other countries with Missions in Wellington especially in my position as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
Sincerely,
Leasi Papali’i T Scanlan
High Commissioner and Dean of Diplomatic Corps