COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in American Samoa (7 December Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• The government has suspended all border entry permits except for residents of American Samoa. Citizens holding a non-US passport will be required to quarantine for 14 days in Hawaii, Tonga, or Samoa (Apia) before entering the territory.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• Arrivals must provide a negative certificate for a COVID-19 test done within the last 72 hours before arrival.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• Citizens holding a non-US passport will be required to quarantine for 14 days in Hawaii, Tonga, or Samoa (Apia) before entering the territory.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• All passenger flights remain suspended except for repatriation flights.

• Hawaiian Airlines flights between Honolulu and Pago Pago are suspended until 3 January 2021.

• Private flights are allowed to land for the sole purpose of dropping off essential equipment.

• Medevac flights approved by the medical referral committee will be allowed to pick up critically ill patients. The pilot and the crew must provide a negative certificate of COVID-19 test done within the last 72 hours before arrival.

• US Coast Guard and other military flights are permitted to land.

Border restrictions

• Significant

• The government has suspended all border entry permits except for residents of American Samoa. Citizens holding a non-US passport will be required to quarantine for 14 days in Hawaii, Tonga, or Samoa (Apia) before entering the territory.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• The government has decided to extend the state of emergency until the end of December.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Gatherings up to 150 persons are permitted only for essential purposes, namely, religious and cultural events, weddings, and funerals. Family gatherings remain limited to a maximum of 10 people, and other nonessential public gatherings remain restricted.

• Authorities have closed all educational facilities.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Masks are not required.

• Public transportation is authorized to operate with limited capacity during the business hours of 05:00 to 21:00 (local time) with a maximum of five passengers.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Businesses are allowed to operate from 05:00 to 21:00 (local time) with limited numbers of customers.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants and fast-food businesses are permitted to provide take-out services until 22:00 (local time).

Advice

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.

To reduce the risk of infection by this virus if travelling in or from affected areas:

• Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.

• Wearing a mask (face covering) is recommended in public places and when social distancing is not possible.

• Wash hands frequently, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Travellers with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).

• Older travellers and those with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to affected areas with their healthcare provider.

• Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop after visiting affected areas where transmission is occurring