Measles Vaccination Required for American Samoa Travelers

Based on a measles outbreak declaration by American Samoa Government, travelers from the Territory (including infants aged six months) must be vaccinated with a measles-containing vaccine before entering Samoa.

Being fully vaccinated indicates completing the required doses, which should have been completed 14 days before traveling.

These islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean, northeast of Fiji.

And Aiono Prof Alec Ekeroma, Samoa's Director General of Health, stated in a Notice that effective May 1, 2023, a legitimate vaccine certificate/note is required before boarding. In addition, a hard copy must be presented at check-in and upon arrival into Samoa.

Vaccine certificates in electronic form stored on phones or other electronic devices must have a QR code. In addition, they must be a Health Authority Approved Certificate/Card of the country where the vaccination occurred.

Furthermore, upon arrival in Samoa, all passengers must wear face masks at all times.

And visitors must submit to a nasal pharyngeal swab for PCR testing upon request by Health Officials at Samoa's airport.

As of April 26, 2023, the U.S. CDC recommends various routine and travel vaccinations before visiting America Samoa, an unincorporated territory of the U.S.

Prior to the recent pandemic, about 20,000 people visited America Samoa annually.