The entry permit waiver for citizens of Samoa traveling to American Samoa has been extended from 7 to 10 days.
The change went into effect Monday, August 12, and was adopted through an administrative rule amendment that was published in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.
Also on Monday, August 12, the Samoa Government extended the stay in Samoa from seven days to ten days for U.S. Nationals approved under Samoa’s entry permit waiver/OK Board program.
Attorney General Fainuulelei Ala’ilima Utu said the increase in days of stay from seven days to ten days, was motivated by the travel data between the two Samoa. During the first six months since October 2023, the entry permit waiver program benefited many more U.S. nationals than Samoa citizens, he said.
An average of 195 U.S. nationals traveled to Samoa monthly compared to an average of 145 citizens of Samoa traveling to American Samoa.
In addition, the number of overstayers under the Entry Permit Waiver program was relatively small, according to the AG.
Alalilima Utu said, “One of the main accomplishments of the Atoa o Samoa meetings is the easing of travel restrictions between the people of the two Samoas. He said, “The people of the two Samoas have very close family, cultural, language, religious, and historical ties and travel between the two Samoas is important to our people.”
Meanwhile, Representative Alailepule Ben Vaivao has expressed reservations about the permit waiver program. He said travelers are not required to provide police reports so even those with criminal backgrounds maybe entering the territory without being detected. He reminded that the majority of inmates at the Territorial Correctional Facility are citizens of Samoa.
The faipule also felt that the Fono should have been consulted regarding the extension of the entry permit waiver. He said the issue was discussed and approved at the Atoa o Samoa talks, but he feels strongly it should have been discussed with the Fono.
