Samoa govt echoes same complaint as locals — ASG travel process too complex

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Members of Parliament in Samoa are calling on its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to consult with the American Samoa Government over the “complexity” of the traveling process to enter the US Territory.

In Parliament last week this was one of the issues cited by Associate Minister of Health Tea Tooalo Peato, saying the complexity of the procedures for travelers from Samoa to enter American Samoa should be addressed.

The Member of Parliament suggested the possibility of waiving such requirements for the two Samoas, and to allow for a convenient and accessible process for Samoa’s residents.

He urged the Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio, who is the Acting Prime Minister, to appeal to the good working relationship between the two Samoa to ensure permits are issued in an easier way, “as well as strengthening our trading relations with our neighbors to ensure trade is made easier.”

This was supported by Deputy leader of the HRPP, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo who also called for a need to make the process simpler.

He recalled his recent trip to American Samoa and stated that the paperwork involved to get a permit was conducted online, and it also required a police report, before receiving a permit to travel. He also cited the proximity of the two Samoa’s yet the requirements for entry are quite difficult.

Over the weekend the Department of Health (DoH) issued an important reminder to all travelers entering American Samoa — the need to apply for entry via Talofapass. (Read separate story in today’s issue.)

In May, Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa neither confirmed nor denied that waiving the 30-day entry permit for Samoa citizens entering American Samoa would be discussed at any future Samoa Talks.

The Prime Minister said at the moment a number of issues need to be addressed between Samoa and American Samoa by way of the Samoa Talks, however due to COVID, the talks have not come about as yet. She added that the two Samoas are keen to revive the Talks as this would benefit residents of both Samoa and American Samoa. 

However, Radio Polynesia reported that waiving the 30-day permit for Samoa citizens to enter the US territory is one of the issues on the agenda of Samoa’s new Consul General, Fata Brian Kaio.

In an interview with Radio Polynesia Fata said his first meeting with Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga emphasized the relations between the two countries as “brothers”.

He pointed out that Samoa’s relationship with American Samoa is “quite unique and very different” compared to all other diplomatic offices around the world.

Fata says the process for travel is quite “complex” and he believes this is something the two Samoas can work towards to ensure the Samoa people can enter freely without having to go through the immigration process.

And with the opening of borders this is a priority on his agenda.