SPTO Member Countries’ Consolidated Response to 2019 Novel Coronavirus

Every day, WHO is talking to ministers of health, heads of state, health workers, hospital managers, industry leaders, CEOs and more – to help them prepare and prioritize, according to their specific situation.

Don’t assume your community won’t be affected. Prepare as if it will be.

Don’t assume you won’t be infected. Prepare as if you will be.

But there is hope. There are many things all countries can do.

Physical distancing measures – like cancelling sporting events, concerts and other large gatherings – can help to slow transmission of the virus.

They can reduce the burden on the health system.

And they can help to make epidemics manageable, allowing targeted and focused measures.

1. Cook Islands:

Pursuant to s9A of the Entry Residence and Departure Act 1972 the following travel restrictions are in place:

• Persons intending to travel to the Cook Islands who have been to the following countries within the last 14 days will be denied entry into the Cook Islands.
• CHINA, HONG KONG, TAIWAN, MACAU, JAPAN, SINGAPORE, SOUTH KOREA, MALAYSIA,THAILAND, INDONESIA, PHILIPPINES, VIETNAM, CAMBODIA, LAOS, ITALY AND IRAN
• In addition any person who has been in contact with someone from these countries, including visitors with connecting flights in these locations will be denied entry.
• Entry may also be denied to anyone who has been in close proximity with someone suspected or diagnosed with Coronavirus.
• More information on travel restrictions and updates can also be sought from the Cook Islands Ministry of Health website and the full advisory can be accessed here

 

2. Federated States of Micronesia:

• On March 11th, 2020, the 21st Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), through Congressional Resolution 21-129, removed the travel restrictions imposed by His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the FSM, on travelers originating from COVID-19 affected countries, states, and territories.
• The removal is effective immediately. Only travelers from Hubei Province of the People’s Republic of China are still banned from travel to the FSM, and FSM citizens are only banned from traveling to Hubei Province.
• All other travel restrictions are lifted.
• A detailed announcement can be found here

State of Pohnpei:  

• A state of emergency has been declared
• All incoming passengers on flights and vessels are required to have a medical certificate and will be quarantined for 14 days Dekehtik isolation area.
• The quarantine period may be reduced as determined by the Department of Health
• A detailed announcement can be found here

State of Chuuk:

• All travelers to Chuuk from countries, states or territories which are infected by COVID-19 shall be prohibited from entering Chuuk unless the traveler spent at least 14 days prior in a country with no recorded cases of COVID-19
• Travelers from Hawaii will need to spend 14 days in Pohnpei prior to traveling to Chuuk and travelers from Guam will need to be quarantined for 14 days prior to traveling to Chuuk
• In the event that Pohnpei State or Guam record positive cases of COVID-19, no travelers shall be allowed to enter Chuuk State.
• The full advisory can be accessed here

 

3. Fiji:

• Fiji’s borders are closed to all foreign nationals who have been in mainland China, Italy, Iran, Spain and South Korea within 14 days of their intended travel to Fiji.
• Effective immediately cruise ships will be banned from berthing anywhere in Fiji.
• All international events in Fiji must be cancelled or postponed and local events will be closed to guests coming in from overseas.
• Fijians returning from overseas may be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon return to Fiji, even if they are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19. This is already mandated for Fijians arriving home from nations on our restricted travel list.

• This advisory can be viewed in full here. Furthermore, all travellers to Fiji are encouraged to keep abreast of these restrictions by regularly checking Fiji’s Ministry of Health website, which can be accessed here

1. French Polynesia:

• As of Tuesday, March 17th 2020 from 6:00 a.m. (Tahiti time), all passengers arriving from an international flight must comply with the obligation of containment at home or at the accommodation booked on the island of Tahiti for a period of 14 days, from the day of arrival at Tahiti-Faa’a airport
• If you maintain your trip to French Polynesia until March 31st 2020 you will have to stay in containment for 14 days from your arrival in Tahiti, either at home or in the establishment booked on the island of Tahiti.
• If you are a visitor currently in the islands (except Tahiti) : you can continue your stay, however if your itinerary brings you back to the island of Tahiti you will no longer be allowed to set off again to the islands.
• The health control form given on board by the airline company on every flight to French Polynesia shall be filled out by every passengers and airline crew. The completed survey must be handed, and an information leaflet shall be given in return upon arrival. The place of containment at home, in a booked or dedicated* accommodation on the island of Tahiti must clearly appear on the form.
• Anyone who contravenes these measures will be subject to sanctions and forced quarantine under supervision will be imposed for a fortnight.
• The French State and French Polynesian authorities have decided to suspend all cruise calls in French Polynesia. This decision takes effect immediately until April 11th, 2020. This period may be reassessed or even renewed depending on the international situation.
• The ships currently sailing to French Polynesia must reroute to the closest international port of their choice.
• All the turnaround ships currently within our exclusive economic zone must return to the Port of Papeete, where they will be authorized to disembark their passengers, to allow their repatriation to their respective home countries. The ship’s health report must be sent to the authorities before berthing.
• The Tahiti Tourisme website is updated regularly and can be accessed here for further information on the above restrictions

5. Kiribati:

• A Health Arrival Form is to be filled out and copies of e-tickets to be provided by all incoming travellers upon arrival to Kiribati through Tarawa and Kiritimati.
• All incoming international travelers will be subjected to temperature check upon arrival to the international airports and seaports in Kiribati.
• All Travelers from areas and territories in countries with local transmission of novel coronavirus must spend 14 days in a country free of the COVID-2019, and to provide a medical clearance to confirm and/or prove this coronavirus free status.
• The 14 days quarantine implies that traveling can only be on the 15th day onwards
• Exemptions for medical clearance can be considered for transit passengers and came from the Countries NOT listed in this travel health advisory (THA).
• In the event that travelers arrive earlier than the required 14-day-period, health quarantine measures may be applied and deportation to the country of travel origin would be considered depending on the health status of the individual.
• Such travel advisory applies to all travelers including returning residents as the country has highly vulnerable group (high incidence of NCDs) of COVID-19 and also the absence or limited capacity of clinical management and ability to contain the virus if introduced.
• For more information contact Kaaro Neeti (Secretary, MHMS) on (686) 74028100 extension 202; or (686) 73072357 or Director of Public Health 73058772, or Deputy Director of Public Health 73007258

• The full advisory can be accessed here

6. Nauru:

• Travellers from or transmitting through mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau within 21 days of boarding will be denied entry.
• Travellers from or transmitting through areas with a publicly declared outbreak will be denied entry.
• Travellers with intention to board within 21 days from places listed by Nauru’s Department of Health as an outbreak concern will be denied entry.

Outbound (from Nauru)

• Nauruans and Government of Nauru Officials should avoid the following areas: Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.
• Any Country that Declares a National Outbreak of Coronavirus (This list correlates with those listed by others concerned with COVID-19 and is constantly updated).
• Any Country that Nauru Department of Health declares officially as a location of Outbreak Concern (none yet).
• For other countries with confirmed cases but not at outbreak levels, travellers are advised to take standard precautions.

 

7. New Caledonia:

 

• All passengers arriving at La Tontouta airport will be placed in self-confinement for 14 days in the absence of symptoms.
• Offenders will be liable to a fine of 90,000 Pacific francs. Controls will be organized by the local authorities.
• Passengers who show symptoms (cough and fever) will be placed in an isolation room at the Médipôle Hospital until their screening test proves negative.
• Contact persons – in the vicinity of any sick passengers on the plane, will be placed in quarantine at a dedicated facility in Dumbéa. Quarantine is to be lifted if the test turns out to be negative.
• Cruise ships are not stopping at ports of Lifou and Maré in the Loyalty Islands and the Isle of Pines at the current time. Lifou, Maré and the Isle of Pines are still open for tourism, and visitors who undergo prior checks can access these destinations via domestic flights.
• The list of high-risk countries as of 6^th March (excluding transits) as identified by the government of New Caledonia includes: China (including Hong Kong and Macao), Singapore, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Germany, Egypt, Spain, France, Japan, Switzerland, Norway, USA, UK, Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iceland.

 

8. Niue:

• People intending to travel to Niue who have been in – The People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau), Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand within the last 14 days prior to travel, without written authorization from the Government of Niue, will be refused entry.
• All travellers who ordinarily reside in Niue should avoid non-essential travel to the countries listed above. However, should travel be undertaken, then returning travellers will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days upon return to Niue.
• Full advisory can be accessed here and any queries may be directed to Tasmania@mail.gov.nu

 

9. Papua New Guinea (PNG):

• A travel ban is in force and applies to all travellers from Asia
• PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority staff are stationed at all the main ports of entry, to ensure that travellers who have been in China within a 14 day period are properly screened and have the proper quarantine assurances
• All arriving international ships must call into Motukea, Lae and Rabaul wharves for screening before  proceeding to their final domestic destinations
• The full advisory can be accessed here and those intending to travel to PNG are encouraged to check the official website of the Immigration and Citizenship Authority of PNG, which can be accessed here

 

10. Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI):

• An extension of the total suspension of international travelers coming into the RMI via air travel has been enforced until April 5, 2020.
• All aircrafts that need to land in the RMI for refueling purposes must adhere to the RMI Ports Authority Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Human-to-human contact is strictly prohibited.
• Suspension of all domestic passenger air travel between Kwajalein and Majuro on international airlines is still in force. However, air travel between Kwajalein and Majuro on Air Marshalls is still permitted.
• Full details on the Travel Advisory can be accessed here

 

11. Samoa:

• A Special Health Declaration Card is required to be filled out by all travelling passengers in-flight or on arrival into Samoa.
• All Travelers entering Samoa including Samoan passport holders who are permanent residents of American Samoa are required to have a medical examination within 3 days before entering; this requirement SHOULD BE SIGNED by the attending physician and COUNTER-SIGNED by Motusa Tuileama Nua, Director of Public Health, American Samoa.
• The medical clearance report IS REQUIRED for check-in prior to issuing of boarding passes.
• All Samoan Nationals and Permanent Residents travelling to American Samoa are required to have medical examination within 3 days before entering with proof of MMR/MR vaccination. If in the event your travel is less than 3 days; medical examination issued in Samoa will suffice for your return.
• Airlines – ‘Both Carriers SHOULD NOT exceed 830 passengers per week.’
• All Travellers originating FROM or TRANSITING through:

1) CHINA

2) HONG KONG

3) MACAU

4) JAPAN

5) SINGAPORE

6) THAILAND

7) SOUTH KOREA

8) ITALY

9) IRAN

10) KUWAIT

11) TAIWAN

12) GERMANY

13) SPAIN

14) FRANCE

15) BAHRAIN

16) AUSTRIA

17) BELGIUM

18) CANADA

19) MALAYSA

20) DENMARK

21) CZECHIA REP

22) GREECE

23) ICELAND

24) LUXEMBOURG

25) NETHERLANDS

26) NORWAY

27) QATAR

28) SWEDEN

29) SWITZERLAND

30) USA

31) UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

32) UNITED KINGDOM

33) AUSTRALIA

 

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR COUNTRIES LISTED ABOVE:

1. MUST PROVIDE proof of test results done within 5 days for the Coronavirus.
2. ALL travellers with COVID-19 positive test will NOT be allowed to enter Samoa

III. ALL MUST spend at least 14 days self-quarantine at country of last port and must have a Medical Clearance within (3) days prior to arrival into Samoa. This must be their final stop before travelling to Samoa.

1. In the event you arrive and have NOT satisfied the above three requirements, YOU WILL BE RETURNED to the country of last Port, before arrival in to Samoa.

• The full advisory can be accessed here and updated requirements and restrictions on the Government of Samoa website can be accessed here

12. Solomon Islands:

• Any foreigner who has travelled through restricted countries (as laid out in Annex A of the travel advisory) during the 14 days immediately before the day on which the person arrives in the Solomon Islands will not be permitted to enter the country.
• Solomon Island nationals through restricted countries (as laid out in Annex A of the travel advisory) during the 14 days immediately before the day on which the person arrives in the Solomon Islands will be permitted to enter the country under strict health criteria, to be advised by Health prior to or upon entry in the Solomons.
• All arriving passengers must provide details of their international travel history for the period of 14 days prior
• Further to the above the government has designated Honiara Port and Noro Port as the only approved entry and exit points of clearance
• A no travel restriction has been placed on all members of parliament and government officials; to the restricted countries (as laid out in Annex A of the travel advisory)
• The full advisory and the related annexes can be accessed here and the following websites will also be regularly updated with the relevant information pertaining to travel:
• visitsolomons.com.sb
• customs.gov.sb
• ndmo.gov.sb

13. Tokelau:

• Noting the entry requirement for Samoa, individuals travelling from outside of Samoa who are booked to travel to Tokelau, need to provide a copy of the medical clearance for coronavirus that is required for entry into Samoa. This must be taken to the Tokelau Health Office or Tokelau Transport Officer in Apia for confirmation before travelling to Tokelau.
• Failure to show medical clearance will result in passengers having to stay in Samoa for 14 days, after which medical clearance will need to be obtained to confirm that the passenger is free of infectious disease
• Individuals who have been living in Samoa for more than 14 days will also need medical clearance
• Passengers from Tokelau travelling to Apia and abroad must act in accordance with Samoa Entry requirements
• The full travel advisory can be accessed here and queries may be directed to

14. Tonga:

• All travellers are required to complete a health declaration card on arrival into Tongan territory
• Travellers coming from or having transited through mainland China will need a 14 day self-quarantine in a country free from novel coronavirus
• All foreign travellers will need medical clearance within three days before traveling to Tonga
• The above restrictions will not apply to:
• Tongan citizens, permanent residents and members of their nuclear family
• International travelers who have not been in China within 14 days prior to arriving in Tonga
• Tongatapu will be the first port of entry for all international flights and vessels
• On 12^th March the Prime Minister of Tonga declared a Public Health Emergency Order and COVID-19 was also declared as an Emergency Notifiable Condition under the Public Health Act 2008.This gives the Ministry of Health the power to prohibit mass and social gatherings (such as kava clubs etc). This is effective from 12 March to 12 June in all land and sea areas of Tonga.
• Further information can be sought from Tonga’s Ministry of Health website, which is accessible here

 

15. Vanuatu:

• Travellers of ALL nationalities MUST complete an Incoming Passenger Health Declaration form prior to boarding any craft entering Vanuatu (see example attached at the end of this advisory). This form provides information on their travel itinerary over the last 14 days, previous travel to mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Iran and Italy and details of their current health status, phone number, email address and physical address while visiting Vanuatu. It is an offense under the Public Health Act to not complete this declaration form truthfully and penalties apply.
• Any travellers wishing to enter Vanuatu who have originated from the following ports mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Iran and Italy in the previous 14 days will be denied entry to Vanuatu until further notice.
• Any foreign national wishing to enter Vanuatu who has originated from or has transited through any ports in China including Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, as well as  South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Iran and Italy since 31st December 2019, and who has spent the previous 14 days outside the places mentioned above MUST obtain a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner certifying that they are free from any respiratory illness suspected of being caused by COVID-19 (see example attached at end of this Advisory
• Travellers planning to come to Vanuatu by aircraft or ship but having symptoms of respiratory illness (flu, running nose, fever, headache, chest pain, or difficulty in breathing) are advised NOT to travel to Vanuatu.
• Any visitors travelling to Vanuatu MUST have a return ticket.
• The full advisory can be accessed here

 

16. Wallis and Futuna:

• A thermal camera is in operation at the airport and all arriving passengers are being screened before being granted entry.
• The Prevention Department of the Wallis Hospital has increased the presence of its staff at the Wallis Airport to monitor the origin of travellers.
• If a person records +38.5°C fever they are immediately transferred to the private SAS isolation lounge at the airport before being sent into quarantine in an isolated room at the SIA hospital (Wallis).