Originally Posted by
nomiiiii
Starting yesterday, flights from
Auckland to Samoa have an added restriction of showing a medical clearance certificate before being given a boarding pass. The medical certificate must have been issued within 3 days before the flight.
Obviously this is a huge burden for travellers and I'm sure many people will be caught offguard by this requirement, or simply would not have been able to get a doctors appointment and have all the tests done to get a medical certificate on such short notice.
In light of this, is Air Newzealand actually enforcing this rule for their flights to Samoa and denying boarding to tons of people? Or is everyone actually able to get a medical certificate issued within the last 3 days? Or is Air Newzealand being lax about checking the medical certificate
I'd love to hear first-hand reports on the impact of this new restriction of medical certificate and its enforcement since I'm planning on travelling to Samoa soon and this whole medical requirement seems like a nightmare to get logistically (not to mention, going to a hospital risks exposure to viruses and tying up medical resources just to get a certificate seems ill-advised)
I’d count on it being enforced otherwise you’re gambling with your plans. Remember all those Samoan kids that died very recently because someone from NZ took their measles there? The “burden” of obtaining a certificate pales in comparison. If you’re well, why would you need a test? There are clinics you can just show up. Previously I’ve googled, called around for pricing (there is some variation and well worth the travel time even in Auckland). Only needed my ear syringed but it was a weekend and I was flying out.
Overall it wouldn’t surprise me if this virus travels there too at the end of the day but I wouldn’t want to be THAT person responsible for it especially if it potentially lead to deaths.
Check your travel insurance policy too.