3 Nov 2006

Samoa contemplates increasing entry permits 300 percent for American Samoans

5:48 pm on 3 November 2006

The Samoa Government is considering raising the cost of entry permits for American Samoans visiting their country from 10 to 40 US dollars.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele says the move would reciprocate a move by the American Samoa Attorney General Sialega Malaetasi Togafau to increase the entry permit for Samoan citizens from $10 to $40.

Tuilaepa says he was totally surprised when American Samoa increased its permit charges as movement between the two Samoas was based on the principle of reciprocity.

The Prime Minister says he will make a decision on whether to increase entry permits for American Samoans entering Samoa upon his return from the Forum meeting in Fiji.