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Before you travelÌý

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:Ìý

• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read aboutÌýsafety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insuranceÌý

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.Ìý

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Samoa’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Samoa set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .Ìý

Passport validity requirementsÌý

To enter Samoa, your passport must have an ‘expiry dateâ€� at least 6 months after the date you arrive.ÌýCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.ÌýÌý

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.Ìý

Visa requirementsÌý

You can visit Samoa without a visa for up to 60 days. Border officials will issue a free visitor permit or business visitor permit using your arrival card. You may need to show:Ìý

• an onward or return ticketÌý
• sufficient funds â€� a bank statement is acceptable evidenceÌý
• confirmed accommodation such as a hotel booking or letter of invitationÌý

To stay longer than 60 days, or for work, study or other reasons, .Ìý

Vaccine requirementsÌý

To enter Samoa, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a .ÌýÌý

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .ÌýÌý

Departure tax for flights to American Samoa Ìý

If you are flying from Samoa to American Samoa, you must pay a departure tax of 40 Samoan tala. Ìý

Customs rulesÌý

There are strict regulations covering the import of firearms, plant and animal products, pets and recreational drugs. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.Ìý

Taking money into SamoaÌý

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 20,000 talas or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it with you.ÌýÌý

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There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   ÌýÌýÌ�

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.Ìý

Terrorism in SamoaÌý

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Samoa, attacks cannot be ruled out.Ìý

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The level of serious crime is low, and incidents of petty theft are uncommon and opportunistic.ÌýÌýÌý

Do not leave your belongings unattended. Use hotel safes or deposit boxes for passports and valuables.Ìý

Laws and cultural differences Ìý

Dress codeÌý

Local communities expect you to dress modestly when visiting towns and villages. Swimwear is acceptable on the beach or by streams and waterfalls, but anywhere else it is likely to receive negative attention.Ìý

Mobile phone coverageÌý

Phone coverage in rural areas and outlying islands can be limited or non-existent. Many UK mobile phones do not work, as your provider may not have an international roaming agreement in Samoa.ÌýÌý

You can buy Vodafone and Digicel SIM cards at the airport and at convenience stores and supermarkets. You must register your SIM card if you buy it locally.Ìý

Alcohol laws and bansÌý

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public except at bars or restaurants. The legal drinking age is 21.Ìý

Illegal drugs and prison sentencesÌý

Possession of illegal drugs carries a possible 14-year prison sentence.Ìý

LGBT+ travellersÌý

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Samoa and same-sex marriage is not recognised. Showing affection in public is likely to receive negative attention.ÌýÌý

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.Ìý

Outdoor activities and adventure tourismÌýÌý

Swimming and surfing safetyÌý

Samoa’s tides can produce powerful currents in ocean lagoons. Take local advice before swimming. There have been fatal accidents at popular beaches.ÌýÌý

Many waves break directly on to reefs and the currents can be harsh. Take local advice before surfing.ÌýÌý

For more advice, see from the Royal Life Saving Society.Ìý

Scuba divingÌý

Dive companies and tour operators may have limited resources and do not always observe safety and maintenance standards.ÌýÌý

Check that your travel insurance covers you and see if the policy has conditions â€� for example, using a qualified instructor.ÌýÌý

Ask the dive operator about the safety procedures they use. If you’re not satisfied, use a different provider.Ìý

Stray dogsÌý

Stray dogs are common in Apia and in many villages. They can become aggressive if you approach them or if they feel threatened. There have been cases of attacks by dogs. Keep your distance when cycling or walking.Ìý

Transport risksÌýÌý

Road travelÌýÌý

If you are planning to drive in Samoa, see information on driving abroad.ÌýÌý

To drive in Samoa, you must buy a temporary driving permit, which requires your UK driving licence. Car rental companies will help you with this. You can use the permit for up to 90 days a year. To drive for a longer period, you must get a Samoan driving licence.Ìý

The speed limit is 40kmph in towns and villages and 56kmph outside. If you have an accident, you must report it to the police within 24 hours. When driving near villages watch for children and animals on the roads. Avoid driving at night as roads are poorly lit and any hazards make driving very dangerous.Ìý

Extreme weather and natural disastersÌý

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.Ìý

Earthquakes and tsunamisÌý

Samoa is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, an active zone where earthquakes and tremors are a constant risk. The last major earthquake was in 2009. Ìý

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about and resulting .Ìý

Tropical cyclonesÌý

The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to the end of April, but most rain falls from December to March. Higher rainfall inland can cause flooding. Monitor local and international weather updates from the , the or the . ÌýÌý

Before you travel check that:Ìý

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may needÌý

• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuationÌýÌý

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.Ìý

Emergency medical numberÌý

Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.Ìý

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.Ìý

Vaccine recommendations and health risksÌý

At least 8 weeks before your trip:ÌýÌý

• check the latest Ìý
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the ÌýÌý

See , including:ÌýÌý

• Zika virusÌý
• dengueÌý

MedicationÌý

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.Ìý

Read .Ìý

Healthcare in SamoaÌý

If you have a medical emergency, evacuation to Australia, New Zealand or Hawaii is likely to be the only option for treatment.ÌýÌý

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.Ìý

Travel and mental healthÌý

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .Ìý

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.Ìý

Emergency services in SamoaÌý

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)Ìý

Contact your travel provider and insurerÌý

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.Ìý

Refunds and changes to travelÌý

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.Ìý

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:Ìý

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a providerÌý
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claimÌý

Support from FCDOÌý

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:Ìý

• finding Ìý
• getting help if you’re aâ€�victim of crimeÌýÌý
• what to do if you’reâ€�in hospitalÌýÌý
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attackÌý

ContactingÌýFCDOÌý

Help abroad �

SeeÌýÌýincluding in an emergency.Ìý

Help in the UKÌýÌý

You can call�FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. �

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) �

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates �

Sign up to�get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. �

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