Samoa Travel Safety
Travel Safety in Samoa
General travel safety in Samoa on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Samoa
Updates
Updated: 24 Sep 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024
Status
LEVEL 1 - Exercise normal safety precautions
Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour. Monitor the media and other sources for changes to local travelling conditions, safety and security concerns. Laws and social customs could differ significantly. You could face terrorist attacks, civil unrest, violent crime, or unique health threats - but overall, the risks are not great.
Safety and Security Tips
Road safety
Buses and taxis are available. Night driving is not recommended. Roads in Samoa often traverse small streams, exercise caution when going through these streams. Most main roads on the two main islands of Upolu and Savaii are paved but in deteriorating condition.
Swimming
Tidal changes can cause powerful currents in the many coastal lagoons that surround the islands, and several fatal swimming accidents are recorded each year.
Marine transportation
There is a ferry service between Upolu and Savai'i.
Women's safety
Particular care should be taken near Apia's downtown bars and restaurants, where a number of violent incidents involving foreigners and Samoans have occurred. Women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.
Crime
Petty and violent crime occurs. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police999 or 995
- Fire999 or 994
- Ambulance999 or 996
Embassy of us
American Embassy in Apia
Address5th Floor, ACC House
Local Law and Culture
Culture
Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.
LGBT
LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Samoa because the laws of Samoa prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Despite examples of men cross-dressing and behaving in a feminine manner, homosexual acts in Samoa are illegal.
Driving
An International Driving Permit is recommended. Traffic drives on the left. Visitors must obtain a temporary driver's licence before driving in Samoa. These are available from the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure office in Vaitele, the Polynesian Xplorer tourist office at Faleolo International Airport and from some car rental agencies in Apia.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Samoa.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.
The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Yellow fever is an acute viral disease which is transmitted by virus-infected mosquitoes.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Prevent bug bites
Vaccination requirements
Required if traveling from a country with risk of YFV transmission and ≥1 year of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YFV transmission.
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
