Samoa

Crime occurs in Samoa but the crime rate is not high.

Crimes travellers could experience include robbery, violent assault and sexual assault.

You're most at risk:

• in downtown Apia bars
• near the sea wall area along the harbour front, especially at night

Petty crime is common, including theft from vehicles and accommodation.

Violent house break-ins can occur.

To protect yourself from crime:

• avoid going out alone at night
• avoid isolated locations, including beaches
• be aware of your surroundings, especially in the downtown Apia and harbour-front areas
• be careful dealing with people you've just met
• keep your windows, doors, gates and vehicle locked

Demonstrations and protests can happen. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid protests, demonstrations and crowds
• monitor the media for possible unrest

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Beaches

Beaches are not patrolled in Samoa. Swimmers have died because of strong tides and powerful lagoon currents.

Risks are even higher when:

• the tide is going out
• the sea is rough

Ask local residents and tour operators about safe areas for swimming.

Stray and poorly controlled dogs are common. Dog attacks on people in suburban areas and on beaches are common.

Don't approach or touch dogs.

Dive companies and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes:

• adventure tours
• fishing charters
• offshore surfing charters

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Samoa experiences severe weather, including:

• cyclones
• earthquakes
• tsunamis

Monitor weather updates and warnings via:

• Samoa Meteorology Division
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

If a natural disaster happens:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor local media
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with your friends and family

If your arrival in Samoa is after a natural disaster or during cyclone season, ask your tour operator if services have been affected.

Cyclones and severe weather

Cyclone season is from November to April. However, tropical storms and cyclones can happen any time of year.

Storms and cyclones can cause flooding and gale-force winds and disrupt services.

The direction and strength of tropical cyclones can change with little warning.

If there's a cyclone or severe tropical storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• ports may close
• adequate shelter may not be available

Roads can be cut off. It may take time for services, such as electricity, to be restored.

Monitor:

• Joint Typhoon Warning Centre
• Fiji Meteorological Service
• World Meteorological Organization - Severe Weather Information Centre

If a cyclone or severe storm is approaching:

• know your hotel or cruise ship's evacuation plan
• identify your local shelter
• follow the advice of local authorities

Earthquakes

Earthquakes and aftershocks happen often in Samoa. 

Ask your host or hotel about what to do if there's an earthquake.

If there's an earthquake:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• consider tsunami risks
• monitor the United States Geological Survey

After an earthquake:

• expect aftershocks
• prepare for travel delays and to change your plans
• ask your travel agent and tour operators to confirm travel services and accommodation bookings

Tsunamis

Samoa has a Tsunami Warning System as Tsunamis can happen.

Move immediately to high ground if you:

• are advised to by local authorities or hear the Tsunami Warning System alarm
• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings.

Once on high ground, monitor local media.

More information:

• Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care. Most health care providers in Samoa expect cash payment before carrying out any treatment.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may be considered illegal or controlled substances, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Samoa. Carry with you enough legal medication for your trip.

Local pharmacies have a limited range of medication.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Measles

There's a measles epidemic in Samoa. In response, the Government of Samoa declared a one‑month state of emergency on 15 November. This emergency is placing an unprecedented burden on the Samoan health system, with the hospital focussing on treating measles cases.

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you go and your travel insurance covers all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuations.

More information:

• 2019 Measles Outbreak Information (Samoa Ministry of Health)
• Measles outbreaks and recommendations for Australian travellers (Department of Health)
• Measles immunisation service (Department of Health)

Insect-borne diseases

Outbreaks of insert-borne diseases can happen, mostly in the wet season. Diseases include:

• dengue
• Zika virus
• chikungunya

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider putting off travel to Zika virus-affected areas

Find out about Zika virus-affected countries on the Department of Health website.

Mosquitoes are active during the day. To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• always use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Other health risks

You could be at risk from waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases, including:

• typhoid
• hepatitis
• filariasis
• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

Hospital and medical facilities are limited, and are currently focused on treating measles cases. The measles epidemic is placing an unprecedented burden on the health system.

For medical emergencies you are likely to be medivaced out of Samoa. For non‑emergency medical help, visit a GP rather than a hospital.Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuations. 

All foreigners are required to pay for health services in Samoa. Doctors and hospitals normally expect cash payment before carrying out any treatment.

There's no helicopter service.

Blood supplies are often limited.

You may need to bring your own bedding and towels to hospital.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to Australia or New Zealand. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Evacuations may be delayed if you use commercial airlines. Flights are heavily booked in New Zealand and Australian school holiday periods.

Hyperbaric chambers

There are no hyperbaric chambers on any of the islands. If you need treatment for decompression sickness, you'll be evacuated to the nearest treatment centre.

Registered dive companies carry basic treatment equipment to meet Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) standards.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for carrying or using illegal drugs, including cannabis, may include a jail sentence.

By law, you must not own drug-related equipment in Samoa.

If police suspect a drug offence, they may detain you while they investigate.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

The legal drinking age is 21 years.

Prostitution is illegal.

Same-sex relationships are not recognised in Samoa and consensual sex between men is illegal. Penalties include a jail sentence.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Samoa recognises dual nationals.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Dress and behaviour standards are modest. Take care not to offend.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visa-free travel for short stays

You can apply for a 90 day Vistitor Permit on arrival using the passenger arrival card if you:

• stay less than 90 days
• visit for tourism
• have confirmed return or onward ticket,
• have sufficient funds to support yourself, and
• have a passport that's valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay

For other situations and for Business Visitor Permits, see the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet website.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact a high commission of Samoa for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Other formalities

If you've visited an Ebola-affected country within 21 days of arriving in Samoa, you may be stopped by officials. You may be quarantined or deported, even if don't have a fever or Ebola-like symptoms.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Samoan Tala (WST).

Declare amounts over WST 20,000 when you arrive and depart. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You can change money and find ATMs in the major centres.

Credit cards can be used at most resorts and large shops. Not many small businesses accept credit cards.

Driving permit

You need a temporary Samoan driver's licence to drive.

Get a temporary licence from:

• Apia Post Office
• Ministry of Works
• Land and Transport Authority in Vaitele
• some car hire agencies

You'll need to show your valid Australian licence and pay a fee.

Road travel

Driving in Samoa is hazardous, especially at night.

Hazards include:

• poorly lit and maintained roads
• lack of footpaths and verges
• animals and pedestrians on roads
• drivers not following traffic laws

You're almost 3 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Samoa than in Australia.

Samoa switched to driving on the left-hand side of the road in 2009. However, many vehicles still have the driver's seat on the left.

If you plan to drive:

• check if you're covered by your travel and hire car insurance policies
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• void driving at night

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only registered taxis and limousines.

Book through your hotel or resort.

Public transport

Samoa has a small and irregular bus network. Buses are usually crowded.

Bus schedules are limited on Sundays.

Petty crime can happen on buses. Take care of your belongings.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Samoa's inter-island ferries may not meet Australian safety standards. They may:

• be old
• be overcrowded
• not have enough life jackets and life rafts for everyone

Emergency safety procedures may not work.

If you need to travel by ferry:

• before booking, check the operator's safety history and their safety equipment
• don't travel on an overcrowded or overloaded vessel
• always use the safety equipment, such as life jackets, even if others don't

If you aren't given safety equipment, or it's not in usable condition, use another provider.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Samoa's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 911.

Medical emergencies

Call 911.

Police

Call 911.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission in Apia.

Australian High Commission, Apia

Beach Road
Apia, Samoa
Phone: (+685) 23 411 
Fax: (+685) 23 159
Website: samoa.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Samoa

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia