Samoa

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

Crimes you 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.

Samoa has experienced widespread power outages which can impact street lighting. Avoid dimly lit areas where possible. 

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
• keep your windows, doors, gates and vehicle locked

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

Civil unrest and politically motivated violence is rare. Political demonstrations and peaceful protests can occur in the lead up to elections particularly around the period of the formation of Government. Elections can be emotive and draw large groups of people. Avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

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

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

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

If you plan to spend time in or on the water:

• regularly check weather reports
• take warnings seriously
• check media and local sources for information about potential dangers
• speak to your travel provider about safety equipment and weather conditions before continuing with planned activities
• if possible, take a friend or family member with you when you undertake swimming or water activities
• ensure you have travel insurance and that your policy covers you for planned activities

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. Be mindful of dogs if walking or exercising.

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:

• Ensure you have travel insurance and that it covers for the activities you plan
• 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
• Samoa Meteorology Division
• Fiji Meteorological Service
• World Meteorological Organization - Severe Weather Information Centre
• Severe weather incident overseas

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:

• International Tsunami Information Center

Insect-borne diseases

Mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent in Samoa. 

Samoa’s Ministry of Health has declared a dengue outbreak. Healthcare systems are facing pressures with the increasing number of cases. Protect yourself against mosquito bites and use insect repellent. See Healthdirect Australia for more information. 

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

• dengue
• zika virus
• chikungunya

To protect yourself from disease:

• take preventative measures, such as minimising skin exposure by wearing long, loose, light-coloured clothing and using insect repellent
• consult your travel doctor for information on available vaccines and their suitability for your individual circumstances
• seek medical attention at the nearest health facility if you're experiencing symptoms such as acute onset fever, nausea, aches and pains and rashes
• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care 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 and Aged Care's website.

More information:

• dengue
• infectious diseases

Measles

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:

• Measles outbreaks and recommendations for Australian travellers (Department of Health and Aged Care)
• Measles immunisation service (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Other health risks

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

• typhoid
• hepatitis
• filariasis
• tuberculosis
• whooping cough

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 very limited.

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 experience a medical emergency or become seriously ill or injured, evacuation by air to Australia or New Zealand is likely to be the only option for treatment. Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and evacuations may be delayed if you use commercial airlines. Flights are heavily booked in New Zealand and Australian school holiday periods.

Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuations. 

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.

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 aren't recognised in Samoa and consensual sex between men is illegal. Penalties include a jail sentence. Public displays of affection should be avoided. 

Sunday activities

Sunday activities are extremely limited and alcohol can't be sold. 

Samoa recognises dual nationals.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Outside of tourist areas, the dress code in Samoa is conservative. Dress respectfully when visiting village areas. 

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

Ask for local advice if you're unsure of any customs.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visas

You can apply for a 90 day Visitor 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 enough funds to support yourself
• have a passport that's valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay

If you remain in Samoa and are unable to depart prior to the expiry of your permit you must contact Samoa Immigration to make arrangements to validate your residential status until you can depart.

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

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact your airline or your nearest High Commission/Embassy or Consulate of Samoa for details about the latest visa and entry requirements. 

Renew your Australian passport well in advance of expiry due to potential delays in delivery to Samoa.

Border measures

For information on entry requirements, check the Government of Samoa website.

More information: 

• Immigration Office – Ministry of the Prime Minister & Cabinet
• Ministry of Customs & Revenue
• Biosecurity – Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries
• Health – The Official Site of the Ministry of Health of Samoa

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

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 at the airport on arrival and 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:

• Samoa Tourism Fale
• Land and Transport Authority
• some car hire agencies

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

More information: 

• Home - Land Transport Authority (lta.gov.ws)

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

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
• avoid driving at night
• seek advice on obtaining a local driver’s license

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 car escort services.

Book through your hotel or resort.

Public transport

Samoa has a small and irregular bus network. Buses are usually crowded and poorly maintained. Accidents involving buses are common. Travelling on buses should be given careful consideration. 

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

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

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

Australian High Commission, Apia

47 Beach Road
Apia, Samoa

Phone: +685 23 411 
Website: samoa.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Samoa

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours.

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