Foreign travel advice

Samoa

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Warnings and insurance

• Still current at: 7 June 2025
• Updated: 22 November 2024
• Latest update: Removal of information on the Commonwealth Heads of 바카라 사이트 meeting ('Warnings and insurance' page)

Before you travel 

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

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

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. 

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.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to바카라 사이트¯get email notifications바카라 사이트¯when this travel advice is updated.바카라 사이트¯

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Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full 바카라 사이트˜British citizen바카라 사이트™ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government바카라 사이트™s understanding of Samoa바카라 사이트™s current rules for the most common types of travel.

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

Passport validity requirements 

To enter Samoa, your passport must have an 바카라 사이트˜expiry date바카라 사이트™ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

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. 

Visa requirements 

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: 

• an onward or return ticket 
• sufficient funds 바카라 사이트“ a bank statement is acceptable evidence 
• confirmed accommodation such as a hotel booking or letter of invitation 

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

Vaccine requirements 

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

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

Departure tax for flights to American Samoa  

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

Customs rules 

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. 

Taking money into Samoa 

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.  

Safety and security

Terrorism  

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.바카라 사이트¯바카라 사이트¯바카라 사이트¯Â Â Â 

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. 

Terrorism in Samoa 

Although there바카라 사이트™s no recent history of terrorism in Samoa, attacks cannot be ruled out. 

Crime 

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

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

Laws and cultural differences  

Dress code 

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. 

Mobile phone coverage 

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.  

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. 

Alcohol laws and bans 

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

Illegal drugs and prison sentences 

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

LGBT+ travellers 

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.  

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers. 

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  

Swimming and surfing safety 

Samoa바카라 사이트™s tides can produce powerful currents in ocean lagoons. Take local advice before swimming. There have been fatal accidents at popular beaches.  

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

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

Scuba diving 

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

Check that your travel insurance covers you and see if the policy has conditions 바카라 사이트“ for example, using a qualified instructor.  

Ask the dive operator about the safety procedures they use. If you바카라 사이트™re not satisfied, use a different provider. 

Stray dogs 

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. 

Transport risks  

Road travel  

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

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. 

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. 

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

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

Earthquakes and tsunamis 

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.  

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

Tropical cyclones 

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 .   

Health

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 

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

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

Emergency medical number 

Call 911 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company quickly if you바카라 사이트™re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

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

See , including:  

• Zika virus 
• dengue 

Medication 

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

Read . 

Healthcare in Samoa 

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

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

Travel and mental health 

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

Getting help

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. 

Emergency services in Samoa 

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police) 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

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. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

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. 

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

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

Support from FCDO 

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

• finding  
• getting help if you바카라 사이트™re a바카라 사이트¯victim of crime  
• what to do if you바카라 사이트™re바카라 사이트¯in hospital  
• if you바카라 사이트™re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad바카라 사이트¯Â 

See  including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call바카라 사이트¯FCDO바카라 사이트¯in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.바카라 사이트¯Â 

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)바카라 사이트¯Â 

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates바카라 사이트¯Â 

Sign up to바카라 사이트¯get email notifications바카라 사이트¯when this travel advice is updated.바카라 사이트¯Â 

Follow FCDO:바카라 사이트¯