Samoa

Use Normal Level of Caution

The Independent State of Samoa is an archipelago of nine volcanic states in the Pacific Ocean. Its location is halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, east of the international date line. This country has the second largest Polynesian population of about 190,000 people.

Samoa's economy has traditionally depended on fishing and agriculture. More recently, tourism and the banking sector are contributing to the economy.

New Zealand administered Samoa until its independence in 1962. The government of Samoa is a republic. A legislative assembly (elected by popular vote) elects a chief of state to serve a 5-year term. The chief of state appoints a prime minister to be head of government, on approval by a legislative assembly.

Until 1965, Samoa officially discouraged the tourist industry. After that time, however, the Samoan government actively developed policies to encourage tourism. Visitors can enjoy beaches, traditional villages, and a relaxed pace of life.

Currency	WST: Tala
Language	Samoan and English
Capital	Apia
Recent Alerts	1
Latest Alert	July 09, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Samoa (12 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Samoa. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Samoa through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Samoa.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Samoa, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Dengue Fever Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Samoa in the past.
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning This kind of marine seafood toxin poisoning occurs sporadically in Samoa.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Rabies Rabies may be present in bats.
Yellow Fever There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Zika Fever There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Samoa.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Samoa.

None required.

Safety and Security in Samoa

Emergency Numbers

995

996

994

Personal Safety

Both petty crime, such as pick-pocketing, and violent crime occur in Samoa. Travellers should maintain vigilance, avoid showing signs of affluence, such as expensive clothing, and ensure their personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times.

There are many stray dogs in Samoa. Travellers should avoid these dogs and not feed them as they can be unpredictable and dangerous.

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Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

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Updated: July 12, 2021