Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Samoa. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 90 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
+685 21436 / 21631 / 21452 or 22696; EMER: +685 7771776, please leave a message and the Duty Officer will return your call; U S Embassy Samoa, ACC Building, 5th Floor, Matafele Apia, Samoa; ApiaConsular@state.gov; https://ws.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
685
Local Emergency Phone
999
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Samoa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October)
Currency (Code)
Tala (SAT)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I
Major Languages
Samoan (Polynesian), Somoan/English, English
Major Religions
Protestant 54.9%, Roman Catholic 18.8%, Mormon 16.9%, Worship Centre 2.8%, other Christian 3.6%, other 2.9% (includes Baha'i, Muslim)
Time Difference
UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested; in addition, you will need to get a local permit.
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Palolo Deep National Marine Reserve; Robert Louis Stevenson Museum & Mt Vaea Scenic Walk; Papaseea Sliding Rocks; Piula Cave Pool; Le Pupu-Pue National Park; Lalomanu Beach; To Sua Ocean Trench; Mulivai Cathedral
Major Sports
Rugby, soccer, netball, boxing, kick boxing, wrestling, Kilikiti (similar to cricket)
Cultural Practices
In Samoan culture, most activities are done together. The traditional living quarters, or fale (houses), contain no walls and up to 20 people may sleep on the ground in the same fale. During the day, the fale is used for chatting and relaxing. One's family is viewed as an integral part of a person's life.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not part of Samoan culture. Locals do not tip. Most tourists leave a little tip to wait staff to show their appreciation. Tipping tour guides and drivers is common. Conventionally, 5-10% of the tour price is a good gratuity.
Souvenirs
Shell, coconut, and mother-of-pearl jewelry and decorative items; bone-, turtle-shell-, and kava-wood-carved items; tapa and embroidered cloth goods; spices and tea; woven baskets
Traditional Cuisine
Panipopo — a dessert consisting of buns baked in a sweet and sticky coconut cream sauce
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Monday, October 02, 2023
