Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Samoa due to COVID-19-related restrictions. 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/
Telephone Code
685
Local Emergency Phone
999
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
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
Shoes should be removed when entering a household.
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: Wednesday, July 20, 2022