Welcome to Samoa

An island of genuine hospitality, stunning outdoor adventures and enticing culture, Samoa is a picture-perfect Pacific island getaway. Don’t miss To Sua Ocean Trench, which means “Giant Swimming Hole,” a world-famous natural pool where you can swim and snorkel in a one-of-a-kind setting.

Ride the waterfalls, including the Papase’ea sliding rocks or the spectacular Afu Aau waterfall that plunges to a deep swimming hole. Spend the night in a romantic fale, under a thatched dome roof with no permanent walls, so the great views are always on. And don’t miss Apia’s many markets and food stalls, full of fresh seafood and handicrafts.

Unique Facts

• Samoa is always a day ahead of its closest neighbor, American Samoa, which is 78 miles away.
• Samoa has its own version of cricket, called kilikiti. There are no official team size or gender limits in this version.
• Samoa has a traditional government, but there is also a traditional chief system. There are various chief titles, in charge of village and national matters as well as important ceremonies.
• Tattoos aren’t simply body art in Samoa, they represent spiritual and cultural heritage. Samoans were among some of the world’s earliest tattoo artists. The traditional waist-to-knee tattoo is a rite of passage for men.
• The “umu” is the traditional Sunday meal, enjoyed together by extended family. It is cooked for hours in an earth oven.

Language

Samoa’s official languages are Samoan and English.

When To Go

The best time to go to Samoa is between June and October.

Airports

Pago Pago International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid for six months beyond entry date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays under 90 days

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Samoa: Measles and routine vaccinations. Most travelers should receive Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. Some travelers should receive Hepatitis B and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type I. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Tala

Getting Around

Roads throughout Apia are generally in good condition. Side streets are typically gravel and conditions vary. Roads outside Apia are narrow, winding, steep and poorly lit. Pedestrians and livestock share the roadways. Avoid night driving.

Taxis are widely available. Buses are available as well, but are slow, crowded and undependable. Rental cars are available but roadside assistance is limited.

Driver’s License

A temporary driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

United States Embassy Samoa
ACC Building,
Matafele
Apia, Samoa
Telephone: +685 21436 / 21631 / 21452 or 22696
Business Hours Emergency Telephone: +685 21631 ext. 2222 or +685 777 1776
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +685 777 1776 Please leave a message, and the Duty Officer will return your call
Fax: +685 22030
AmEmbApia@state.gov or ApiaConsular@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Visitor Information Fale
Matafele, Apia, Samoa
Tel: +685 63521; +685 63524
info@samoa.travel

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 911

Safety and Security

The crime rate is moderate in Samoa. Use standard safety precautions. Petty theft is common. Do not leave belongings unattended.