Published: October 24, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Samoa Travel Advisory and Samoa International Travel Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Samoa
5th Floor, Accident Corporation Building, Matafele, Apia
Tel: +685-21436 / 21631 / 21452 or 22696
After-hour emergencies: +685-777-1776. Hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1700.
The Regional Security Office for Samoa operates out of the U.S. Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand.
OSAC Country Chapter
Samoa does not have an OSAC Country Chapter.
Contact OSAC’s Asia team with any questions.
Samoa Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Samoa.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Apia as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Samoa.
The crime emergency line in Samoa is 911.
Crime: General Threat
Compared to nearby Pacific Island nations, Samoa’s crime rates are relatively low. However, Samoa continues to see a proliferation of property crime and residential break-ins due to economic difficulties.
Most crimes tend to occur in and around Samoa’s capital and largest city, Apia, which acts as the country’s economic and employment center. The most common offenses are burglary, assault, possession of narcotics, and theft from an employer. Some residents in residential neighborhoods outside the city employ a type of countermeasure, such as an alarm system or static/roving guards. Although Samoa has a low level of crime, remain aware of your surroundings, lock your doors at night, and watch your belongings. Incidents of petty theft and robberies are common.
Crime: Areas of Concern
Most crimes in Samoa are crimes of opportunity. Particular care should be taken near Apia’s downtown bars and restaurants, where a number of violent incidents involving foreigners and Samoans have occurred.
Some locals do not drink and consider public drunkenness a crime, especially in more rural areas. Domestic violence and road accidents are common in Samoa.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Samoa.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Apia as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Samoa.
Samoa has no known indigenous or transnational terrorist groups operating within its borders.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Apia as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Samoa. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Samoa has experienced very little political violence, making it one of the most stable island nations in the Pacific.
On August 29, 2025, Samoa held snap elections after a period of political infighting that splinted the ruling FAST party and removed the first female prime minister as the leader of the ruling FAST party. FAST party retained the majority of seats under new leadership. Elections were held without security issues.
Protests & Demonstrations
Protest activity is uncommon. In April 2018, several hundred people gathered to protest the disregard of customary land rights. The constitution provides for the freedoms of assembly and association, and the government generally respects these rights. A Supreme Court ruling stipulates that village councils may not infringe upon villagers’ freedom of religion, speech, assembly, or association. Village councils, however, consistently ignore this ruling.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There are no reports of anti-Western sentiment or criminal activity targeting Americans or U.S. interests.
Law Enforcement
The national police, under the Ministry of Police, Prisons, and Corrections Services, maintain internal security. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. There are no reports of the security forces committing abuses.
The professionalism of the Samoan police is above average in comparison with neighboring Pacific islands. Local chiefs deal with minor crimes; if the crime is severe, local magistrates will call on assistance from central police authorities.
Police Response
Visitors can expect to receive adequate police assistance from local authorities, with no complaints of police harassment reported to any of the respective high commissions or embassies. Police in Apia generally respond quickly to incidents. However, police response outside of Apia is not as quick or reliable.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Urban roads in Apia and the main roads circumnavigating and crossing the island are generally kept in fair condition, although bumps and potholes are common. Side streets tend to be gravel or dirt and their condition varies considerably, particularly during the rainy season when ruts and bumps develop; secondary roads are predominantly dirt and gravel and may be rough and/or overgrown with vegetation. Roads outside Apia are often narrow, winding, relatively steep, with narrow or no shoulders, and poorly lit; they often contain pedestrians and livestock as well as cars. Due to poor and deteriorating road conditions, night driving on unlit rural roads can be dangerous and should be avoided if possible. In 2009, Samoa changed from driving on the right side to the left side of the road. However, some older cars still have the steering wheel on the left side of the car.
Traffic congestion in and around Apia’s Central Business District is a problem, with significant numbers of unlicensed drivers in vehicles that are not roadworthy. Authorities rarely enforce vehicle safety regulations, and traffic violations occur routinely.
Roads in Samoa often traverse small streams. Exercise extreme caution when fording these streams, which can become swollen and dangerous with little warning. Vehicles should never enter a stream if the roadbed is not visible or if the water’s depth exceeds the vehicle’s clearance. If you rent a car, a vehicle with good ground clearance is useful since only the main roads have pavement. Vehicle safety regulations are rarely enforced, and traffic violations occur routinely.
Visit the website of the Samoa Tourism Authority for road safety information.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Taxis are widely available and used by Samoans and visitors alike; some taxis are unlicensed, so you should use care in choosing a taxi and driver. Buses are slow, crowded, uncomfortable, and undependable, and visitors rarely use them.
Aviation Concerns
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Samoa’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Samoa’s air carrier operations.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.
Maritime Security
Although there have been no major accidents involving the ferry service linking Upolu and Savaii, vessels are sometimes overloaded. One of the ferries, a multi-deck, automobile ferry, sometimes transports passengers on its automobile deck. To avoid injury from shifting vehicles, ride only in the passenger compartment, not on the automobile deck during the crossing.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Samoa, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Samoa.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government generally implements the law effectively. There have been isolated reports of government corruption
Health Concerns
The emergency line in Samoa is 911. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Medical and dental care in Apia is inadequate, and the U.S. government routinely medevacs any sick personnel to third countries. Health care in rural areas does not meet western standards; most hospitals and medical professionals will require a cash payment. While adequate health facilities are available in Apia, the U.S. Embassy recommends medical evacuation (medevac) for serious illness or injury. U.S. citizens have lodged a large number of complaints about unethical business practices. Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. Every village district has a medical sub-center.
Generally, hospital staffing is minimal overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions. Depending on the severity of the medical situation, the center evacuates patients to one of the two national hospitals located on Upolu and Savai’i. Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. Hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
Stray dogs wander the streets in Apia, and in many villages. Do not approach or feed them; they can become aggressive in the presence of food or if they feel threatened. There have been several cases of attacks by multiple dogs. Exercise appropriate caution walking, running, or riding a bike near stray dogs.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Samoa. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Strongly consider all routine vaccinations prior to all travel.
In 2019, due to low vaccination rates, Samoa experienced a severe measles outbreak that killed 83 people. Ensure that your measles vaccine is up to date before arriving in Samoa. Review OSAC’s report, Measles Outbreak Impacts Samoa.
The following diseases are prevalent: Dengue, Chikungunya, Leptospirosis, Hantavirus, Tuberculosis, and Zika. Use CDC-recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. All travelers should use chemoprophylaxis, even for short stays.
The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for Samoa: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, and Typhoid, and Yellow Fever.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
There are no unusual issues regarding traveling to Samoa with medications.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless patrons specifically request bottled water. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Environmental Hazards
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Samoa.
The possibility of natural disasters, including cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions are the greatest threats to visitors. Samoa is located in an area of high seismic activity called the “Ring of Fire” and is subject to earthquakes which can trigger a tsunami. Samoa has installed an audible tsunami warning system. To aid in reaction time, local telephones services have also contributed to this system by sending instant messages to all cell phones.
The rainy (or monsoon) season in the South Pacific is from November to April, when strong winds, heavy rains, landslides, and disruptions to services could occur.
The cyclone season typically lasts from November to April. These storms often cause considerable damage. Even smaller cyclones can affect Samoa through heavy downpours, strong and gusty winds with flying objects and uprooted trees. Foggy conditions, flooded roads, and landslides can isolate areas and cut of communications during and after these storms. Additionally, tropical storms can lead to school closures.
Samoa has numerous “blowholes” (lava tubes open to the sea where wave action produces often spectacular geysers). These blowholes are popular tourist attractions. The footing around the mouths of most blowholes is very slippery. To avoid being swept in, you should not approach too closely and should never stand between the opening of the blowhole and the sea.
Monitor local and international weather updates from World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the Samoa Meteorology Division, or the Fiji Meteorological Service.
Review OSAC’s reports, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit and Landslides: What Are They and How to Prepare.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity, while fairly nascent, has increasingly become a priority in Samoa. The Government of Samoa introduced a National Cybersecurity Strategy to enhance cybersecurity in the country. In 2025, Samoa's National Computer Emergency Response Team released an advisory warning of regular cyberattacks perpetrated by a group known as ATP40, calling the group a serious threat to the region. The Samoan government has partnered with Australia to shore up cybersecurity infrastructure and improve resilience to cyberattacks across the country.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
There are no counterintelligence concerns unique to private-sector operations in Samoa. The People’s Republic of China and other countries operate freely in Samoa and contribute a significant amount of money toward infrastructure projects. There is no host nation military or intelligence service which keeps track of counterintelligence threats.
Import/Export Restrictions
Samoan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations about importing or exporting items such as firearms, fruits, pets and other animals, and drugs. Consult with the Samoan Ministry of Customs and Revenue.
There are no known restrictions on the import of satellite phones.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit
