Samoa

Översikt

Samoa, officially the Independent State of Samoa, is a country encompassing the western part of the Samoan Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. Samoa consists of the two large islands of Upolu and Savai’i as well as seven small islets. Upolu is home to nearly three-quarters of Samoa's population and its capital city of Apia.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Samoa. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

There is risk of ongoing Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika virus transmission in Samoa. All travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is endemic in Samoa.

Medical facilities in Samoa are limited. Due to the general lack of medicines and supplies, most health clinics are only adequate for routine medical treatment. Medical evacuation to other places will often be required to handle serious illnesses and injuries. It is advisable to acquire a comprehensive travel health insurance before travel, although this insurance is unlikely to cover medical at most facilities as most clinics expect direct cash payments. In emergency, visitors should dial 996 for hospitals and 999 for ambulance services.

Three pharmacies are available on Apia. They are small and inadequately stocked. Travellers should bring their own medications, enough for their stay in Samoa.

Pass

Passports valid for six months beyond the intended stay are required for entry into Samoa. 

Visum

Samoa has a visa waiver program for all travelers, which allows visitors (tourists and business travellers engaged in meetings only) to obtain a sixty-day visitor permit on arrival, provided that they fulfil the entry requirements listed below. Visitors to Samoa must be travelling on a passport that is valid for at least six months.

To be granted the permit on arrival, visitors must be able to show a confirmed return or onward journey ticket; evidence of sufficient funds for the intended period of stay, for example, a copy of a bank statement; accommodation arrangements; no record of deportation from any country; no health problems posing a risk to Samoa; no criminal records with at least one year of sentencing; and that they are not on any alert or warning lists.

Tourist Visa: Visitor Permit on arrival
Business Visa: Visitor Permit on arrival
Student Visa: Required

All visitors must pay 40 Tala of departure tax on departure.

All visitors arriving from countries where yellow fever is present are required to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination.