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. Travellers should also have the following vaccines up to date: measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) and tetanus-diphtheria.

The following vaccinations are recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Hepatitis B (for those who may have intimate contact with the local people).

Yellow fever certification is required from those travelling from infected areas of Africa or Americas. (see Visa section)

In order to reduce the risk of typhoid and other diseases, avoid drinking tap water or unsealed bottled water. Do not use ice cubes in drinks. Bottled water should only be purchased from reputable places. Be careful when eating seafood since some fish contains poisonous biotoxins even when fully cooked. An example is barracuda.

Bring along an antibiotic and anti-diarrhoeal drug and take at the first sign of diarrhoea.

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-on-arrival scheme, 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 or 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.