Samoa

Recommended Vaccinations For Samoa

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended by CDC for infants aged 6 to 11 months. According to NaTHNaC, all travellers from American Samoa, aged 6 months and older, are required to be vaccinated before entering Samoa.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Samoa

There are no recommendations for Samoa at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Samoa

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Samoa in the past.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Samoa through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Samoa.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Samoa, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats.

Safety & Security in Samoa

Personal Safety

Samoa maintains relatively low rates of serious crime. Petty theft occurs in tourist areas and busy places, so watch your belongings in public spaces and avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles or accommodation. Violent crime exists but remains uncommon, though residential break-ins have increased in recent years. Most crime occurs in and around the capital Apia, particularly along the seawall near the harbor front and the downtown stretch of bars near Beach Road. Power outages affect street lighting across the country, creating dimly lit areas that present higher risk after dark. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas or near nightclub districts. Stray dogs roam throughout Samoa and can be aggressive. Dog attacks occur regularly in suburban areas and on beaches. Don’t approach or touch dogs, and remain vigilant when walking or exercising. Drink spiking happens at bars and nightclubs. Never leave drinks unattended and watch them being prepared. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic beverages due to methanol poisoning risk.

Extreme Violence

Samoa has no recent history of terrorism and the risk remains very low. The country hosts the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre but experiences minimal organized crime activity. Small-scale drug trafficking involves methamphetamine coming from Asia, the United States, and Latin America en route to Australia and New Zealand, with some cocaine trafficking by organizations based in Hawaii and California. Firearms trafficking occurs on a limited scale, typically associated with gang activity and illicit drug trade rather than common offenses. Violent crime rates stay particularly low compared to regional neighbors. Property offenses and assault represent the most common crimes, with young males accounting for the majority of offenders. Alcohol frequently factors into violent incidents. The homicide rate stood at 3.37 per 100,000 population in 2017. Local observers note concern about increasing frequency of serious crimes compared to past decades, with alcohol, violence, and anger commonly involved. Sexual crimes including rape and incest receive attention from authorities and courts. The country maintains political stability with rare instances of politically motivated violence.

Political Unrest

Samoa experienced a constitutional crisis in 2021 following disputed election results, which courts eventually resolved in favor of the incoming government. The country currently faces internal political tensions within the ruling party that could affect stability, though these remain confined to parliamentary processes. Political demonstrations and peaceful protests occur occasionally, particularly around elections and government formation periods. While protests rarely turn violent, they can draw large crowds and disrupt traffic and public transportation. The 2021 crisis saw threats against political leaders and temporary lockdowns of the parliamentary precinct, representing an unusual departure from normal stability. Historical context shows Samoa fought for independence through the Mau movement in the 1920s-1930s, which faced violent suppression by colonial forces during the 1929 Black Saturday incident. Since gaining independence in 1962, the country has maintained relative political stability, though the 1990s saw protest marches by traditional leaders. Regional political instability affects nearby Pacific nations, with Samoa susceptible to economic stresses and social pressures. The country balances relationships with multiple international partners including China, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Areas To Avoid

Apia presents the highest crime concentration in Samoa. The seawall area adjacent to the harbor front requires particular caution, especially at night, as muggings and robberies concentrate in this location. The downtown stretch of bars near Beach Road also sees higher incidents of crime, particularly affecting women. Avoid shortcuts through narrow alleys and poorly lit streets throughout the capital. Traffic congestion in Apia’s Central Business District can be problematic with many unlicensed drivers and unroadworthy vehicles. Outside of Apia, villages generally maintain traditional social structures that provide natural community oversight. Rural and isolated areas present different risks related to infrastructure rather than crime. Roads in remote locations often lack maintenance, proper lighting, and phone coverage. Some rural areas rely on independent water schemes with basic treatment facilities. Beach areas across both main islands experience strong tidal currents and powerful waves that break directly onto reefs. Several popular beaches have seen fatal swimming accidents. Ocean lagoons can produce dangerous currents with little warning. Beaches remain unpatrolled with no lifeguards present.