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9,791 mi away
£1 WST 3.69
Today
11:23 pm
+13h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Samoa
Samoa
29°
Moderate drizzle
Sat
27°
29°
Sun
27°
29°
Mon
27°
29°
Tue
28°
30°
Wed
29°
30°
Thu
28°
29°
Fri
28°
29°
SPF level in Samoa
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Samoa
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Samoa without a visa for up to 60 days.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
You must be able to show an onward or return ticket to enter.
You must have proof of sufficient funds, such as a bank statement, for entry.
You must have confirmed accommodation, like a hotel booking, to enter.
Good to know:
If flying from Samoa to American Samoa, you must pay a departure tax of 40 Samoan tala.
Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 20,000 talas or more when entering.
Safety in Samoa
Tips when travelling
Samoa is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not leave your belongings unattended and use hotel safes for passports and valuables.
Dress modestly in towns and villages as swimwear elsewhere is likely to receive negative attention.
Drinking alcohol in public is illegal except at bars or restaurants and the legal drinking age is 21.
Take local advice before swimming or surfing due to powerful currents and hazardous reef breaks.
You must buy a temporary driving permit with your UK licence to drive, valid for up to 90 days a year.
Bonus tips:
Many UK mobile phones may not work, so you may need to buy and register a local SIM card.
Keep your distance from stray dogs, which are common and can become aggressive.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Samoa
A UK driving license is accepted for a short tourist visit. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
80 km/h
Urban speed limit
40 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Health in Samoa
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. Check that your policy covers all the activities you plan to do in Samoa. You should seek medical advice from your GP prior to travelling.
No vaccinations required
Medical facilities in Samoa are limited, particularly outside of Apia. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. There are risks of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue Fever and Zika Virus. Consider consulting your GP or a travel clinic for vaccinations and advice. Tap water is generally not safe to drink; bottled water is recommended.
Cards & payments
Limited
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Samoa
Tipping is not customary in Samoa, and service charges are generally not added to bills. While not expected, small tips for exceptional service are appreciated.
Restaurant
Not customary. 5-10% for exceptional service.
Bar/Café
Not customary. Rounding up is appreciated.
Taxi
Not customary. Rounding up is appreciated for good service.
Hotel Porter
WST 2-5 per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
WST 5-10 per day
Tour Guide
WST 10-20 for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Roaming charges can be very high in Samoa. Check with your UK mobile provider for specific rates and consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates. EU roaming regulations no longer apply post-Brexit.
Local SIM
10 GB for 50 WST (~£14)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Samoa
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type I
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Limited
Average speed
10 Mbps
Wi-Fi is available in some hotels, cafes, and restaurants primarily in Apia, but coverage can be limited and speeds may vary. Consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan for more reliable internet access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Samoa
Country code
+685
To call the British High Commission in Apia from the UK, you would dial 00 685 21701.
To call Samoa, you'll need the country code 685. When calling from abroad, first dial your country's exit code, then 685, and finally the local number. Mobile coverage can be limited in some areas.
Languages in Samoa
UK Embassy
British High Commission Apia
c/-Level 2, SNPF Plaza, Beach Road, Apia, Samoa
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Samoa
Beaches in Samoa
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can enter Samoa for tourism purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. You may need to show proof of onward travel.
Samoa is generally a safe country to visit. Petty crime can occur, so take precautions against theft. Be aware of potential natural disasters such as cyclones and tsunamis, especially during the rainy season (November to April), and follow local advice.
The best time to visit Samoa is during the dry season, from May to October. The weather is less humid and there is less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The rainy season is from November to April, and the weather can be more unpredictable.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. Loose cotton or linen clothing is ideal. When visiting villages or religious sites, dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees). Swimwear is appropriate for beaches and resorts but not in public areas.
Samoan culture is based on 'Fa'a Samoa,' the Samoan way. Respect is highly valued; ask permission before taking photos of people or entering private property. Participate in the Ava ceremony if offered. Sundays are typically reserved for church and family activities; many businesses are closed.
Try traditional Samoan dishes like 'umu' (food cooked in an underground oven), 'oka' (raw fish marinated in coconut cream), and 'palusami' (coconut cream baked in taro leaves). Fresh tropical fruits are abundant. Bottled water is recommended over tap water.
While Samoa is generally safe, be cautious of overly friendly individuals offering unsolicited help, as this could be a tactic to scam tourists. Agree on prices for taxis and services in advance to avoid being overcharged. Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas.
Taxis and buses are available, but bus services can be infrequent and not always reliable. Renting a car is a good option for exploring the islands, but be aware that driving conditions can vary. Inter-island ferries connect Upolu and Savai'i.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.