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Before you go to Samoa: what to know

Must know

  • Samoa and American Samoa have separate immigration systems; check both if visiting both.

Entry and visas

Samoa Immigration and its high commission describe a 90-day visitor permit available on arrival, subject to onward travel, permission for the next destination, funds and confirmed accommodation. The high commission specifies an exception for US nationals of American Samoa; contact Immigration for that case. Follow the permit actually issued.

Passport validity: Immigration requires six months beyond the intended stay.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: mpmc.gov.ws ↗, samoa.org.nz ↗, samoa.travel ↗

Money

Mostly cash is used. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Carry tala for markets, local transport and village access fees. Resorts may accept cards; ATMs are mainly urban and less frequent on Savai’i.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: samoa.travel ↗

Rules and bans

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Work is not permitted on a visitor permit.
  • Obtain a temporary Samoan driving licence and carry it with your home-country licence.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: mpmc.gov.ws ↗, samoa.travel ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Ask your hosts about local religious customs before visiting sacred places.

Clothing: Dress modestly, particularly in villages and churches.

Etiquette

  • Respect Sunday church, family and rest observance.
  • Avoid passing through villages during the evening prayer observance; follow local signals.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: samoa.travel ↗

Climate

Hot and humid tropical conditions. Wet season generally November–April, with heavier rain most likely December–March.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Wetter season; monitor forecasts.
  • February: Feb: Wetter season; monitor forecasts.
  • March: Mar: Wetter season; monitor forecasts.
  • April: Apr: Wetter season; monitor forecasts.
  • May: May: Outside main wet season; rain still possible.
  • June: Jun: Outside main wet season; rain still possible.
  • July: Jul: Outside main wet season; rain still possible.
  • August: Aug: Outside main wet season; rain still possible.
  • September: Sep: Outside main wet season; rain still possible.
  • October: Oct: Outside main wet season; rain still possible.
  • November: Nov: Wetter season; monitor forecasts.
  • December: Dec: Wetter season; monitor forecasts.

Best season: Consider May–October for relatively drier conditions.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: samoa.travel ↗

What to pack

  • Clothing suited to the local climate
  • Personal medication and copies of travel documents
  • A cash reserve kept separately from cards

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Depending on a single payment method

Practical

Plugs: Confirm socket type and appliance voltage with your accommodation.

Water: Samoa Tourism recommends bottled water.

Traffic: drives on the left

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: samoa.travel ↗, samoa.travel ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.