Matavai

Passport validity requirements 

To enter Samoa, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements 

You can visit Samoa without a visa for up to 60 days. Border officials will issue a free visitor permit or business visitor permit using your arrival card. You may need to show: 

• an onward or return ticket 
• sufficient funds – a bank statement is acceptable evidence 
• confirmed accommodation such as a hotel booking or letter of invitation 

To stay longer than 60 days, or for work, study or other reasons, apply for a Samoan entry permit. 

Vaccine requirements 

To enter Samoa, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.  

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Samoa guide.  

Departure tax for flights to American Samoa  

If you are flying from Samoa to American Samoa, you must pay a departure tax of 40 Samoan tala.  

Customs rules 

There are strict regulations covering the import of firearms, plant and animal products, pets and recreational drugs. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking money into Samoa 

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 20,000 talas or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it with you.  

Customs rules 

There are strict regulations covering the import of firearms, plant and animal products, pets and recreational drugs. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking money into Samoa 

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 20,000 talas or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it with you.  

Emergency services in Samoa 

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police) 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim 

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding English-speaking lawyers in Samoa 
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime  
• what to do if you’re in hospital  
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. 

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator  
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage 
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences  

Dress code 

Local communities expect you to dress modestly when visiting towns and villages. Swimwear is acceptable on the beach or by streams and waterfalls, but anywhere else it is likely to receive negative attention. 

Mobile phone coverage 

Phone coverage in rural areas and outlying islands can be limited or non-existent. Many UK mobile phones do not work, as your provider may not have an international roaming agreement in Samoa.  

You can buy Vodafone and Digicel SIM cards at the airport and at convenience stores and supermarkets. You must register your SIM card if you buy it locally. 

Alcohol laws and bans 

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public except at bars or restaurants. The legal drinking age is 21. 

Illegal drugs and prison sentences 

Possession of illegal drugs carries a possible 14-year prison sentence. 

LGBT+ travellers 

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Samoa and same-sex marriage is not recognised. Showing affection in public is likely to receive negative attention.  

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.