Last updated: 23 Oct 2025
Samoa
About
| Samoa offers visitors the chance to experience Polynesia at its most authentic. The capital, Apia, lies on the beautiful north coast of Upolu, the largest and most populous of the country's nine islands. See the tomb of Scottish poet and novelist Robert Louis Stevenson, on top of Mount Vaea, from the lawn of his house near Vailima. Enjoy the many beautiful beaches. Excellent freshwater swimming is possible at Falefa Falls, Fogaafu Falls, Papase'ea Sliding Rock (a rock slide down a waterfall into a deep freshwater pool) and Puila Cave Pool. Boats can be hired for net, spear, deep-sea and snorkel fishing. Visit the Auala Green Turtle Conservation, where guides show you turtles before they are released back into the wild. Surf on waves that break on coral reefs (making Samoan waters suitable for experienced surfers only). In some villages, surfing is not allowed on Sundays. |
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| Capital: | Apia (APW) |
| Currency: | Tala (WST) |
| Language: | Samoan. English is used. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 685 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +13 hours (11 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From last Sunday September – first Sunday April: UTC + 14; (12 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left |
| Best Time to go: | May to October (dry season) |
| Best For: | Island Relaxation , Cultural Exploration |
| Plugs: | 230 volts AC, 50Hz (110 volts AC in some hotels). Angled three-pin plugs are in use as in Australia and New Zealand. |
| Drinking Water: | Bottled water is preferable. Although the water in hotels is generally safe, it is recommended that you boil the water first. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | Tipping is not practiced or expected in Samoa. Dress should be modest. Bathing suits should be reserved for the beach / poolside. Ask permission before photographing locals. Religious and traditional values dominate daily life in Samoa – if visiting rural areas, there may be local customs to which you should adhere. If attending church on Sunday, women are asked to wear a dress or blouse and skirt and men trousers and shirt. Samoans observe a compulsory evening prayer curfew called sa, or sacred, normally between 6-7pm. Visitors should avoid moving through villages during the curfew. Many businesses close on Sundays. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Nude and topless (for women) swimming or sunbathing is prohibited. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Samoa by persons of 16 years of age or more without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 250g of cigars or tobacco • 1L of alcohol • Other goods up to the value of St250 |
| Prohibited Imports: | Firearms, ammunition and drugs. You may only import live animals and plants (including seeds, fruit, soil, etc.) with prior permission from the Director of Agriculture. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1-2; Apr 18-19, 21; May 12; Jun 1; Aug 11; Oct 13; Dec 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1-2; Apr 3-4, 6; May 11; Jun 1; Aug 10; Oct 12; Dec 25-26
Visa Requirements
No visa is required by SA passport holders for a stay of up to 60 days.
Visa information can be found online at: www.mfat.gov.ws/visas
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
- Passport must be valid for 6 months from date of entry
- Return or onward ticket
- Copy of a bank statement
- No record of deportation from other countries
- No health problems that would pose a risk to Samoa
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Canberra, Australia
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio |
