Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Safety and Security

Petty Crime

Crime in Samoa is low but petty crime is common.

We advise you to take basic precautions while travelling to Samoa:

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafes, train and bus stations.
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.

Demonstrations

Public gatherings and demonstrations may take place from time to time.

We recommend that you stay clear of demonstrations, and should follow the advice of the local authorities.

Nature and Climate

Earthquakes and volcanoes

Samoa is located in a seismically active zone, which can lead to earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Tropical storms and Cyclones

In Samoa, strong winds are expected from the beginning of November to the end of April, some of which can reach cyclone strength. During this time, intense rainfall and subsequent floods and landslides are to be expected.

The climate is tropical. The rainy season extends from November to April and the hot dry seasons occurs from May to October

You are advised to monitor local and international weather updates from World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the Samoa Meteorology Division website or the Fiji Meteorological Service website.

Swimming

Tide changes can produce powerful currents in ocean lagoons. Take local advice before swimming. Fatal accidents have occurred at popular beaches. 

LGBTQI+ Travel

Samoan law criminalizes homosexuality and homosexual relations. If you are convicted, you could face imprisonment.

LGBTQI+ travellers could also be discriminated against or detained based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. They may be charged with crimes against public welfare.

LGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Samoa.

Road travel

Samoa switched to driving on the left in 2009, however, many vehicles still have the steering wheel on the left of the vehicle. You should take care when driving on the roads, observing speed limits.

You should avoid driving at night out of built-up areas. Vehicle safety regulations are not consistently enforced and traffic violations occur routinely.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish passport holders must meet the following requirements for entry to Samoa:

1. Have an onward (or return) ticket to a country you have a valid visa or permit to enter;
2. Possess a passport valid for a minimum of six (6) months after the intended date of departure from Samoa;
3. Have accommodation arrangements;
4. Have documented evidence of sufficient funds for self-support;
5. Have no record of deportation from other countries;
6. Have no health problems that would pose a risk to Samoa;
7. Have no history of criminal charges resulting in a minimum of one year sentencing; and
8. Not appear on any alert or warning lists.

Irish nationals who meet above criteria will be issued a 90 day Visitor’s Permit upon arrival in Samoa.

Health

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for this country. We advise you to take out comprehensive travel insurance before you travel.

Zika Virus

There have been outbreaks of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in Central and South America, the Caribbean and other locations including Samoa. Irish Citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).