Travel Vaccines and Advice for Samoa
Samoa’s closest neighbors are Australia, New Zealand, and the American state of Hawaii.
The channel of islands were discovered and settled just 3,500 years ago. The Lapita people wasted no time in created a unique language and culture all their own. In those hundreds of years, the fa’a Samoa culture has not wavered even after European influence.
This dense culture is one of the many things that draws visitors to its shores. It’s shores, in fact, are another thing that pull people in. Samoa’s many beaches and cultural experiences provide a balanced trip for all.
Do I Need Vaccines for Samoa?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Samoa. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Samoa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Samoa |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Samoa |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Dengue is present in Samoa. Make sure you’re protected from mosquito bites with repellent or netting.
Traveller’s diarrhea is another risk in Samoa and throughout the world. A traveller’s diarrhea kit is recommended for all travellers.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Samoa
“Great service and very convenient. Walked us through the issues we could face on our trip and recommended course of action to protect our selves while in Samoa. Provided us with the drugs we required so did not need to return or go to a drug store. Very knowledgeable and helpful.”
“It was very good experience. The nurse was very knowledgeable and clearly explained all of the possible vaccines and what I should do to protect myself in Samoa.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Samoa?
Citizens from all countries (including Canada) are allowed to travel to Samoa for up to 60 days without a visa as long as they have a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward ticket, copy of a bank statement, no record of deportation from other countries, no history of criminal charges, and no health issues that would hold a risk for Samoa.
Samoa Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Samoa? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Samoa and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Samoa?
As a channel of islands near the equator, Samoa’s climate is tropical. It is hot and humid with temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s. Breezes cool the eastern and south-eastern parts of the island channel.
Samoa has a wet season and a dry season. The dry season runs from May to October and the wet season runs from November to April.
How Safe is Samoa?
Samoa is a relatively safe country. Petty theft and robberies are common in some areas. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid travelling at night.
Other violent assaults, like sexual assaults, are rare in Samoa, but do occur. Always be cautious especially when visiting Apia’s downtown nightlife. Alcohol can cause situations to escalate and turn violent. Make sure to always keep your wits about you.
Protests, road blocks, and hostility can arise because of ongoing disputes between villages and the government. of Samoa and the country’s central government. Keep an eye out for early signs of demonstrations forming around you. Remove yourself before things become violent.
See the To Sua Ocean Trench
As a channel of islands, Samoa has many incredible sea sights and water activities to be enjoyed. One of the most unique of these features is actually hidden deep in Samoa’s dense jungle. The To Sua Ocean Trench is what the name translates to, a giant swimming hole.
To Sua is a 30-meter deep swimming hole that is full of clear salt water. Visitors can swim in this water after climbing down a long ladder to a wooden diving platform. This unique feature of Samoa was formed naturally by an ancient lava tube cave.
What Should I Take to Samoa?
Be sure to take these key items with you on your trip to Samoa:
- Modest Clothing – Samoa’s culture is traditional, especially in the villages. Dress as modestly as possible within reason. Cover your shoulders when you can and avoid wearing short skirts or dresses.
- Swimsuit Cover – You’ll want to have a coverup for at the beach. Bathing suits are okay to wear when speaking or sunbathing. But, you should cover up before you get there and after you leave.
- Reef Shoes – The beaches are covered with fine sand. But, if you plan on entering the water, you’ll want to be wearing reef shoes. These help prevent cutting your feet on mostly coral shores.
Canadian Embassy in Samoa
Canada does not have its own representation in Samoa, so consular services are provided through the Australian High Commission.
Once in Samoa, the information for consular assistance is:
Canadian Embassy Apia
Beach Road,
Apia, Samoa
Tel.: 68 5 23 411
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Samoa?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Samoa?
What is the Climate Like in Samoa?
How Safe is Samoa?
See the To Sua Ocean Trench
What Should I Take to Samoa?
Canadian Embassy in Samoa
