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.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Samoa?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Samoa
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Samoa?
What Is the Climate Like in Samoa?
How Safe Is Samoa?
See Upolu Island
What Should I Take to Samoa?
U.S. Embassy in Samoa
Do I Need Vaccines for Samoa?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Samoa. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Samoa: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- 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. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Chikungunya –
Mosquito –
Few cases reported since 2021. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - 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. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Samoa |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Chikungunya | Mosquito | Few cases reported since 2021. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Samoa |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| 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. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Salmonella Typhi causes typhoid, a severe infection transmitted via contaminated food and water. Vaccination is recommended for travelers and those with elevated infection risks. Practicing proper hygiene and safe food handling can also reduce the likelihood of contracting typhoid.
- Hepatitis A – The hepatitis A virus is highly contagious, primarily transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact. To prevent infection, practice good hygiene and get vaccinated.
- Chikungunya – Chikungunya, spread by infected mosquitoes, can be prevented through mosquito bite prevention and vaccination. The chikungunya vaccine is considered the best form of protection.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly virus transmitted through animal bites, affecting the nervous system. The rabies vaccine, given before or after potential exposure, prevents the virus from developing into active disease. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups like travelers, while post-exposure shots are crucial after suspected rabies exposure.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, primarily spread through blood and bodily fluids. The hepatitis B vaccine, given in a series of injections, effectively prevents the infection, offering long-term protection against this potentially life-threatening disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly infectious diseases that can lead to complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. To combat these threats, vaccination with the MMR vaccine is imperative. This two-dose vaccine not only shields individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Dengue is present in Samoa. Make sure you’re protected from mosquito bites with repellent or netting.
Travelers’ diarrhea is another risk in Samoa and throughout the world. A travelers’ diarrhea kit is recommended for all travelers.
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.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Samoa
Prevent Bug Bites in Samoa
When bitten by bugs, clean the area with soap and water, refrain from scratching, and use over-the-counter remedies. For severe reactions or tick bites, consult a healthcare professional promptly. Following CDC guidelines can help prevent and manage bug bites effectively.
Food and Water Safety in Samoa
Stay healthy overseas by favoring cooked and hot dishes, reputable eateries, and practicing good hand hygiene. Stick to bottled or sealed beverages and use caution with tap water. Enjoy hot drinks and alcohol responsibly. To steer clear of travelers’ diarrhea, follow these strategies: eat safe foods, drink treated water, maintain hand hygiene, consider probiotics, and be discerning about local cuisine.
Infections To Be Aware of in Samoa
- Dengue – Aedes mosquitoes spread dengue to millions globally, prevention is the best defense. The disease can strike multiple times due to its four strains, underscoring the need for mosquito bite prevention like netting and repellents.
- Zika – Zika, transmitted by infected mosquitoes and through sexual contact, can lead to birth defects. Preventing Zika involves using insect repellent, safe sexual practices, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Samoa?
A visa is required for stays over 90 days in Samoa. Passports must be valid at the time of entry into Samoa. Proof of return or ongoing travel may be required at entry.
Samoa Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Samoa? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Samoa and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Samoa?
Samoa is a tropical destination, which means it has warm and humid weather all year round. Samoa has a rainy season from November to April, which means that there will be more rain during those months. Samoa has several popular tourist destinations, including Apia, Savai’i, Lalomanu, and Faleolo. These places have similar weather patterns, with temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees.
If you plan to visit Samoa, you should expect warm and humid weather, so pack light and breathable clothing. You should also bring rain gear if you are traveling during the rainy season. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
Samoa is a beautiful tropical destination with warm and humid weather.
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 traveling 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 Upolu Island
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Upolu Island is a place in Samoa that many tourists visit. People go there because it has beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and forests. The island also has cultural attractions that show traditional Samoan ways.
Visitors can do many outdoor activities, such as hiking, snorkeling, and surfing. Apia, the capital city of Samoa, is also located on Upolu Island. It has many modern amenities, like restaurants and shops, and a fun nightlife.
The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is another popular attraction on the island. It tells the story of the famous Scottish author who spent his last years in Samoa.
The island has a freshwater pool in a cave called Piula Cave Pool, where people can swim and have picnics. Sopoaga Falls is another waterfall on Upolu Island that people like to visit. Lalomanu Beach is also a beautiful beach where people can swim in clear water and walk on white sand.
Upolu Island is a great place for tourists who like nature, culture and outdoor activities.
What Should I Take to Samoa?
Samoa is a tropical island in the South Pacific with beautiful beaches, rainforests and a rich culture.
When packing for a trip to Samoa, it’s important to bring lightweight and breathable clothing, like shorts and t-shirts, as well as swimwear and sunscreen to protect your skin from the strong sun. Mosquitoes are prevalent in Samoa, so insect repellent is necessary. You’ll also need comfortable walking shoes for hiking trails and natural attractions.
Cash is recommended, as not all places accept credit cards. A first aid kit with necessary medications is important. A lightweight raincoat or poncho can come in handy during tropical rain showers. A travel guide or map can help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
U.S. Embassy in Samoa
All Americans visiting Samoa should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
The U.S. embassy in Samoa provides services to Americans who are living or traveling in Samoa. These services include issuing passports, helping people who are victims of crimes, providing information about medical facilities, and offering notarial services. The embassy also provides assistance to Americans who have been arrested or detained.
Once in Samoa, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Apia
5th Floor
ACC Building
Matafele Apia, Samoa
Phone: +685 21436+685 21436 / 21631 / 21452 or 22696
Fax: +685 22030
If you have questions or concerns about the services provided by the U.S. embassy in Samoa, you can contact the embassy directly or visit their website for more information.
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Samoa
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“Great Vaccination Clinic“
“Received our Qatar Vaccinations, the RN was professional and amazing.”
Submitted by: Darlene
★★★★★
“Great Informative Experience“
“The nurse practitioner was very helpful and provided me with a ton of useful information not only pertaining to shots, but about the warnings and risks of Qatar in general. I would recommend passport health to anyone traveling out of the country.”
Submitted by: Ross
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“Our first visit“
“Joan was that wonderful mix of professionalism and compassion. We left with plenty of information and ideas for Evan’s trip to Qatar. We’d be happy to refer friends and business associates to your clinic, should the need arise.”
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“Really a great clinic. I used Passport Health to prepare for a business trip to Qatar and was very pleased with the customer service, friendliness and efficiency of the staff. I recommend this office for anyone needing a quick physical or immunizations for overseas travel.”
Submitted by: Tony
“Received our Qatar Vaccinations, the RN was professional and amazing.”
“The nurse practitioner was very helpful and provided me with a ton of useful information not only pertaining to shots, but about the warnings and risks of Qatar in general. I would recommend passport health to anyone traveling out of the country.”
“Joan was that wonderful mix of professionalism and compassion. We left with plenty of information and ideas for Evan’s trip to Qatar. We’d be happy to refer friends and business associates to your clinic, should the need arise.”
“Really a great clinic. I used Passport Health to prepare for a business trip to Qatar and was very pleased with the customer service, friendliness and efficiency of the staff. I recommend this office for anyone needing a quick physical or immunizations for overseas travel.”
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