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?
Canadian Embassy in Samoa
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: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, 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 travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - 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. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers 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 travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| 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. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers 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 travellers 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.
- 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 travellers, 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.
Travellers’ diarrhea is another risk in Samoa and throughout the world. A travellers’ 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.
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 PHAC 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 travellers’ 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?
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 |
||
| 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?
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 25 to 30 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 travelling 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 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 Upolu Island
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ 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.
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!
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.”
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