Samoa

Samoan and English are the official languages. English is widely spoken in Apia and in tourism and business. In small villages you will hear mostly Samoan. A few Samoan words are appreciated, especially the greeting talofa.

• Water: The tourism authority advises drinking bottled water, which is cheap and easy to find.
• Mosquitoes: Dengue and chikungunya may be present, and Zika is considered a risk. Use repellent and a mosquito net where offered.
• Medical care: Healthcare is limited. In a serious emergency, evacuation to Australia, New Zealand or Hawaii may be the only option. Buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
• Vaccines: Ask a travel clinic which vaccines you need, ideally at least 8 weeks before travel.
• Wildlife: There are no dangerous land animals. In the sea, do not touch marine life, as some species are poisonous.

Samoa is an independent country. It is separate from American Samoa, which has its own entry rules.

• Visa: Citizens of many countries can visit without a visa for up to 60 days, according to the official tourism site. Some other sources say 90 days. Check the allowed stay with Samoa immigration or your embassy. Citizens of some countries may need a visa in advance.
• Passport: It must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date.
• Other checks: You need a return or onward ticket. Officers may also ask for proof of funds and of your accommodation.
• Yellow fever: A vaccination certificate is required if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Customs: You must declare food, plants and animal products. Strict rules apply to firearms and drugs.
• Departure tax: Flights to American Samoa may carry a separate departure tax of 40 tala. Check with your airline.
• Official information: Samoa Tourism Authority – arrival information

Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.

• Dress: Dress modestly in villages and at church. Cover your knees and shoulders. Wear swimwear only at the beach or waterfall.
• Village fees: Many beaches, waterfalls and swimming holes are on village land. Expect to pay a small cash fee at the entrance, about WST 5 to 20 per person.
• Ask first: Ask permission before you swim in a village lagoon or take photos of people or homes.
• Evening prayer (sa): Usually between 6 and 7 pm, villages stop for about 10 to 20 minutes of prayer. A bell or shell is the signal. Do not walk or drive through a village during this time.
• In a fale: Take off your shoes before you enter. Do not point your feet at others. Sit cross-legged or cover your legs with a lavalava (sarong).
• Sunday: It is a day for church, family and rest. Most businesses are closed. Move quietly through villages. You are welcome at church if you dress modestly.

On public holidays, shops, offices and many restaurants close, and transport may run less. Sunday works like a public holiday almost everywhere. Most businesses are closed, and fuel stations are often closed too. Buy fuel, cash and food in advance for Sunday, especially on Savai'i.

• By ferry: A daily passenger and car ferry connects Upolu and Savai'i. It leaves from Mulifanua on Upolu and arrives at Salelologa on Savai'i. The crossing takes about 60 to 90 minutes and passes Manono and Apolima. Book car space in advance through the ferry operator or your rental company. Samoa Tourism Authority – ferry to Savai'i
• By car: Renting a car is the most flexible way to see each island. See the driving section for licence and road notes.
• By bus and taxi: Buses and taxis operate on the main islands. Ask your accommodation about routes and prices, and keep small cash for fares.
• By air: The tourism authority lists domestic flights between the islands. Check schedules with the airline, as services may be limited.
• Manono: No vehicles are allowed on Manono. The boat from Upolu takes about 20 minutes, and you explore on foot.

Traditional Samoan food is based on taro, breadfruit, coconut, fish and pork. Much of it is cooked in an umu, an earth oven with hot stones. Families often share an umu meal on Sunday afternoon. Resorts may serve an umu feast during a fiafia night with music and dance.

Coconut cream is used in many dishes, including taro leaves cooked in coconut milk (palusami). Canned corned beef (pisupo) is common with rice. Tropical fruit is easy to find. Restaurants in Apia serve a mix of local, Asian and Western food. Away from Apia, meals are often at your fale or a small local shop.

Upolu

• Apia: The capital and the base for most trips. The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, in the former home of the Scottish writer at Vailima, lies inland. A steep trail from there climbs Mount Vaea to his grave.
• Papase'ea Sliding Rocks: Natural rock waterslides in the rainforest near Apia. An entry fee applies.
• South coast and east: To Sua Ocean Trench is a large sea-fed swimming hole on the south coast. Lalomanu, on the east coast of Upolu, is known for beach fales. It is about 1 hour 15 minutes by road from Apia.
• North-east: Fagaloa Bay is on the north-east coast of Upolu, in the Va'a-o-Fonoti district.

Savai'i

• Savai'i island: Samoa's largest island. Salelologa, the ferry town, is at the east end. It has fewer people and less development than Upolu.
• Alofa'aga Blowholes: Waves force water through lava tubes to shoot up from the coast, reached through Taga village. Rocks are wet and slippery, and the area has no fence. A village entry fee applies.
• Mu Pagoa and Mauga Silisili: Mu Pagoa is a waterfall in the Palauli area. Mauga Silisili is Samoa's highest peak.
• Saleaula lava fields: Solid lava left by eruptions of Mt Matavanu from 1905 to 1911.

Small islands

• Manono and Apolima: Two small islands between Upolu and Savai'i. Manono is reached by a short boat ride from Upolu and has no vehicles. Apolima is smaller and more remote.