CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Samoa

1. RECENT UPDATES

A Travel Warning has been removed from this report.

Section 2 has been updated (warning removed - tsunami).

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Samoa

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians in Samoa are advised to avoid the region directly affected by the recent tsunami (the area around Lalomanu on the south-east coast of Upolu island) since tourist facilities have been destroyed as well as homes and infrastructure, and they risk interfering with reconstruction work.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Petty crime occurs and some incidents of violent crime have been reported. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure your personal belongings and passport are secure.

Stray dogs are a problem in Samoa. Travellers should not approach or feed them as they can become aggressive.

Tidal changes can cause powerful currents in the many coastal lagoons that surround the islands, and several fatal swimming accidents are recorded each year. Consult local residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and on safe swimming areas.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Samoa. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the High Commission of Samoa, for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Samoa. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. An onward or return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay are also required. Visitors may extend their stay beyond 60 days by applying at the local Immigration Office.

You are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination if arriving from infected areas.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays less than 60 days)
Business Visa: Not required (for stays less than 60 days)
Student Visa: Required (Temporary resident permit)

More information on visas can be obtained from the Government of Samoa Web site.

A tax of WST 40 is required upon departure. Children under 2 are exempt.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

There is no resident Canadian government office in Samoa. Canadians in Samoa can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Australian High Commission in Apia (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement).

Samoa - APIA, Australian High Commission
Address: Beach Road, Apia, Samoa
Postal Address: P.O. Box 704, Apia,
Tel.: 68 (5) 23 411
Fax: 68 (5) 23 159
Internet: http://www.samoa.embassy.gov.au

The High Commission of Canada in Wellington, New Zealand, has consular responsibility for Samoa.

New Zealand - WELLINGTON, High Commission of Canada
Address: 125 The Terrace, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Postal Address: P.O. Box 8047, Wellington 6143, New Zealand,
Tel.: 64 (4) 473-9577
Fax: 64 (4) 471-2082
E-Mail: wlgtn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.NewZealand.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Australian High Commission in Apia and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

The authorities in Samoa have implemented screening measures at airports in response to the H1N1 Flu Virus outbreak.

The telephone number for the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital is 21212. Cases of dengue fever have been reported. Residents and travellers are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from contracting dengue fever by using mosquito repellent (containing DEET), and avoiding swampy or low lying areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent. People experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

There are strict regulations on the importation of firearms, fruits, pets and drugs.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Since Septembre 2009, traffic drives on the left. Most main roads on the two main islands of Upolu and Savaii are paved. Buses and taxis are available. Night driving is not recommended. Roads in Samoa often traverse small streams. Exercise caution when going through these streams. There is a ferry service between Upolu and Savaii.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, but a temporary local drivers licence can be obtained on arrival at the airport (Polynesian Explorer office).

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the tala (WST). Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club) are accepted at most large hotels and some restaurants and stores.

Traveller's cheques are widely accepted at major banks and hotels. Automated banking machines are located in and around Apia, with one on Savaii.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Samoa is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Australian High Commission in Apia (see section 5 above) in the event of an emergency.

Samoa is subject to Cyclones. The rainy season extends from November to April. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

On September 30, 2009, a major earthquake occurred off the coast of Samoa, triggering a tsunami that hit the southern and eastern coastlines of Samoa. The tsunami killed and injured several people and caused extensive damage to infrastructure.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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