Samoa
Travel Destination – Samoa
Samoa is a South Pacific island nation characterised by volcanic landscapes, coastal villages, and dynamic tropical rainforests. Travel is often centred around Upolu and Savai’i, where visitors experience a combination of beachside accommodation, cultural village life, and natural attractions such as waterfalls, lava fields, and coastal lagoons.
Tourism infrastructure is modest but well-established in main visitor areas, with smaller-scale accommodation and a slower-paced environment compared with larger international destinations. Healthcare services are available in main population centres, particularly Apia, while more remote areas may have limited access to medical care, making preparation and planning an important part of travel.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Before travelling to Samoa, it is recommended to review routine immunisations and ensure they are up to date, particularly for diseases that still circulate internationally. Depending on travel plans, duration of stay, and activities such as rural travel or water-based recreation, additional vaccines may be considered following medical advice. Consultation with a travel doctor is advised ideally six to eight weeks prior to departure to allow for multi dose vaccinations. However, a last minute appointment can still provide travel safety recommendations and ensure scripts and medication supply is adequate.
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended, including evacuation support where appropriate, as specialist care may not always be locally available. Travellers should also plan for tropical conditions, including sun protection, hydration strategies, and protection against insect exposure.
Insect avoidance
Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and Zika virus occur in the region, with risk influenced by rainfall patterns and local mosquito activity. Exposure can occur in both coastal and inland environments, particularly around vegetation, standing water, and shaded outdoor areas.
Protection is most effective when used consistently. This includes applying insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wearing light long-sleeved clothing during peak biting times, and using accommodation with screens, fans, or air conditioning where possible. Travellers spending time outdoors, particularly in rural or coastal areas, should take additional precautions, as mosquito exposure can occur throughout the day in shaded or humid environments.
Food and water hygiene
Food in Samoa often features fresh seafood, tropical fruit, root vegetables, and traditional island dishes. In established accommodation and restaurants, food safety standards are generally reliable, particularly in main tourist areas.
Gastrointestinal illness is more likely in informal settings or where food has been left unrefrigerated or exposed in warm conditions. Choosing freshly cooked meals served hot, avoiding raw or undercooked foods where possible, and being cautious with buffets or uncovered food can help reduce risk.
Bottled or treated water is widely used by travellers, particularly outside main centres. Maintaining basic hand hygiene before eating is also an important and simple preventive measure.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Samoa?
Hepatitis A
+
Hepatitis A is a food- and water-borne viral infection that targets the liver and spreads when contaminated food, drinks, or unwashed hands are involved in food handling. After an incubation period of five to 50 days, it commonly begins with non-specific symptoms such as tiredness, reduced appetite, nausea, mild fever, and upper abdominal discomfort. Some people later develop jaundice, with yellowing of the skin or eyes and dark urine.
Vaccination is advised for travel to Samoa because exposure can occur not only in urban settings but also in village environments where meals are often shared or prepared communally. A full vaccine course provides durable protection and is well tolerated in most people.
Typhoid
+
Typhoid fever is a systemic bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, transmitted through ingestion of food or water contaminated with human waste. Illness typically develops gradually, with sustained fever, headache, abdominal pain, and marked fatigue, and may also affect bowel habits. Without treatment, infection can persist for weeks and may require antibiotics and medical care.
Vaccination is particularly relevant for travellers staying in rural villages, visiting friends or family, or participating in communal or home-prepared meals where food and water controls may be less consistent. The vaccine reduces risk but does not eliminate it, so hygiene measures remain essential.
Measles
+
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness spread through the air, causing fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a blotchy rash spreading from the face downward. Samoa has a profound history with this disease, whereby a 2019 outbreak caused over 5,700 cases and 83 deaths, mostly in young children. The country takes measles prevention at its borders very seriously as a result.
In response to a recent rise in regional measles cases, the Samoa Ministry of Health now strongly advises all travellers aged 12 months and over to have received at least one dose of a measles-containing vaccine at least 14 days before arrival. Australian travellers born during or since 1966 require two documented doses of MMR vaccine. A travel doctor can confirm whether your vaccination history meets current advice.
Routine vaccinations
+
Before travelling to Samoa, confirm that routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio. If travelling to a destination where medical facilities may be limited, a tetanus booster is recommended if the last dose was more than ten years ago, even if five doses have previously been given. Some travellers may also need vaccines for hepatitis B depending on their activities and length of stay. A travel health consultation is the best way to identify any gaps and tailor recommendations to your individual itinerary and health history.
Samoa
Other health risks in Samoa
Gastroenteritis
+
Samoan cuisine is a delicious blend of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, root vegetables like taro and breadfruit, and traditional earth-oven cooking known as umu, well worth exploring during your visit.
While food safety standards are generally reasonable in tourist areas, gastroenteritis remains one of the most common health concerns for travellers. It is typically caused by bacteria or viruses in contaminated food or water, and symptoms usually develop within 24 to 72 hours, including diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
Tap water in Samoa is usually treated but is not always reliable, particularly in rural areas, and heavy rain can affect water quality. Drinking bottled or filtered water, washing hands thoroughly before eating, and choosing freshly prepared, hot food all significantly reduce risk. Most cases resolve within a few days with good hydration, whereby oral rehydration solutions can be helpful. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by blood.
Dengue
+
Dengue is a significant health risk in Samoa and outbreaks occur regularly. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue; in some cases it can progress to serious illness. The mosquitoes responsible bite primarily during daylight hours, making insect repellent important at all times of day, not just at dusk.
There are no specific treatments for dengue, so mosquito bite prevention remains the most important protective measure. Prevention includes using repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, wearing long clothing, and staying in screened accommodation.
Zika virus
+
Zika is a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes mild fever, rash, joint pain, and sometimes red eyes.
The primary concern with Zika is its association with serious birth defects, particularly microcephaly, when infection occurs during pregnancy. Pregnant travellers, or those planning to become pregnant, should seek specialist advice from a travel doctor before visiting Samoa.
As Zika can also be transmitted sexually, returning travellers should follow current Australian health guidelines regarding prevention of sexual transmission after travel to a risk area.
Tuberculosis
+
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sings. TB primarily affects the lungs and causes persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
Samoa has a relatively low estimated TB incidence rate compared to other Pacific island nations, with cases declining significantly over recent decades. The risk to most short-term travellers is low. However, those spending extended periods in Samoa, working in healthcare or community settings, or living in close contact with local populations face a higher risk of exposure.
Travellers in higher-risk categories should discuss TB screening before and after travel with their doctor, and anyone who develops a persistent cough or unexplained fever after returning from Samoa should seek prompt medical review.
Non-infectious conditions
Crime and unrest
+
While the overall crime rate in Samoa is not high, crimes including robbery, assault, and theft from vehicles and accommodation can occur. Travellers are advised to avoid going out alone at night, particularly in downtown Apia and harbour-front areas. Keep valuables secure, avoid displaying signs of wealth, and book transport through your hotel where possible. Civil unrest is rare, though demonstrations can occur around election periods. Avoid any protests and follow local authorities' advice.
Refer to the Australian Government's Smartraveller website before and during travel for current safety information.
Deep vein thrombosis
+
While flights to Samoa from Australia are shorter than many long-haul routes, any period of prolonged sitting, whether on an aircraft or during road travel on the islands, can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when reduced movement slows blood flow, allowing clots to form in the deep veins of the legs. To reduce risk, move regularly, perform simple seated leg exercises, and stay well hydrated throughout your journey. Travellers with additional risk factors such as a history of blood clots, recent surgery, pregnancy, or use of hormonal contraception should seek personalised advice from a travel doctor, who may recommend below-knee compression stockings.