Briefing de orientación en Samoa

Los primeros colonos austronesios llegaron a Samoa alrededor del año 1000 a. C., y los primeros samoanos comerciaron y se emparentaron con la nobleza fiyiana y tongana. Se desarrolló el sistema de títulos y nobleza conocido como fa’amatai, que domina la política samoana hasta el día de hoy; todos los escaños del parlamento, salvo dos, están reservados para los matai, o jefes de familia. Un explorador neerlandés fue el primer europeo en avistar las islas, en 1722. Los misioneros cristianos llegaron en la década de 1830 y fueron seguidos por una oleada de colonos e influencia estadounidenses y europeos. En la década de 1880, Alemania, el Reino Unido y Estados Unidos tenían puestos comerciales y reclamaban partes del reino. En 1886 estalló una guerra civil que duró ocho años, en la que facciones rivales de matai se disputaban la sucesión real, y las tres potencias extranjeras apoyaban a las distintas facciones. Alemania, el Reino Unido y Estados Unidos enviaron buques de guerra a Apia en 1889 y estuvieron cerca de entrar en conflicto, pero un ciclón dañó o destruyó los barcos de las tres marinas.

Al término de la guerra civil, en 1894, Malietoa LAUPEPA fue instalado como rey, pero tras su muerte, en 1898, estalló una segunda guerra civil por la sucesión. Cuando la guerra terminó, en 1899, las potencias occidentales abolieron la monarquía, cediendo las islas samoanas occidentales a Alemania y las islas samoanas orientales a Estados Unidos. El Reino Unido renunció a sus reclamaciones sobre Samoa y recibió antiguos territorios alemanes en las Islas Salomón.

Nueva Zelanda ocupó Samoa durante la Primera Guerra Mundial, pero fue acusada de negligencia y se enfrentó a la oposición de muchos samoanos, en particular de un movimiento político organizado llamado Mau (“Opinión firmemente sostenida”), que abogaba por la independencia. Durante la pandemia de gripe de 1918-1919, murió cerca del 20 % de la población. En 1929, la policía neozelandesa disparó contra una multitud de manifestantes pacíficos del Mau, matando a 11 personas, en un suceso conocido como Domingo Negro. En 1962, Samoa se convirtió en la primera nación polinesia en recuperar su independencia como Samoa Occidental, pero eliminó la palabra “Occidental” de su nombre en 1997. El Partido de Protección de los Derechos Humanos dominó la política desde 1982 hasta que el Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST), partido de la primera ministra FIAME Naomi Mata'afa, obtuvo la mayoría en las elecciones de 2021.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. 

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator  
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage 
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism  

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.      

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Samoa 

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Samoa, attacks cannot be ruled out. 

Crime 

The level of serious crime is low, and incidents of petty theft are uncommon and opportunistic.   

Do not leave your belongings unattended. Use hotel safes or deposit boxes for passports and valuables. 

Laws and cultural differences  

Dress code 

Local communities expect you to dress modestly when visiting towns and villages. Swimwear is acceptable on the beach or by streams and waterfalls, but anywhere else it is likely to receive negative attention. 

Mobile phone coverage 

Phone coverage in rural areas and outlying islands can be limited or non-existent. Many UK mobile phones do not work, as your provider may not have an international roaming agreement in Samoa.  

You can buy Vodafone and Digicel SIM cards at the airport and at convenience stores and supermarkets. You must register your SIM card if you buy it locally. 

Alcohol laws and bans 

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public except at bars or restaurants. The legal drinking age is 21. 

Illegal drugs and prison sentences 

Possession of illegal drugs carries a possible 14-year prison sentence. 

LGBT+ travellers 

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Samoa and same-sex marriage is not recognised. Showing affection in public is likely to receive negative attention.  

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers. 

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  

Swimming and surfing safety 

Samoa’s tides can produce powerful currents in ocean lagoons. Take local advice before swimming. There have been fatal accidents at popular beaches.  

Many waves break directly on to reefs and the currents can be harsh. Take local advice before surfing.  

For more advice, see water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society. 

Scuba diving 

Dive companies and tour operators may have limited resources and do not always observe safety and maintenance standards.  

Check that your travel insurance covers you and see if the policy has conditions – for example, using a qualified instructor.  

Ask the dive operator about the safety procedures they use. If you’re not satisfied, use a different provider. 

Stray dogs 

Stray dogs are common in Apia and in many villages. They can become aggressive if you approach them or if they feel threatened. There have been cases of attacks by dogs. Keep your distance when cycling or walking. 

Transport risks  

Road travel  

If you are planning to drive in Samoa, see information on driving abroad.  

To drive in Samoa, you must buy a temporary driving permit, which requires your UK driving licence. Car rental companies will help you with this. You can use the permit for up to 90 days a year. To drive for a longer period, you must get a Samoan driving licence. 

The speed limit is 40kmph in towns and villages and 56kmph outside. If you have an accident, you must report it to the police within 24 hours. When driving near villages watch for children and animals on the roads. Avoid driving at night as roads are poorly lit and any hazards make driving very dangerous. 

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. 

Earthquakes and tsunamis 

Samoa is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, an active zone where earthquakes and tremors are a constant risk. The last major earthquake was in 2009.  

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake and resulting tsunamis. 

Tropical cyclones 

The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to the end of April, but most rain falls from December to March. Higher rainfall inland can cause flooding. Monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization, the Samoa Meteorology Division or the Fiji Meteorological Service.   

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 

• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation  

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Call 911 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Samoa 
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page  

See what health risks you’ll face in Samoa, including:  

• Zika virus 
• dengue take precautions against being bitten by mosquitos

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Healthcare in Samoa 

If you have a medical emergency, evacuation to Australia, New Zealand or Hawaii is likely to be the only option for treatment.  

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. 

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.