Samoa Tours & Vacations

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

For the best weather, we recommend visiting Samoa during the dry season as this is when you'll experience the beaches and vibrant Samoan culture in their full glory. That said, Samoa's dry season coincides with the peak tourist season, so if you're looking for a quieter, more relaxing experience, you might be better off travelling in the shoulder months of May and October when things are still heating up. Travelling in the wet season (November to April) isn't off the cards, but you'll have to be prepared for higher temperatures, humidity and rainfall, and maybe even the occasional cyclone or typhoon.

Samoa boasts warm, tropical weather all year round. Add that to the fact you'll probably spend most of your time relaxing on pristine beaches or in stunning lagoons, you don't really need to pack much! Light, summery clothing, swimwear, sun protective gear and thongs are essential. As are a pair of runners or hiking boots if you intend on walking or cycling along the coast. Here are the essential items to pack for Samoa:

• small backpack for day tours
• camera
• waterproof bag to protect your gear during water activities
• swimwear
• reef-friendly sunscreen
• sunglasses and sunhat
• comfortable walking shoes
• reusable water bottle
• insect repellant
• quick-dry towel
• reef shoes or waterproof sandals
• light sweater for cooler evenings

Tipping isn't expected in Samoa, but if you're particularly happy with a service and you'd like to show your appreciation, a tip will be very welcomed.

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

There are no visa requirements for Samoa if you're visiting solely for tourism or recreation purposes. However, all travellers aged 12 and over will need to pay a departure tax of ST $40.

Nationals from one of the 26 European countries in the Schengen area can enter Samoa visa-free for up to 90 days, while all other foreign nationals can stay for up to 60 days. You will be issued a free visitor permit by an Immigration officer when you arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW).

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 18 August 2022

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Located in the central South Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, the options of getting to Samoa align with its far-flung tropical island aesthetic.

The only way to get there – unless you're travelling on a cruise or a private boat – is to fly.

Faleolo International Airport (APW) is Samoa's main airport, located around 30 kilometres from the capital city of Apia on Upolu.

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to: Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to: US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.