Travel Insurance To Samoa

Ten islands of natural beauty and diverse landscapes come together to make up the country of Samoa.

About Samoa

Samoa is located in Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean, and is part of the Polynesia region. It is located halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii and is made up of ten islands. The two main islands of Samoa are Upolu and Savaii, which is the largest Island in the Polynesia. The population of Samoa is around 190,000.

Lush green valleys, rugged mountain peaks and crystal clear waters on the white sandy beaches make it a tropical paradise for visitors and locals alike. Whether you want to explore the waterfalls, caves or lava fields or are interested in experiencing the fascinating culture firsthand, Samoa is a great destination to delight any type of traveller.

 

• Samoans are known throughout Polynesia as the "happy people" because of their enjoyment of life and their good spirit nature
• The island of Savai'i has active volcanoes including Mt. Matavanu, Mata o le Afi, and Mauga Afi.
• Samoa became an independent country from New Zealand in 1962.

 

Overview

Culture is very important in Samoa and traditionally the people stick to a communal way of live, meaning they do most activities together based on the Fa'a Samoa, the unique socio-political culture. Faith, family and music are the main elements that define the culture and houses contain no walls where up to 20 people can be found sleeping together on the ground.

Samoa is special in that even with its stunning landscapes and idyllic beaches, it's still not spoilt by herds of tourist flocking to the area.

 

Getting In

Canadians do not need a visa for stays of less than 60 days. However you will need at least six months validity on your passport. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

 

Exploring

Before driving in Samoa visitors must obtain a temporary driver's licence and these are available from the Apia Post Office, the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure office in Vaitele, the Polynesian Explorer Office at Faleolo airport and from some car hire agencies in Apia. You will need to have your Canadian driver's license.

Insufficient lighting, poor road conditions and poorly maintained vehicles mean that driving in Samoa can be far more dangerous than in Canada. Ferries are also a popular way to get around in Samoa however you should be aware that very rarely they will meet Canadian safety standards and are often over-crowded.

 

Safety & Security

There have been reports of violent assaults and robberies in Samoa and in some cases sexual assault against tourists. You should avoid going out at night by yourself. Burglaries and theft of motor vehicles do occur and in some restaurants and bars in Apia there have been some violent incidents and assaults involving foreigners.

 

Vaccinations

You should always consult with your doctor before any travel overseas. It is recommended to get vaccinated for both hepatitis A and typhoid, as there is a risk of contracting these through contaminated food and water.

 

Weather & Climate in Spain

Samoa has a warm and tropical climate all year around with two distinct seasons- the wet season and the dry season. The wet season is from November to April and the dry season is from May to October. It's best to visit during this dry season. The average daily temperature is 28 degrees.

 

Where To Get Help

Consulary assistance can be found at the following;

 

• High Commission of Australia

Beach Road, Apia, Samoa

Telephone: 68 5 23 411

Canadians can seek assistance from the Australian High Commission under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement.

 

• High Commission of Canada

Level 11, 125 The Terrace,

Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Telephone: +64 4 473-9577

 

• Visitor Infomation 

Matafele
Apia
Samoa
Telephone: +685 635523