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Asia and Oceania

Samoa

 Flag of Samoa
Still current at: 26 November 2009
Updated: 20 October 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with a minor amendment to the Summary and the Natural Disasters section.  The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

 

Travel advice for this country

Safety and security

Terrorism
 
There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
 
For further information see Terrorism Abroad.
 
Crime
 
The level of serious crime is low, but incidents of petty theft are fairly common.  You should not leave your belongings unattended and should use hotel safes for passports and valuables.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
 
Political Situation
 
Samoa Country Profile
 
Local Travel
 
Road Travel
 
Samoa has recently implemented a policy to switch the side of the road on which vehicles travel from right-side to left-side. As many vehicles currently being driven in Samoa have steering wheels on the left (LHD) care should be taken when driving on the roads. Speed limits should be strictly adhered to.

Night-time driving out of built-up areas should be avoided.  Drivers and pedestrians should be aware that vehicle safety regulations are rarely enforced and traffic violations occur routinely.  Roads in Samoa often traverse small streams, and drivers should exercise extreme caution when crossing these streams.
 
For further information see Driving Abroad.
 
Swimming
 
Tide changes can produce powerful currents in ocean lagoons.  Take local advice on safety before swimming. Fatal accidents have occurred at popular beaches when appropriate precautions have not been taken.

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Contacts

New Zealand, Wellington, British High Commission

Address:

44 Hill Street
Wellington 6011

Mailing Address:
P O Box 1812
Wellington 6140

Telephone:

(+64) (4) 924 2888 - This number is NOT for passport or visa enquiries

Visa - 0900 48472 charges apply
         0800 448 972 charged to your credit card
Passport - 0044 208 082 4727  charged to your credit card
                0900 990 202 charges apply

Fax:

(+64) (4) 473 4982 - Policy/Comms
(+64) (4) 924 2810 - Passports
(+64) (4) 924 2809 - Corporate Services

Office hours:

Office hours: GMT: Sun-Thurs: 2045-0500 (Personal Callers to Consular Section between 2100-0200 only)
Local time: Mon-Fri: 0845-1700 (Personal Callers to Consular Section between 0900-1400 only)

Website: http://ukinnewzealand.fco.gov.uk/en/

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