There is some risk to your safety in some parts of Samoa and travellers should exercise caution due to the devastating tsunami on 30 September 2009 and potential for earthquake aftershocks. Travellers are advised against all but essential travel to the south coast of Upolu until further notice. Most of Samoa, and particularly the sister island of Savaii, did not suffer damage.

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, care should be taken when driving on the roads.

Travellers should avoid driving out of built-up areas at night.

Most visits to Samoa are trouble-free but incidents of petty theft are fairly common.

Samoa lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and regularly experiences seismic and volcanic activity.

The tropical storm season in Samoa normally runs from November to April.

There is a low threat from terrorism in Samoa. 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.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel