Overview

Urban roads in Apia and the main roads circumnavigating and crossing the island are all generally kept in fair condition though bumps and potholes are common. Side streets tend to be gravel or dirt and their condition varies considerably, particularly during the rainy season when ruts and bumps develop. Roads outside Apia are often narrow, winding, relatively steep, with narrow or no shoulders, and poorly lighted. Night driving on unlit rural roads can be dangerous and should be avoided if possible. Roads in Samoa often traverse small streams. You should exercise extreme caution when fording these streams, which can become swollen and dangerous with little warning. Vehicles should never enter a stream if the roadbed is not visible or if the water’s depth is more than the vehicle’s clearance. 
 
Taxis are widely available and used by Samoans and visitors alike. However, some are unlicensed, so you should use care in choosing a taxi and driver. Rental cars are available be cautioned that limited roadside assistance is available. Most major roads are tar-sealed, but secondary roads are predominantly gravel and may be overgrown with vegetation a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for travel on these roads.  

 
In September 2009, Samoa switched from driving on the right side of the road (as in the United States) to driving on the left side (as in the United Kingdom).  

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: HQ staff will input a link to section 4.1 Government Contact List here. 

Distance Matrix 

• Requires ferry crossing (2 hours) 

• Requires ferry crossing (2 hours) 

Road Security 

There are no issues for road security in Samoa. 

Weighbridges and Axle Load Limits 

Weight bridges at ports ensure all weight rules are complied with before exiting the port.