Samoa
VERIFIED · MAY 202621 ENTRIESOTHER
Samoa is in Other. Review the laws below before your trip — every entry has a source link, and the verdict layer is sorted worst-first.
HEADS UP
Polynesian nation. Drug penalties strict. Same-sex relations criminalized but rarely enforced. Sunday observance strict. Conservative dress in villages.
DO NOT BRING
Drug trafficking · Same-sex relations (on books)
Medications
4 entriesSubstances
5 entriesItems
3 entriesActivities
4 entriesDigital
3 entriesCOMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
- Samoa (the country) is distinct from American Samoa (US territory) — different laws, different time zone.
- Sunday observance varies by village — some are very strict, others tourist-resort permissive.
JURISDICTION NOTES
- Village fono (council) rules apply to visitors in many areas — Sunday observance, dress, and entry times are enforced locally.
- Samoa changed time zones in 2011 — now east of the date line, aligned with NZ instead of US Samoa.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Last verified · May 2026
Information only. Not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies — consult a qualified attorney for your jurisdiction before acting.