Samoa

Samoa

History of Relations

Diplomatic relations were established on 22 March 1998. The South African High Commissioner in Canberra is accredited as non-resident High Commissioner to Samoa. Samoa is generally conservative and pro-Western in outlook with a strong regional focus. It is an active member of the Pacific Islands Forum, the South Pacific Forum and the South Pacific Commission. It has joined the United Nations and is a member of the Commonwealth, G77, IOC and LOME.

Samoa's total land area is about 2 935 sq kms and consists of seven volcanic islands with a population of around 163 500.

For further information on Samoa, go to http://www.govt.ws

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Samoa

H E Mr M C J Van Schalkwyk
Non-resident South African High Commissioner

Accredited from the South African High Commission in Canberra, Australia.

South African High Commission

Samoan Representation in South Africa

No Representatoin

Travel Info

Visa Requirements for South Africans

Refer to the the South African High Commission in Canberra, Australia.

Health Requirements

The preventative measures you need to take while travelling in the South Pacific region depend on the areas you visit and the length of time you stay. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain of these countries if you are coming from a tropical South American or sub-Saharan African country. For detailed information see Yellow Fever Comprehensive Vaccination Requirements.

Recommended vaccines (as appropriate for Age and Area visited)

Hepatitis A or immune globulin(IG)
Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region
As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles, and a one-time dose of polio for adults. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children 11-12 years of age who did not receive the series as infants.

See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect.
For more health information for travellers to the South Pacific, go to http://www.cdc.gov/travel/austspac.htm

Climate Info

Samoa enjoys a year-round tropical climate with an average temperature in Apia (capital) of 27 Degrees C. The average yearly rainfall in Apia is about 290 mm with most rainfall occurring during the wet season from November to April.

For up-to-date weather information, go to www.cnn.com/WEATHER/ or www.wunderground.com.

Currency Info

The Samoan decimal currency is Tala (WST), Tala for dollar and sene for cent (100 sene = WS$1).

For up-to-date information click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No Information

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.

Trade Info

Trade is negligible.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Samoa, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

No Information