Destinations / Samoa
Driving in Samoa as a visitor
Yes, and a local permit too. Samoa switched to driving on the left in 2009; an IDP is advised with your home licence, and a local temporary permit may be required.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Samoa expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 994 (police), 996 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 56 km/h (35 mph) open roads |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | Local rules |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in WST. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Speed | Low speed limits in villages. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Roads | Watch for pedestrians and pigs on roads. |
On the road in Samoa
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold at attended stations clustered in and around Apia and near Faleolo Airport; prices are in Samoan tala and rose sharply through 2026 (petrol about WST$3.51/litre by mid-2026). Fill up before long Savai'i or rural trips as stations are sparse outside town.
After a crash
Dial 911 for police, ambulance or fire (+685 911 from a mobile); for any injury or significant damage stop, do not move vehicles, and report to police, as a report is required and at-fault liability can be taken seriously in villages.
Sources: samoa.travel · samoapocketguide.com · samoa.travel · samoaglobalnews.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Samoa?
Yes, and a local permit too. Samoa switched to driving on the left in 2009; an IDP is advised with your home licence, and a local temporary permit may be required.
Which translation format is used for Samoa?
Samoa uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Samoa ask for a translation?
Apia desks may issue a local temporary permit; an IDP helps.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Samoa?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Oceania
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.