Destinations / Samoa
Driving in Samoa as a visitor
Usually yes. Samoa expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Samoa expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Samoa expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Samoa accept?
Samoa recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Samoa ask for one?
Apia desks may issue a local temporary permit; an IDP helps.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.