In contrast to several recent upgrades, the Austrian Foreign Ministry on 19 November 2025 lowered its security assessment for Samoa to Level 1—its safest category—citing stable politics and low crime rates. The change follows Samoa’s ratification of new anti-money-laundering laws that improved international risk rankings and enabled better police cooperation with Australia and New Zealand.
Austrian television producers eyeing Pacific-island backdrops have welcomed the news. ORF’s Natural History Unit is already scouting locations near Apia for a 2026 marine-conservation documentary. Previously, elevated insurance premiums and crew-member waivers made such shoots unviable.
![Samoa Downgraded to Security Level 1, Opening Door for Austrian Film Crews and Sporting Events]()
Sports administrators also see opportunities. The Austrian Rugby Federation, which runs an exchange programme with Oceania nations, plans to send its Under-20 squad for training camps next July. With the advisory downgrade, schools and parents face fewer liability hurdles.
Entry remains visa-free for stays up to 90 days, but passports must be valid six months beyond departure. The Foreign Ministry notes that electronic Austrian ID cards are not accepted, so travellers must carry physical passports. Medical facilities are basic; BMEIA recommends comprehensive health insurance with medevac coverage to New Zealand.
Austrian businesses involved in eco-tourism should still factor long transit times via Sydney or Auckland into duty-of-care plans. However, the lower risk rating will simplify corporate approvals and could boost Austrian visitor numbers from the current annual baseline of roughly 800.
Austrian television producers eyeing Pacific-island backdrops have welcomed the news. ORF’s Natural History Unit is already scouting locations near Apia for a 2026 marine-conservation documentary. Previously, elevated insurance premiums and crew-member waivers made such shoots unviable.
Sports administrators also see opportunities. The Austrian Rugby Federation, which runs an exchange programme with Oceania nations, plans to send its Under-20 squad for training camps next July. With the advisory downgrade, schools and parents face fewer liability hurdles.
Entry remains visa-free for stays up to 90 days, but passports must be valid six months beyond departure. The Foreign Ministry notes that electronic Austrian ID cards are not accepted, so travellers must carry physical passports. Medical facilities are basic; BMEIA recommends comprehensive health insurance with medevac coverage to New Zealand.
Austrian businesses involved in eco-tourism should still factor long transit times via Sydney or Auckland into duty-of-care plans. However, the lower risk rating will simplify corporate approvals and could boost Austrian visitor numbers from the current annual baseline of roughly 800.
