Samoa entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Australian passport holders can get a visitor visa on arrival in Samoa, valid for up to 60 days. This has been the case for years and remains straightforward in 2026 — just show up at the airport with the right documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Samoa | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you leave Samoa. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Faleolo Airport ask to see a confirmed onward ticket before they stamp you in. This can be a return flight to Australia or a ticket to another country. Budget airlines like Fiji Airways enforce this strictly at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Officers occasionally ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a hotel booking. A printed reservation confirmation or a screenshot of your Airbnb booking works fine. If you're staying with family, have their address and phone number written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Samoa doesn't have a fixed minimum amount, but officers want to see you can cover your stay. Carry a bank statement showing at least 1,000 WST (~$370 USD) per week, or have a credit card with a visible limit. I've never been asked, but a friend was once turned away for having only $50 cash. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is free for Australians
No fee at the airport for stays up to 60 days. Just have your passport and onward ticket ready.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — don't risk it.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
Most flights from Australia land at Faleolo, about 40 km west of Apia. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a single hall, usually quick.
2
Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter
Join the line for 'Visitors' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation details ready. The officer will process your visa — typically takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Pay the visa fee (if applicable)
As of 2026, the visa on arrival is free for Australian passport holders for stays up to 60 days. No payment needed at the counter.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa on arrival)
Australian passport holders get a free 60-day visa on arrival, extendable once for 30 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year
Cost200 WST (~$72 USD)
Available for frequent visitors; must apply at Samoa Immigration.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months
Cost500 WST (~$180 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Samoan company.
retirement visa
Samoa Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay but no work. Requires health insurance.
work visa
Samoa Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
For those with a job offer from a Samoan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test.
investor visa
Samoa Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD initial fee
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in a Samoan business. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Australian citizens receive a free 60-day visa on arrival. | Free (no fee for Australian passport holders) |
| Stay extension (first 30 days)Extensions are possible for up to 60 days total stay. | 100 WST (~$36 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap is 1,000 WST (~$360 USD). | 100 WST (~$36 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Samoa
No transit visa needed
Australian passport holders do not need a transit visa for Samoa. You may transit airside for up to 24 hours without a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsFaleolo International Airport (APW)
Health & vaccines for Samoa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanusEssentialMeasles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in rainy season.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure; avoid swimming in floodwater.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common due to undercooked seafood and street food; practice safe eating.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Apia
Samoa Immigration Office (Head Office)
Level 1, Government Building, Sogi, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Salelologa
Salelologa Immigration Office
Salelologa Wharf, Savai'i
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
For visitors on Savai'i island; limited services.
Practical information for AU travellers
Country basics
CapitalApia
LanguageSamoan, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 30 days.
Money
CurrencySamoan tālā (WST)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2.69 WST
Time zone
Local timeUTC+13
vs New York+18h
vs Los Angeles+21h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I (Australian/New Zealand plug with two flat pins and an earth pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Up to 60 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia — it costs around 200 WST (about AUD 110) and is usually granted for another 30–60 days.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Division in Apia (next to the Central Bank). The fee is approximately 200 WST. Extensions are typically granted for up to 60 additional days, but you must apply before your current visa expires.
Yes, as of 2026, the visa on arrival for Australian citizens is free for stays up to 60 days. No payment is required at the airport.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travelling.
Yes, any onward ticket out of Samoa works — it doesn't have to be back to Australia. A flight to Fiji, New Zealand, or the US is fine.
Yes, the same visa on arrival policy applies at the main port in Apia (Matautu Wharf). However, if arriving by private yacht, you must clear customs and immigration at the port — expect a similar process.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined (around 200–500 WST) and could be banned from re-entering for a period. Always apply for an extension before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.