Samoa entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at Faleolo International Airport (APW) with your documents and you'll be stamped in. This policy is current for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Samoa | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you plan to leave Samoa. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately in case of loss or theft. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-free entry to Samoa | Immigration officers at Faleolo Airport will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting entry. Budget airlines flying into Samoa enforce this strictly at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to show at immigration | Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Samoa ready. Officers occasionally ask for it if you look unsure about where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is free
Irish passport holders don't pay anything for the visa on arrival. No hidden fees at the airport.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before you board — if it's close, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
All international flights land here. Follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a single hall, not a maze. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready.
2
Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter
Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign. The officer will check your documents, take your passport, and process the stamp. No payment is required — it's free for Irish citizens.
3
Receive your entry stamp
You'll get a stamp valid for up to 60 days. Check the date written in — it's your allowed stay. If you want longer, ask about extensions at the Immigration Office in Apia.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs (usually a quick bag scan). You're in Samoa.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days (non-extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (no fee for Irish passport holders)
Apply at a Samoan embassy or consulate before travel if you prefer a pre-arranged visa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry (non-extendable)
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (no fee for Irish passport holders)
Available for frequent travelers; must apply in advance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 60 days. | Free (no fee charged for Irish passport holders) |
| Stay extensionExtensions are not permitted for visa-on-arrival entries. | Not available |
| Overstay fineOverstaying may result in fines or deportation; avoid overstay. | Unknown (enforced at discretion) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Irish passport holders transiting through Samoa do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use insect repellent and avoid standing water.
Zika virusLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; mosquito avoidance recommended.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food to avoid illness.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Samoa; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for most travelers, but mosquito avoidance is advised.
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
Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Level 1, Government Building, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa inquiries and permits. No extension services for visa-on-arrival holders.
Practical information for IE 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
No. The visa on arrival for Irish citizens is free. There's no fee at the counter.
Up to 60 days. The immigration officer will write the exact date in your passport. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia (costs around 200 WST, roughly €65).
Yes, but you need to apply before your current visa expires. Go to the Immigration Office in Apia (ground floor, Government Building). Extensions are usually granted for up to 30 more days, and cost about 200 WST.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling — no exceptions.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Otherwise, no. Check with your doctor if you're unsure.
Yes, but the visa-on-arrival policy applies at all official ports of entry, including the wharf in Apia. Same rules — passport validity, return ticket, and accommodation proof.
You'll be fined approximately 200 WST per day overstay, and you may be banned from re-entering Samoa for a period. Don't risk it — extend or leave on time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.