Samoa entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
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 visit Samoa visa-free for up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has one blank page for the entry stamp.
Apply for Samoa eVisaOfficial portal: Samoa Immigration Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / Entry permitYou can enter Samoa without a visa for short visits. Visa-free entry | Irish citizens do not need a visa for Samoa for stays up to 90 days. No eVisa application is required. | Not required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well before you travel. At least 6 months | Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Samoa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure you have a free page for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary handy when you arrive. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Samoa within 90 days. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof of money to avoid any questions at the border. Sufficient funds for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Samoa (e.g., bank statements, credit cards). | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out an extra form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Samoa based on current regulations. | Not required |
| Travel insuranceProtect yourself against unexpected costs while abroad. Recommended | Although not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care and trip disruption is strongly recommended for your stay in Samoa. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Samoa enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away at the airport — even if you're just transiting. Check your expiry date well before booking.
No visa extensions
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible deportation. Plan your trip to stay within 90 days.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
Most international flights land here. Follow the signs to immigration — the queue is usually straightforward, but it can get busy when multiple flights arrive together.
2
Present your passport at the immigration counter
Hand over your passport with your arrival card (if given on the plane). The officer will check your passport validity and may ask about your stay. Answer clearly and have your return ticket ready if asked.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter — if anything looks off, ask right away.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any items if required — Samoa has strict biosecurity rules, so don't bring in fresh food or plants.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor permit extension
Max stayUp to 90 additional days (total 180 days)
ValidityGranted at discretion of Samoa Immigration
CostApprox. 200 WST (about €65)
Must apply before initial 90-day period expires; approval not guaranteed
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extension of stay (if needed)Apply to Samoa Immigration before current permit expires | Approx. 200 WST (about €65) |
| Exit feeNo separate departure tax | Included in airfare |
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 (e.g., at Faleolo International Airport) do not require a visa if staying airside and continuing to a third country within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visitor permit (visa-free entry) is required.
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 = 2.74 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, you don't need a visa. You can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Just have a valid passport and be ready to show your onward ticket if asked.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, but that's not guaranteed — better to plan your trip within 90 days.
You'll likely be denied entry. Samoa requires passports to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Renew your passport before you travel.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry, but it's wise to be up-to-date on routine vaccines. Check with your doctor about hepatitis A and typhoid, especially if you're visiting rural areas.
Samoa used to have a departure tax, but it's now included in your airline ticket. You won't need to pay cash at the airport.
The local currency is the Samoan tālā (WST). Credit cards are accepted in Apia and major resorts, but cash is useful for markets and smaller islands. ATMs are available in Apia.
It's risky. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel, and if you can't show it, you could be refused entry. Always have a return or onward ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.