Samoa entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa in 2026. No need to apply in advance — just show up at Faleolo International Airport with your documents and pay the fee in cash. The process takes about 10–15 minutes.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Samoa | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Samoa. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for all visitors | Immigration at Faleolo Airport will ask for proof of onward travel before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they check this every time. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | While not always asked, having a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host in Samoa speeds things up at immigration. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Immigration officers may ask how you plan to fund your stay. Have a bank statement, credit card, or cash (at least 500 WST per day equivalent) accessible to show if needed. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or WST). No credit cards, no mobile payments. Bring small bills — the counter may not have change for large notes.
No advance application needed
Japanese passport holders do not need to apply for a visa before traveling. Just show up at Faleolo International Airport with your documents and cash. The process is quick and straightforward.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants. Queue up, fill out the arrival card (provided on the plane or at the counter), and present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof.
2
Pay the visa fee and get stamped
Hand over the cash fee. The officer will process your visa, stamp your passport, and hand back your documents. The whole thing takes about 10 minutes. Keep the receipt if given.
3
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
Once stamped, walk through to baggage claim. Customs is straightforward for personal items. If you're bringing gifts or commercial goods, declare them.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan 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 up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (for Japanese passport holders)
Apply at a Samoan embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable up to 90 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (for Japanese passport holders)
Requires justification for multiple entries; apply in advance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 60 days. | Free (no fee for Japanese passport holders) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not permitted for visa-on-arrival entries. | Free (not available for visa-on-arrival stays) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; maximum cap unknown. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel 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
Japanese passport holders transiting through Samoa do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and undercooked food to prevent traveler's diarrhea.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Samoa; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for short stays.
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
Level 1, Government Building, Sogi, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and supporting documents.
Salelologa
Salelologa Immigration Office
Salelologa Wharf, Savai'i
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Handles immigration matters for visitors on Savai'i island.
Practical information for JP 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
The visa on arrival typically grants a stay of up to 60 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before your visa expires.
Extensions are not automatic. You must apply at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia (ground floor, government building). Approval is at their discretion, and there's a fee. Start the process well before your current visa expires.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. A confirmed onward ticket is mandatory. If you're unsure of your plans, book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to a nearby country like Fiji or Tonga.
No. Only cash is accepted — either Samoan tālā (WST) or US dollars (USD). Have small bills ready. There's an ATM at the airport, but it may run out of cash or charge high fees.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you'll need the visa on arrival.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Japan. But hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
No. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
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.