Samoa entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean 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 as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Samoa. Airlines at Incheon or Gimhae may ask to see it before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Samoa | Immigration at Faleolo Airport will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines like Fiji Airways or Virgin Australia enforce this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation ready. If staying with family or friends, a letter of invitation with their contact details works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Officers may ask how you'll support yourself. A recent bank statement showing a few hundred USD or a credit card with available limit is enough. | Recommended |
No visa needed — just show up
South Korean passport holders get a visa on arrival at Faleolo International Airport. No pre-application, no fee. Just have your passport (6+ months validity), return ticket, and accommodation ready.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Samoa. Airlines check this before boarding. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport
After landing, follow signs to Immigration. There's a dedicated queue for visa-on-arrival passengers. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot), and accommodation booking ready.
2
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents. The officer will check your passport validity, blank page, and onward ticket. No fee is charged for the visa on arrival.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a visitor permit. The standard stay is 30 days. Confirm the expiry date before leaving the counter.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. No arrival declaration form is required for South Korean passport holders.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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 60 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (0 USD) for South Korea passport holders
Visa on arrival is free; extension fees apply for longer stays.
Business visa
Max stay60 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostFree (0 USD) for South Korea passport holders
Requires invitation letter from Samoan company. Same extension rules as tourist.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~200 WST (~72 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Samoan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Commerce. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~500 WST (~180 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Samoan business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Can lead to permanent residency.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable
~300 WST (~108 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $20,000 USD/year). Allows stay without work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist)South Korea passport holders get a free 60-day visa on arrival. | Free (0 USD) |
| Stay extension (first 30 days)Extension fee for additional 30 days, payable at immigration office. | 100 WST (~36 USD) |
| Stay extension (subsequent 30 days)Fee for second extension, up to a maximum of 60 additional days. | 200 WST (~72 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa-free period, no official cap mentioned. | 10 WST (~3.60 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
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
South Korea passport holders do not need a transit visa for Samoa. You may transit airside without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season (November–April).
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
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)
Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Level 2, Government Building, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, completed application form, and fee.
Salelologa
Salelologa Immigration Office
Salelologa Wharf, Savaii
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Handles extensions for visitors on Savaii island. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for KR 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 standard visitor permit is 30 days. If you need more time, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, up to a maximum of 60 days total. There's a fee — around 200 WST (about $75 USD) — and you'll need to show proof of funds and a return ticket.
No, the visa on arrival for South Korean passport holders is free. No payment is required at the airport.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia (address: Level 1, Government Building, Sogi). You'll need your passport, a completed application form, proof of sufficient funds, and a return ticket. The fee is about 200 WST. Extensions are typically granted for 30 additional days.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Samoan immigration. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, an onward ticket to any destination outside Samoa is sufficient. It doesn't have to be a return to South Korea — just proof that you're leaving Samoa.
No, South Korean passport holders do not need to complete an arrival declaration form. Just walk through customs after collecting your luggage.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering Samoa. If you need more time, apply for an extension before your current permit 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.