Samoa entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders get a visa on arrival in Samoa — no application needed before travel. You'll receive a 60-day visitor permit free of charge when you land at Faleolo International Airport (APW). This policy is in effect for 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 stay in Samoa. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Samoa | Immigration officers at Faleolo Airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines like Fiji Airways or Virgin Australia enforce this strictly — no ticket, no boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation ready. If you're staying with family or friends, a letter of invitation with their contact details works — officers sometimes call to verify. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Officers may ask to see cash, bank statements, or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. There's no fixed minimum, but having around 500 WST (~$180 USD) per day in accessible funds is a safe bet. | Recommended |
No pre-arrival application needed
New Zealand passport holders don't need to apply for a visa before travelling. Just show up at Faleolo Airport with your valid passport and return ticket, and you'll get a 60-day visitor permit on the spot.
6-month passport validity is strictly enforced
Immigration will check your passport's expiry date. If it's less than 6 months from your entry date, you'll be refused entry. Renew your passport well before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport
After you land, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's a dedicated queue for visa-on-arrival passengers. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation address ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will process your 60-day visitor permit. This usually takes 2–5 minutes. No fee is charged.
3
Receive entry stamp and collect luggage
Once approved, you'll get an entry stamp in your passport. Proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Keep your passport accessible — you may need it again at customs.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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 NZ passport holders
Obtained on arrival; no pre-application needed.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost200 WST (~72 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Samoan company.
Multiple entry visitor visa
Max stay60 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost500 WST (~180 USD)
For frequent travellers; apply at Samoa Immigration.
retirement visa
Samoa Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable annually
500 WST (~180 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay without work rights.
work visa
Samoa Work Permit
1 year, renewable
1,000 WST (~360 USD) per year
Requires a job offer from a Samoan employer and government approval. Allows employment and residency.
investor visa
Samoa Investor Permit
3 years, renewable
5,000 WST (~1,800 USD) initial fee
For investors committing at least 500,000 WST (~180,000 USD) in a Samoan business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist)New Zealand passport holders get a free 60-day visitor permit on arrival. | Free (0 USD) |
| Stay extension (first 30 days)Extensions are possible for up to 60 additional days, subject to approval. | 100 WST (~36 USD) |
| Stay extension (subsequent 30 days)Second extension fee for additional 30 days. | 200 WST (~72 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged for each day overstayed beyond permitted period. | 20 WST (~7 USD) |
| Overstay fine (maximum cap)Maximum penalty for overstay, regardless of duration. | 1,000 WST (~360 USD) |
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Samoa do not require a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Present but low risk; 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)
Level 1, Government Building, Sogi, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport, completed form, and fee.
Salelologa
Salelologa Immigration Office
Salelologa Wharf, Savai'i
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Serves Savai'i island; limited services, best for simple extensions.
Practical information for NZ 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
You get a 60-day visitor permit when you arrive. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, and there's a fee of 200 WST per extension.
No. The 60-day visitor permit is free for New Zealand passport holders. You don't pay anything at the airport.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. Extensions are typically granted for 30 days at a time, and you'll need to show proof of funds and a return ticket. The fee is 200 WST per extension.
You'll likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes. You need proof of onward travel — a ticket out of Samoa to any destination. A one-way ticket into Samoa won't be enough.
Faleolo International Airport (APW) is the main international gateway. There's also a small airport on Savai'i (Maota Airport), but it only handles domestic flights. All international arrivals go through Faleolo.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined 200 WST per day overstayed, and you could be banned from re-entering Samoa. If you need more time, apply for an extension before your 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.