Samoa entry requirements for Rwanda passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Rwandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa. You'll handle it at the airport in Apia — no need to apply before you travel. This policy is current as of 2025.
Apply for Samoa eVisaOfficial portal: Samoa Immigration Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Samoa. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain upon arrival at Faleolo International Airport | Rwandan passport holders can get a visitor visa on arrival in Samoa. The visa costs 200 WST (about $75 USD) and is valid for up to 60 days. Pay in cash — USD, AUD, or Samoan Tala — at the immigration counter before baggage claim.Check visa details | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Samoa | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. Without one, they will not issue the visa. A printed itinerary or digital boarding pass works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Samoa ready. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you are arriving without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least 1,000 WST (about $375 USD) in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient balance. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of funds, though enforcement is not strict. | Recommended |
Cash only at the airport
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards. Bring Samoan tālā or US dollars. There's an ATM, but it's not always reliable.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Faleolo Airport is quick — usually 5–10 minutes. Have your documents ready and you'll be through in no time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants. Queue up, have your documents ready.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee in cash (Samoan tālā or USD). The officer will process your visa — usually takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Receive your visa and proceed to baggage claim
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport with the visa. Collect your bags and exit the airport. Welcome to Samoa.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0) – visa on arrival
Standard entry for tourism; no extension available.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year from issue
CostFree (USD 0) – visa on arrival
Multiple entries allowed; each stay limited to 60 days.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
CostUnknown
May be available for special purposes; contact Samoa Immigration for details.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
For those with a job offer in Samoa. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Commerce. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Samoa business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Samoa. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist single entry)Visa on arrival is free for Rwanda passport holders for stays up to 60 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are not permitted for visa-on-arrival entries; must leave and re-enter. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstay to prevent fines or bans. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Rwanda passport holders transiting through Samoa do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Must have a valid visa for the final destination if required.
- Transit without visa only applies to international airports (Faleolo International Airport).
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 (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is present year-round, especially in urban areas.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhea and other infections from contaminated food/water; drink bottled 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
Level 1, Government Building, Sogi, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa inquiries and permits; bring passport and supporting documents.
Salelologa
Salelologa Immigration Office
Salelologa Wharf, Savai'i
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Handles immigration matters on Savai'i island; limited services.
Practical information for RW 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
The standard visa on arrival is typically granted for 30 days. Extensions are possible but not automatic — you'd need to visit the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before your visa expires.
Yes, but it's not guaranteed. You must apply at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before your current visa expires. Extensions are usually granted in 30-day increments, and there's a fee (around 200 WST).
Immigration will likely deny your visa on arrival. You must show a confirmed onward or return ticket. A one-way ticket is not enough.
No — only cash is accepted at the airport. Bring Samoan tālā or US dollars. There's an ATM at the airport, but it's safer to have cash ready.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need the visa on arrival.
You'll likely be refused entry. Samoa enforces the 6-month rule strictly. Renew your passport before you travel.
No — the visa on arrival is single-entry. If you leave Samoa and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new visa on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.