Samoa entry requirements for Tanzania 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
Tanzanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa. You don't need to apply in advance — just arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW) with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry process for tourism or short business visits.
Apply for Samoa eVisaOfficial portal: Samoa Immigration Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a free 30-day visitor permit on arrival at Faleolo Airport (APW) or by sea. No advance application needed — just hand over your passport and they stamp you in. Overstay fines apply if you stay past 30 days. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Samoa. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, they will deny boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Samoa. Without one, they may deny entry or require you to buy a ticket on the spot. A refundable ticket or onward booking to a neighboring country works fine. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Samoa. Officers rarely ask for it, but if you arrive without a clear place to stay, they may question your plans. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial evidence | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — around 200 WST per day (about $75 USD) in cash or a credit card statement. Immigration can ask to see it, though they usually don't for short visits. | Recommended |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Bring Samoan tālā or USD — and have the exact amount if possible. ATMs are available at the airport but may have fees.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended
Samoa has limited medical facilities, especially on outer islands. A hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is a smart investment — it's not required for entry, but it can save you financially if something goes wrong.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport
After you land, follow signs to Immigration. There's a dedicated queue for visa-on-arrival applicants. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. Pay the visa fee in cash (Samoan tālā or USD — check current rates). The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
3
Collect passport and proceed
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Then head to baggage claim and customs. Total process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (VOA) or ~USD 30 for pre-arranged visa
Visa on arrival is free; pre-arranged visa may have a fee.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~USD 50 (estimated)
Available from Samoa Immigration; requires application.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~USD 60 (estimated)
Requires invitation letter from Samoan company.
work visa
Samoa Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~USD 100 (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Samoan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Commerce.
student visa
Samoa Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~USD 50 (estimated)
For enrolment at a recognised educational institution in Samoa. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Samoa Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~USD 200 (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum of USD 50,000 in a Samoan business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Tanzania passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at no cost for stays up to 60 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions may be granted by the Samoa Immigration Office; fees are subject to change. | ~USD 30 (estimated) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstay penalties are applied daily; maximum cap unknown. | ~USD 10 (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Tanzania 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-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is present year-round, especially in urban areas.
Zika virusLow risk
Low risk; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
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
Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds for extension applications.
Salelologa
Salelologa Immigration Office
Salelologa Wharf, Savai'i
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Limited services; extensions may require travel to Apia.
Practical information for TZ 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 visa-on-arrival fee for Samoa is typically around 100–200 Samoan tālā (about 35–70 USD). Fees can change, so check with the Samoa Immigration office or your airline before you travel. Bring cash in Samoan tālā or USD — credit cards are not always accepted at the immigration counter.
The standard stay is 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and usually cost around 100–200 Samoan tālā.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. You'll need to provide a valid reason (e.g., medical, business, or tourism) and pay a fee. Extensions are typically granted for up to 30 additional days. Apply before your current visa expires.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering Samoa. The fine is usually around 100–200 Samoan tālā per day overstayed. Always apply for an extension or leave before your visa expires.
Samoa requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Tanzania is not listed as a high-risk country, but if you've recently traveled to an affected area, bring your vaccination card. Check with your doctor or the Samoa Ministry of Health before travel.
Yes, the visa on arrival is also available at the main seaport in Apia. The process is the same as at the airport — have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready. Note that cruise ship passengers may have different arrangements — check with your cruise line.
No, the visa on arrival covers both tourism and short business visits. If you're planning to work or conduct long-term business, you may need a different visa. Contact the Samoa Immigration Office in advance for specific requirements.
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.