Samoa entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders get a visa on arrival in Samoa — no need to apply before you fly. As of 2026, you'll receive a 60-day visitor permit at the airport, free of charge. Just show up with the right documents and you're in.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Samoa. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Samoa | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at the border. If you don't have one, they may deny entry or require you to buy a ticket on the spot. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation ready. Immigration occasionally asks where you're staying, and a booking confirmation speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry at least 200 USD in cash or have a credit card with available balance. Officers rarely check, but if asked, showing a bank statement or cash works. | Recommended |
Free visa on arrival — no payment needed
The 60-day visitor permit for US citizens is issued at no cost. Don't pay anyone who claims you need a fee.
6-month passport validity is strictly enforced
If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you will be denied entry. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
After landing, follow signs to Immigration. There's a dedicated queue for visa-on-arrival passengers. Have your passport, return ticket (on your phone is fine), and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Present documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents. The officer will process your 60-day visitor permit. It's free — no payment needed. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Receive your entry stamp
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport with the entry date and permitted stay. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — make sure the dates are correct.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then through Customs. Declare any food, plants, or animal products — Samoa has strict biosecurity rules.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost100 WST (~$37 USD)
Apply at Samoa Immigration Office or embassy; requires proof of funds and itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost200 WST (~$74 USD)
For frequent travellers; must show purpose of multiple visits.
retirement visa
Samoa Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~500 WST (~$185 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (min. $15,000 USD/year). Allows long-term stay but no work.
work visa
Samoa Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~1,000 WST (~$370 USD) per year
Requires a job offer from a Samoan employer and government approval. Allows legal work and residence.
investor visa
Samoa Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
~5,000 WST (~$1,850 USD) initial fee
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in a Samoan business. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)US passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival. | Free (USD 0) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 60 days)Optional extended stay fee paid on arrival. | 100 WST (~$37 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions up to 60 days total, applied at Immigration Office. | 200 WST (~$74 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of 1,000 WST (~$370 USD). | 50 WST (~$18 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
US passport holders transiting through Samoa's Faleolo International Airport (APW) do not need a transit visa, even if changing planes. However, if leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
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 risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in rainy season (Nov–Apr). Use repellent and nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Present but low risk; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and undercooked food; stick to bottled water and well-cooked meals.
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
Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Level 2, Government Building, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, fee, and completed application form.
Salelologa (Savai'i)
Savai'i Immigration Office
Salelologa Wharf Area, Savai'i
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Limited services; best for extension inquiries on Savai'i island.
Practical information for US 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. It's free and issued at the airport. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia — but it's not guaranteed.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You'll need to visit the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia (downtown, near the government buildings) before your 60 days are up. There's a fee — around 200 WST (about $75 USD) for an additional 30 days. Bring your passport and a reason for the extension.
Yes. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. A screenshot of your flight booking or a printed itinerary is fine. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry.
You'll likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. The 60-day visitor permit is free. No payment is required at the airport.
No. The visitor permit is for tourism only. For work, study, or long-term stays, you need to apply for the appropriate visa at a Samoan embassy or consulate before you travel.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined — typically 200–500 WST ($75–$190 USD) — and may be banned from re-entering Samoa for a period. Always extend or leave 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.