Samoa entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders can get a visa on arrival when flying into Samoa. You don't need to apply before your trip — just show up at Faleolo International Airport (APW) with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
Apply for Samoa eVisaOfficial portal: Samoa Immigration Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Faleolo International Airport (APW) in Apia. Have a printed return ticket, proof of accommodation, and enough funds for your stay — the officer may ask to see them. The visa costs 200 WST (about $75 USD) and is valid for up to 60 days. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | 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, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Apia airport always ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they will not let you through without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers sometimes ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry at least 1,000 WST (about $375 USD) in cash or have a credit card statement showing available funds. Officers may ask to see proof you can support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash at the immigration counter. Cards are not accepted. Bring Samoan tālā or US dollars in small denominations.
Check your passport validity before booking
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before you board — if it's close, renew your passport first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Join the queue and have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will process your visa and ask for the fee. Pay in cash — cards are not accepted at this counter.
3
Receive visa sticker and enter
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport and stamp it. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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 stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost100 WST (~$37 USD)
Apply at Samoa embassy or consulate; may allow longer stay than visa-on-arrival.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost200 WST (~$74 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits; must apply in advance.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost150 WST (~$55 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Samoan company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable on arrival for eligible nationalities; check Samoa Immigration for updates. | 100 WST (~$37 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries during validity; confirm eligibility at entry. | 200 WST (~$74 USD) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are not standard for visa-on-arrival; check with Samoa Immigration. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future bans. | ~50 WST (~$18 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Vietnam passport holders transiting through Samoa do not require a transit 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)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and avoid standing water areas.
Zika virusLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; mosquito avoidance recommended.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Drink bottled or boiled water; avoid undercooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Samoa; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consult a travel clinic.
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 Prime Minister and Cabinet, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries; bring passport and application forms.
Practical information for VN 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 allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but not automatic — you'll 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 typically granted for another 30 days, and there's a fee (around 100 WST). Bring your passport and a completed application form.
Visa on arrival is also available for sea arrivals, but the process is handled by port immigration. You'll still need a valid passport, return ticket (or proof of onward travel), and the fee. Check with your cruise line or port agent for specifics.
Yes, you can apply for a visa at the nearest Samoan embassy or consulate before your trip. This is useful if you want to avoid queues or need a longer stay. Processing takes a few days to a week.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined (around 100 WST per day overstayed) and may be banned from re-entering Samoa for a period. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
No, it's not a legal requirement for entry. But healthcare in Samoa can be expensive for foreigners — a simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Strongly recommended.
Samoan tālā (WST) is preferred, but US dollars are accepted at the immigration counter. Have small bills — change may not be available. The fee is roughly 100 WST (about 35 USD).
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.