Apia Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Apia, the capital of Samoa (WS), welcomes international visitors with a relatively straightforward entry process. Most travelers from major countries can enter Samoa visa-free for tourism purposes, making it an accessible Pacific destination. The entry requirements are designed to facilitate tourism while maintaining border security and public health standards. Upon arrival at Faleolo International Airport (APW), located approximately 40 kilometers west of Apia, travelers will proceed through immigration and customs checkpoints. The immigration process is generally efficient, though wait times can vary depending on flight arrivals. Visitors should ensure they have all required documentation ready, including a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and evidence of sufficient funds for their stay. Before traveling to Apia, it's essential to verify current entry requirements, as policies can change based on health situations, diplomatic relations, and other factors. Travelers should check with their nearest Samoan diplomatic mission or the official Samoa Immigration website for the most up-to-date information. Having comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors to Samoa.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Samoa operates a generous visa policy for tourists, with most nationalities eligible for visa-free entry upon arrival. The country aims to promote tourism while maintaining appropriate border controls.

Visa-Free Entry

60 days (can be extended up to 12 months)

Citizens of most countries can enter Samoa without a visa for tourism purposes. Entry permits are granted upon arrival at the airport.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand All European Union member states Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Fiji Tonga Most Pacific Island nations Most Commonwealth countries

Visitors must have a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), confirmed onward/return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds (approximately WST $1,000 or equivalent per month of stay). Entry permit is granted free of charge at the airport. Extensions can be obtained from the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia for a fee.

Visa Required

Varies based on visa type granted

A small number of countries require citizens to obtain a visa before traveling to Samoa

How to Apply: Applications must be submitted to the nearest Samoan diplomatic mission or through the Samoa Immigration Office. Processing typically takes 10-15 business days. Required documents include completed application form, passport-size photos, valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, bank statements, and visa fee payment.

Countries not covered under visa-free arrangements should contact the Samoa Immigration Office or nearest Samoan High Commission/Embassy well in advance of travel. Business visas, work permits, and residence permits have different requirements and application processes.

Arrival Process

The entry process at Faleolo International Airport is straightforward. Travelers should be prepared with all necessary documentation and be ready to answer basic questions about their visit to Samoa.

Arrival and Disembarkation

After landing at Faleolo International Airport, follow signs to the immigration area. Ensure you have your passport, completed arrival card (usually distributed on the flight), and supporting documents ready.

Immigration Control

Present your passport, arrival card, and return/onward ticket to the immigration officer. You may be asked about the purpose and duration of your visit. The officer will stamp your passport with an entry permit, typically valid for 60 days for tourists.

Baggage Claim

Proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your checked luggage. Trolleys are available. Check that all your bags have arrived before proceeding to customs.

Customs Declaration

Complete a customs declaration form if you have items to declare. All passengers must pass through customs screening. Officers may inspect bags and ask questions about items you're bringing into the country.

Exit and Ground Transportation

After clearing customs, exit to the arrivals area where you'll find taxis, rental car services, and hotel shuttle buses. The journey to Apia takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Samoa. Should have at least one blank page for entry stamps.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of confirmed departure from Samoa, either returning to your home country or continuing to another destination. This is strictly enforced and you may be denied boarding without it.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, letter of invitation from a host in Samoa, or other evidence of where you will be staying during your visit.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay (approximately WST $1,000 or USD $400 per month recommended).

Arrival/Departure Card

Completed immigration form, usually provided on the aircraft or available at the airport. Fill out completely and accurately.

Customs Declaration Form

Required if you're bringing in items that need to be declared, including amounts over duty-free limits or restricted items.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Arrive with all documents organized and easily accessible. Keep your passport, tickets, and accommodation confirmations in a folder or travel wallet.

Be honest and polite when answering immigration officers' questions. Provide clear, concise answers.

Have proof of funds readily available, even if not asked. This could include recent bank statements, credit cards, or traveler's checks.

Dress neatly and appropriately. First impressions matter at immigration checkpoints.

If you plan to stay longer than 60 days, be prepared to explain your plans and show evidence of sufficient funds for an extended stay.

Keep the departure portion of your arrival card safe, as you may need to present it when leaving Samoa.

Exchange some currency before leaving the airport if arriving outside banking hours, as the airport has currency exchange facilities.

If you're unsure about declaring an item, it's better to declare it. Penalties for not declaring restricted items can be severe.

Customs & Duty-Free

Samoa Customs enforces strict biosecurity and import regulations to protect the country's agriculture, environment, and public health. All travelers must pass through customs inspection and declare any items that exceed duty-free allowances or fall into restricted categories.

Alcohol

2.25 liters of spirits or wine, or 4.5 liters of beer

Only for travelers 21 years of age and older. Alcohol in excess of this allowance is subject to duty and excise tax.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products

Only for travelers 21 years of age and older. Additional quantities are subject to duty.

Currency

Amounts over WST $20,000 (or foreign currency equivalent) must be declared

There are no restrictions on bringing currency into Samoa, but amounts exceeding the threshold must be declared on arrival. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and penalties.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and goods up to WST $1,000 in value

Items for personal use during your stay are generally duty-free. Commercial quantities or items clearly intended for resale are subject to duty and import restrictions.

Perfume

Reasonable quantities for personal use

Typically interpreted as 1-2 bottles. Commercial quantities require declaration and may incur duty.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - Samoa has severe penalties for drug offenses
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives - Unless pre-approved with special permits
Pornographic materials - Strictly prohibited under Samoan law
Counterfeit goods - Including fake designer items and pirated media
Fresh fruits and vegetables - Due to biosecurity concerns
Meat and meat products - Including fresh, frozen, and processed meats (unless from approved countries with permits)
Live animals - Without proper import permits and quarantine arrangements
Plants and plant materials - Including seeds, cuttings, and soil
Endangered species products - Items made from protected wildlife under CITES
Certain medications - Particularly those containing controlled substances without proper documentation

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - Bring only what you need for your stay, in original containers with prescription labels. Carry a doctor's letter for controlled substances
Dairy products - May be allowed from approved countries with proper documentation and inspection
Honey and bee products - Subject to biosecurity inspection and approval
Wooden items - Must be treated and certified to prevent pest introduction
Fishing equipment - Must be clean and declared; may be inspected for biosecurity risks
Camping and hiking gear - Especially tents and boots, must be clean and free from soil and seeds
Pet food - Subject to inspection and may require permits depending on ingredients
Traditional medicines - May require inspection and approval; declare all such items
Drones and radio equipment - May require permits from telecommunications authorities

Health Requirements

Samoa maintains health entry requirements to protect public health. While there are currently no mandatory vaccinations for most travelers, requirements can change based on disease outbreaks and your travel history.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required only if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (must have certificate of vaccination). This includes travelers who have been in yellow fever risk areas within 6 days prior to arrival.
Measles - Following the 2019 measles outbreak, Samoa may require proof of measles vaccination or immunity for certain travelers. Check current requirements before travel.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date with standard vaccines including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), and polio
Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers to Samoa
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical treatment
Typhoid - Recommended for travelers eating outside major hotels and restaurants
COVID-19 - Check current requirements as policies continue to evolve

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors to Samoa. Medical facilities in Apia are limited, and serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to New Zealand or Australia, which can be extremely expensive without insurance. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency medical evacuation.

Current Health Requirements: Health entry requirements can change rapidly, particularly regarding COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. Check the Samoa Ministry of Health website and your home country's travel health advisory before departure. Requirements may include pre-departure testing, vaccination certificates, health declarations, or quarantine. Travelers should also review recommendations from the WHO and CDC regarding travel to Pacific Island nations.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Samoa Immigration Office

Level 3, ACC House, Matafele, Apia, Samoa

For visa extensions, immigration inquiries, and official information. Phone: +685 34333. Email: immigration@samoagovt.ws. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Emergency Services

Emergency number: 911 (or 994 for police, 996 for fire, 995 for ambulance)

For police, fire, and medical emergencies. The main hospital in Apia is Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTM Hospital), phone: +685 21212

Your Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's diplomatic mission in Samoa or the nearest mission responsible for Samoa

Many countries are represented through their missions in New Zealand or Australia. Register with your embassy before travel for safety updates. Check your government's travel advisory website for current warnings and contact information.

Samoa Tourism Authority

Beach Road, Apia, Samoa

For tourism information and assistance. Phone: +685 63500. Email: info@samoa.travel. Website: www.samoa.travel

Samoa Customs

Ministry of Customs and Revenue, Matautu-uta, Apia

For customs inquiries and import/export regulations. Phone: +685 66870

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (family passports are not accepted). Minors under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s), including contact information and travel details. This letter should also include permission for medical treatment if needed. If traveling with only one parent, bring the child's birth certificate and the consent letter. For children traveling with guardians or other adults, additional documentation proving guardianship or parental consent is required. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Samoa takes child protection seriously, and immigration officers may ask detailed questions about children's travel arrangements.

Traveling with Pets

Samoa has strict quarantine and import requirements for animals. Dogs and cats require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, obtained well in advance (at least 90 days before travel). Pets must have a microchip, be vaccinated against rabies (at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival), have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 7 days of travel, and undergo mandatory quarantine upon arrival (minimum 30 days). Blood tests for rabies antibodies are required from approved laboratories. Pets must arrive as manifest cargo, not as accompanied baggage. Costs for quarantine, permits, and inspections can be substantial. Some breeds may be prohibited. Birds and other animals have additional restrictions. Contact the Quarantine Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries at least 3 months before intended travel.

Extended Stays

Tourist entry permits are initially granted for 60 days but can be extended up to a maximum of 12 months total. To extend your stay, apply at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before your current permit expires. Required documents include: valid passport, completed extension application form, proof of sufficient funds, proof of accommodation, return ticket (may need to be updated), and extension fee (approximately WST $100-200 depending on length). Extensions are typically granted in 30-day increments. For stays longer than 12 months, you must apply for a different visa category (such as work permit, business visa, or residence permit). Overstaying your permit can result in fines of WST $100 per day, detention, deportation, and future entry bans. If you plan to work or conduct business, you cannot do so on a tourist permit and must obtain appropriate authorization before commencing any employment or business activities.

Business Travelers

Business visitors conducting meetings, negotiations, or attending conferences can generally enter on a tourist permit for short stays. However, if you will be working, receiving payment from Samoan sources, or staying longer than 60 days for business purposes, you need a business visa or work permit. Applications should be made through the Samoa Immigration Office with supporting documents including a letter from your employer, invitation from Samoan business partners, proof of business registration, and detailed itinerary. Processing can take several weeks. Temporary work permits are required for any paid employment and require employer sponsorship.

Transit Passengers

Passengers transiting through Samoa without leaving the airport generally do not need a visa if continuing their journey within 24 hours on the same or first connecting flight. However, if you wish to leave the airport during your transit, you must meet normal entry requirements including having a valid passport, onward ticket, and eligibility for visa-free entry or an appropriate visa. Samoa's airport has limited transit facilities, so confirm your airline's policies regarding layovers.

Cruise Ship Passengers

Cruise passengers are typically granted shore leave for the duration of their ship's port call without needing to go through full immigration procedures. However, you must carry your passport or ship-issued ID when going ashore. If you plan to leave the ship permanently in Samoa or join a ship in Apia, you must go through normal immigration procedures and meet all entry requirements. Check with your cruise line about specific procedures for your vessel.