Byevisa » Samoa Travel Visa

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All About the Samoa Visa

Along with the unspoilt beauty of Samoa, the most amazing fact about these islands is that citizens of all the nations of the world can visit without a visa!

If you’re from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India, or almost another country, then you can stay visa-free for up to 60 days. Meanwhile, European Union (EU) citizens can remain for up to 90 days.

The only exception to this is citizens of American Samoa, or if you intend to stay beyond 60 days (or 90 days for EU citizens), in which case you require a Visitor Permit.

On this page, we explain the requirements to visit if you’re visa-exempt, and how to obtain the Visitor Permit if you need one.

Importantly, don’t need get confused between Samoa and American Samoa. Samoa is a fully independent country with its own currency and its own entry regulations, while American Samoa is a United States of America unincorporated territory.

Another thing to remember is that Samoa used to be called Western Samoa, until the country changed its name in 1997. Fortunately, though, the beaches, scenery and warm welcome remain the same. This is why this country remains a popular stopping point for both cruise ships and Pacific explorers.

This country doesn’t offer an eVisa (Electronic Visa), and as such Byevisa.com cannot help you get an entry permit online for this country. That said, we have researched the entry regulations for visa-exempt nationalities and how to obtain the Visitor Permit. This page explains the whole process, so read on to learn more!

How Does Samoa’s Visa-Free Policy Work?

A visa-free policy is where no visa is required for entry. This small Pacific nation allows all nationals except American Samoa residents to enter without a visa. Namely, all nationalities can enter for 60 days, except EU citizens who can remain for 90 days.

Check Visa Eligibility

Notably, your visa-free entry is for tourism and travel only. You cannot work or reside here permanently without applying for the proper visa. Similarly, you can only stay as a visitor for as long as you’re permitted to, namely 60 or 90 days. You will be asked how long you plan to remain at the immigration desk in the airport when you arrive.

Even if you’re visa-free, there are some very clear requirements to enter:

  • You must have a passport that’s valid for 6 months from your time of entry.
  • You will be asked to show you have a return or onward flight/cruise ticket.
  • You must prove that you have accommodation arranged in the country.
  • You need to have the financial means to support yourself while you are here.
  • If you are heading somewhere other than your home country afterwards, the border agents may ask for your entry permit for the next country.

These are all pretty standard requirements for international travel.

If you would like to travel here on a passport with less than 6 months of validity after your intended time of entry, then you must apply for a Waiver Letter through the Immigration Office in the capital city of Apia.

Also, If you want to stay beyond 60 days (or 90 days if you come from an EU country), then you need to apply for a Visitor Permit. We explain all about this below.

What Is the Samoa Visa Application Process?

If you wish to remain for longer than your permitted visa-free stay, then you will need to apply for a Visitor Permit.

Applications for Visitor Permits can be made at this country’s overseas missions in Brussels, Wellington, Auckland, Canberra or New York.

Samoa is a small country with a modest diplomatic presence throughout the world. It therefore has very few embassies. The contact details for the most significant embassies are as follows:

Embassy Location
Telephone Number
Email Address
Australia (Canberra) (0612) 62 865 505 samoahcaussi@netspeed.com.au
Belgium (Brussels) (+32) 2 660 84 54 samoaembassy@skynet.be
China (Beijing) (86) 1065321785 Website: http://www.samoaembassy.cn/
Japan (Tokyo) (813) 6228 3692 samoa_tokyo@samoaembassy.jp
New Zealand (Auckland) (+64) 9 303 1012 samoa@samoa.co.nz
New Zealand (Wellington) (0644) 472 0953 shc@paradise.net.nz
USA (Los Angeles) (+1) (310) 619-1464 trotter@blueline.net
USA (New York) – United Nations representation (01 212) 599 6196 samoa@un.int

You can find more details on our Embassies Finder page.

Alternatively, you can contact the Immigration Office at the Prime Minister’s Department (PO Box L1861, Apia). The Immigration Office is physically located in Apia.

As stated, nationals of American Samoa need a Visitor Permit before travelling. American Samoa is situated just 64 kilometres away and is connected by a regular ferry boat. This ease of access means tighter immigration rules exist than for other nationalities seeking to enter.

To obtain a Visitor Permit, you must apply in person at the Consulate General of Samoa in American Samoa’s capital of Pago Pago. The full address is:

Consulate General Of Samoa
PO Box 1313
Iupeli Siliva Building
Fagatogo, Maoputasi
Pago Pago
American Samoa
96799
Ph: +684 6335919
Fax: +684 6335929

There is no email address.

The opening hours are Monday – Friday, 08:30 am – 15:00 pm.

Samoa Visa Form and Documents

If you make a Visitor Permit application, either because you come from American Samoa or you wish to stay beyond 60 days (90 days for EU citizens), then the application is straightforward. It asks for standard international travel information such as you would need to enter any country. This information includes:

  • Personal information:
    • Name
    • Date of birth
    • Passport number
    • Passport issue and expiry dates
    • Nationality
  • Contact information:
    • Address
    • Mobile phone number
    • Email address
  • Trip specific information:
    • Purpose of your visit
    • Date of arrival
    • Length of stay

Samoa Visa Status Check

Many countries offer an online portal where you can check the status of your application. However, since the Visitor Permit is issued in person, this facility is not available.

Therefore, you can only check the status of your application by making contact with the diplomatic mission where you applied. Clearly, you should do this at the embassy or consular office where you made your application. Leave it for a few days before you do this.

If possible, when you are making your application, take down the name of the person who you speak to. Then, if you direct any queries to the embassy, this could be helpful as this person will be more familiar with you and your application.

How Much Is a Visa Here?

As there is no visa for the vast majority of travellers, there is no fee unless you are applying for a Visitor Permit. Ask at the nearest embassy or consulate about the permit fee before you attend your appointment.

More Samoa Visa Questions and Information

The above sections should have given you all the information you require before going to these beautiful islands! If there’s something else you need to know, we’ve compiled the following Frequently Asked Questions to help you further. Just use the drop-down menu below.

All the world's nationalities are visa-free for 60 days, except EU citizens who can stay for 90 days. The only exception is citizens from nearby American Samoa.
If you're visa-free, then there's no need to apply. You need only apply for a visa if you're planning to stay beyond 60 days (90 days for EU citizens) or if you're from American Samoa. In this case, consult with the nearest embassy how far in advance of your trip to apply.
If you're staying beyond 60 days (90 days for EU citizens) and you need the Visitor Permit, then the process should be relatively speedy. Ask about the processing time at the nearest embassy, and check if same-day service is available, as this is sometimes possible.
If your application for a Visitor Permit is rejected, just ask the diplomatic office you’re dealing with why. They will usually answer your question and then allow you to make another application, so you can correct it on the next attempt.
If you're applying for a Visitor Permit to stay beyond 60 days, then you should take at least 1 copy with you when you enter the country, plus copies of your other supporting documents. The consulate should advise you what you need to take.
The immigration officers won’t let you into the country without a passport that is valid for 6 months beyond your date of entry. If there are any problems, contact your embassy or consulate.
Make sure to leave this country within the length of time you're granted, namely 60 days for all the world's nationalities, except EU citizens who can stay for 90 days.
There are no currency restrictions on how much money you can take into and out of the country.
The main flight connections to the island are in Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia. The main carriers are the national airline, Samoa Airways, plus Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways and Virgin Australia.
A significant number of visitors come by scheduled cruises. You don’t have to actually visit the islands if you arrive by cruise boat, but if you choose to do so, then you will have to pass through immigration at the port.

You will likely only be staying a short time (perhaps 1 or 2 days) and the entry stamp in your passport will cover this.

You don’t need to pay a tax to get in, but you may be expected to pay a Departure Tax in the airport when you leave. This tax is straightforward to pay and you do so before you are let into the departure lounge. The cost is 40 tālā, which is about 16 USD. This fee is often included in your airfare, so check this in advance.
Samoa is a small country with only a limited number of consulates. These are:
  • Australia
  • Chile
  • China
  • France
  • Germany
  • Japan
  • The Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
All of the consulates are generally in Apia, the capital city, and the only large town on the islands.
Samoa was called Western Samoa until 1997, when this country changed its name.

On the other hand, American Samoa is an entirely separate country, and it's an unincorporated territory of the United States of America.

Yes, although these two nations are just 60 kilometres apart, they're divided by the International Date Line. As such, when it's one day in Samoa (such as Saturday) it's still a day behind in American Samoa (for example, Friday), even though they're so geographically close together!
The local currency is the tālā, with the 3-letter currency code of WST. 1 Samoan tālā is worth around 0.40 USD.
The time zone here is Apia Standard Time or GMT+13. Be sure to take this into account for when you arrive, in case you book any reservations or simply to recover from jet lag!
The international dial code is +685. You dial this before the local number that you wish to contact.
The biggest international air hub is Faleolo International. This has the 3-letter IATA code of APW, and is located some 25 miles (40 km) rest of the capital city of Apia.
This country boasts countless excellent spots for diving, snorkelling, swimming and kayaking. There are also impressive waterfalls, indigenous wildlife, and lots of interesting local markets. It's a paradise getaway!
The Visitor Permit is a letter which you take to the immigration desk. Here’s a sample below: Samoa Visa Sample
Please find below some additional related links about travel to these idyllic Pacific islands:
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