Samoa Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Information last reviewed June 2025. Always verify with official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Samoa keeps the door wide open: more than 100 nationalities collect a free entry permit at the desk, while a handful must secure an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or a consular visa beforehand.
Travelers from the printed list walk away with a Visitor Permit on arrival and pay nothing.
You can stretch that permit once for 60 extra days at the Immigration Office in Apia for a modest fee.
Nationals on the short list must apply online before departure. The ETA lands in your inbox within 3, 5 working days.
Cost: Mid-range government fee, payable by credit card
Airlines will ask to see the ETA approval at check-in; carry a printed copy.
If your passport is outside the visa-free and ETA lists, secure a Visitor Visa from the nearest Samoan consulate or honorary consul.
There is no same-day visa service. Apply at least one month ahead.
Arrival Process
Air arrivals step off at Faleolo International Airport, 35 km west of Apia. The ferry from American Samoa ties up at Mulifanua wharf where an immigration officer boards before anyone sets foot on land.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Samoa grants modest duty-free concessions. Anything over the limit or any restricted item goes on the arrival card and must be declared.
Prohibited Items
- Illicit drugs, zero tolerance, heavy fines and imprisonment
- Objectionable publications (child exploitation material)
- Tear gas, flick knives, knuckle dusters
- Chewing tobacco with betel nut for resale
Restricted Items
- Fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, require biosecurity permit from MAF
- Meat and dairy, need veterinary certificate and inspection on arrival
- Firearms and ammunition, police import permit obtained weeks in advance
Health Requirements
Samoa asks for yellow-fever proof only if you arrive from or transit through an endemic country. Otherwise no mandatory shots.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever (for travellers 1 year+ arriving from affected countries)
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Routine MMR, DPT, influenza
Health Insurance
Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly advised. Public hospitals want cash or an insurance guarantee letter up-front.
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Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Carry the child's full birth certificate. If only one parent travels, bring notarized consent from the absent parent or proof of sole custody.
Dogs and cats need an import permit from MNRE, a recent rabies titre test, and 180-day pre-export quarantine. Only two ports of entry are approved, contact Agriculture in advance.
Apply at the Immigration Office before your initial permit expires. Supply bank statements, local sponsor letter, and pay the extension fee for up to 90 additional days.
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