Samoa visas
Whether you need a visa for Samoa depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay. Most travellers receive a free visitor permit on arrival for tourism or short visits, while anyone coming to work, study, invest, join family or settle applies for an entry permit in advance. All permits, extensions, permanent residence and citizenship are administered by the Immigration Division of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (MPMC) in Apia.
Samoan visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Samoa โ tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.4 visas
- Work visasComing to Samoa to work โ the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Samoa โ student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Samoa.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Samoa as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Samoa long term โ residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Samoan visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to visit Samoa?
All nations coming to Samoa are exempt from obtaining a visa. All visitors are required to have a passport that is valid for at least six months. The following requirements must be met by all visitors: return or onward ticket, bank statement, no previous record of deportation from other countries, no health concerns that might represent a danger to Samoa, and no history of felony arrests or convictions.
Samoa provides all foreign nationals from around the globe with a free Visitor Permit. Visas will be valid for sixty days, unless a separate agreement applicable to your nationality allows you to stay in Samoa for up to ninety days. Visa is issued at no cost.
Entry into Samoa
Please note that international flights to and from Samoa are limited. There are no COVID-19 restrictions on travel from Ireland to Samoa. There is no necessity to produce immunisation or testing certifications for COVID-19. Passengers travelling to Samoa are required to fill out an Arrival Health Declaration form and are advised to always wear a facemask.
Criteria For Visas to Samoa
Documents required are:
- Possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and containing at least one blank visa page.
- Keep documentation of onward and return flights.
- Hold all necessary travel documents for your next destination.
Samoa โ key facts
- Visa authority
- Immigration Division, Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (MPMC)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Samoan tฤlฤ (WST)
- Time zone
- West Samoa Time (UTC+13; daylight saving UTC+14)
Samoan visas โ people also ask
Applicants must demonstrate that they are of excellent moral character, are familiar with Samoan civics, desire to reside in Samoa, and have spent at least five years in the territory.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources ยท last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only โ not legal advice.