The Independent State of Samoa is a Polynesian island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising the western part of the Samoan Islands (not to be confused with American Samoa, a US territory). Samoa operates one of the most open visa policies in the Pacific region — virtually all nationalities receive a free Visitor’s Permit on arrival, with no advance visa required. Formal visa-free treaty arrangements also exist with a growing number of countries.

2. Universal Visitor’s Permit on Arrival

Almost all nationalities are granted a Visitor’s Permit on arrival in Samoa, free of charge. This permit is valid for 60 days initially and may be extended up to a maximum of 90 days per visit. The permit is issued at Faleolo International Airport (the main international gateway) and Fagali’i Airport.

Universal Visitor’s Permit — Key Details • Available to: virtually ALL nationalities • Fee: FREE on arrival • Initial duration: 60 days • Extendable: up to 90 days total per visit • Issued at all international entry points • Note: Residents of American Samoa using US-issued travel documents may face additional scrutiny

3. Formal Visa-Free Agreements

In addition to the universal Visitor’s Permit, Samoa has formal visa-free agreements with specific countries granting defined durations of stay. These agreements are typically bilateral treaties and may offer longer stay periods than the standard Visitor’s Permit.

Country / Group	Visa-Free Duration
European Union member states	90 days within any 180-day period
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland	90 days within any 180-day period
Israel	90 days
Russia	60 days
Hong Kong SAR	60 days
Macau SAR	30 days
China (mainland)	30 days (within 90 days per 180-day period, effective April 2, 2025)

Note: The China–Samoa visa-free agreement became effective on April 2, 2025, allowing Chinese mainland passport holders up to 30 days visa-free per visit, with up to 90 days permitted within any 180-day period.

4. General Entry Requirements

Requirements for All Visitors • Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay • Return or onward travel ticket • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or letter from host) • Proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of stay • No prior deportation history from Samoa • No serious criminal history • Good health (travellers with communicable diseases may be denied entry)

5. Visa Extension

Visitors who wish to extend their stay beyond the initial 60 days may apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Division. Extensions are typically granted up to a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days. Further extensions for exceptional circumstances may be considered at the discretion of immigration authorities.

6. Entry Points

International Entry Points • Faleolo International Airport (APW) — main international airport, near Apia • Fagali’i Airport (FGI) — smaller airport, domestic and some international services • Port of Apia — cruise ship arrivals • Salelologa Wharf (Savai’i Island) — inter-island ferry

7. Special Note: American Samoa

American Samoa is a separate US territory and operates under US immigration rules. US nationals from American Samoa holding US-issued documents are subject to US immigration procedures when travelling internationally. Entry to the Independent State of Samoa for US nationals is generally covered by the standard Visitor’s Permit on arrival policy.