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Samoa Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Samoa for tourism or business at Faleolo International Airport, generally allowing stays up to 60 days.

Guide last updated September 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry, and have at least one blank visa page.
  • Forms on arrival: There is no pre-visa form to submit online; you will complete a Samoa Immigration Arrival/Customs declaration form upon arrival.
  • Financial proof: There is no fixed cash amount; have evidence of funds sufficient for your stay (e.g., recent bank statements or access to funds).
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Have proof of onward or return ticket and accommodation details (hotel booking or invitation letter).
  • Photo specification: One recent color passport photo (2x2 inches / 51x51 mm) with a white background.
  • Biometrics: Biometrics are not collected as part of the visa-on-arrival process.
  • Travel health insurance: It is strongly recommended to carry travel health insurance covering medical expenses during your Samoa stay.
  • Official portal: For the latest rules, see the Samoa government visa page at https://www.samoagovt.ws/.

Visa types

  • Tourist/Visitor Visa (official name: Visitor Visa): validity up to 60 days from issue; max stay 60 days; entry: single; approx. fee: USD 60 (about 150 WST).
  • Business Visa (official name: Business Visa): validity up to 60 days from issue; max stay 60 days; entry: single; approx. fee: USD 60 (about 150 WST).
  • Student and Work visas: These typically require prior approval and are not issued on arrival; please apply through the Samoa Immigration Department or a Samoan embassy/consulate before travel.

Application process

  • Visa on arrival: At the port of entry (Faleolo International Airport is the main entry point; the port of Apia may be used for certain ships).
  • Steps on arrival:
  • Present your passport and any supporting documents to Immigration.
  • Complete the Samoa Immigration Arrival declaration form on board or at the immigration desk.
  • Pay the visa-on-arrival fee in US dollars or Samoan tala (cash is commonly accepted).
  • Receive the visa stamp in your passport and proceed to baggage claim.
  • Fee and currencies: Visa-on-arrival fee is payable in USD or WST; cash payment only at the counter.
  • How approval arrives: The visa is issued at the border on arrival; no prior online approval is required.
  • Extensions: If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Apia before your current visa expires.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: USD 60; approx 150 WST.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: not applicable for Samoa visa on arrival.
  • Total cost estimate: about USD 60 (plus any accommodation or onward ticket costs).
  • Standard processing time: on arrival; visa is issued immediately after payment.
  • Express/priority options: not available for visa on arrival.

Tips for United States travelers

  • Plan for travel well in advance: visa on arrival is processed at the border; no pre-approval needed.
  • Common reasons for visa-on-arrival issues for US travelers: lack of required return/onward ticket, insufficient funds or evidence, invalid passport validity, missing forms or documents on arrival.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy: For Samoa, there is no general pre-approval via VFS/BLS; entry is border-based unless you hold another type of approved visa.
  • Travel advisories: Check the U.S. Department of State travel advisory for Samoa and monitor Bureau of Consular Affairs alerts.
  • Extension options: You may request an extension at the Department of Immigration in Apia before your current visa expires; fees apply.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.