Samoa entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa. Land at Faleolo International Airport (APW) and get your visa there. As of 2026, no pre-approval is needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Samoa enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio page as backup. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Samoa | Immigration officers at Faleolo Airport always ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight booking out of Samoa within the visa-on-arrival period (usually 30–60 days) is mandatory. Budget airlines like Fiji Airways check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Samoa. Immigration may ask for it if you look under-prepared. A simple booking.com confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Carry at least 1,000 WST (approx. $370 USD) in cash or have a bank statement ready. ATMs are scarce outside Apia, so bring enough cash for your first few days. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
No pre-approval, no forms to fill online. Just show up with your passport and documents. The process at Faleolo Airport is quick and efficient.
Passport validity is critical
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you may be denied boarding even if you have a ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's usually one queue for all arrivals. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will process your visa on arrival — this typically takes 5-10 minutes. They'll stamp your passport with the visa.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process from landing to exiting the airport usually takes 30-45 minutes if queues are short.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable up to 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)
Visa on arrival is free; extension possible with fee.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (USD 0)
Multiple entries allowed under visa-free arrangement; no additional fee.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~WST 500 (USD 190)
For extended stays; requires sponsorship or special reason.
retirement visa
Samoa Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~WST 1,000 (USD 380)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay with annual renewal.
investor visa
Samoa Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
~WST 5,000 (USD 1,900)
For investors making a minimum investment of WST 500,000 in Samoa. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Samoa Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~WST 1,500 (USD 570)
For those with a job offer from a Samoan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is free for UAE passport holders for stays up to 60 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, longer stay)No fee for standard tourist entry; extensions may incur costs. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension feeExtension of stay beyond 60 days may be possible with fee; subject to approval. | ~WST 200 (USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines apply per day; maximum cap may apply. | ~WST 50 (USD 19) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Samoa
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Samoa do not require a transit visa for stays under 24 hours in the airport transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsFaleolo International Airport (APW)
Health & vaccines for Samoa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use repellent and avoid bites.
Zika virusLow risk
Present in Samoa; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Apia
Samoa Immigration Office
Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries; bring passport and supporting documents.
Salelologa
Salelologa Immigration Office
Salelologa Wharf, Savai'i
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
For visitors on Savai'i island; limited services.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalApia
LanguageSamoan, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 30 days.
Money
CurrencySamoan tālā (WST)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2.69 WST
Time zone
Local timeUTC+13
vs New York+18h
vs Los Angeles+21h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I (Australian/New Zealand plug with two flat pins and an earth pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The standard visa on arrival is typically granted for up to 60 days. The exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer at the airport. Extensions are possible but not automatic.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. The process takes a few days and costs around 200 WST (about 70 USD). You'll need a valid reason and proof of funds.
No, the visa on arrival for UAE passport holders is free. There's no charge at the airport.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Samoan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter Samoa for any reason, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Yes, the visa on arrival is also available at the main seaport in Apia. The same passport validity and onward ticket requirements apply.
Have your passport, a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, and your first night's accommodation booking. A travel insurance certificate is also useful to show.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.