Samoa entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa in 2026. No need to apply in advance — just show up at Faleolo International Airport with your passport and a return ticket. The process takes about 15–20 minutes.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Samoa | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you leave Samoa. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Immigration officers at Faleolo Airport will ask to see a confirmed onward ticket out of Samoa before they stamp you in. A booking reference or printed itinerary works — just make sure it shows a departure date within your visa-on-arrival validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Samoa ready. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 1,000 WST (about 370 USD) per week of your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is free
Canadian citizens do not pay any fee for the visa on arrival at Faleolo International Airport. No need to carry cash for this.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines may deny boarding if it's close to expiry. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport
After landing, follow signs to Immigration. There's usually one queue for all arrivals. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll get a small card on the plane or at the airport. Fill in your details, flight number, and where you're staying. Keep it with your passport.
3
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and return ticket. The officer will process the visa on arrival — it's a sticker in your passport. No fee for Canadian citizens.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
Once stamped, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 15–20 minutes.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (Canadian passport holders get visa on arrival)
Visa on arrival is free for up to 60 days; no paid single-entry visa option exists.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostFree (Canadian passport holders get visa on arrival)
Multiple entries allowed under visa-free/VOA; no separate multiple-entry visa fee.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Available for retirees or investors; requires proof of funds and health insurance.
retirement visa
Samoa Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year (estimated)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay but no work. Requires health insurance.
investor visa
Samoa Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Samoan business. Includes family members. Must provide business plan and proof of funds.
work visa
Samoa Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Samoan employer. Employer must demonstrate that no local candidate is available. Requires contract and qualifications.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (entry fee)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 60 days. | Free (no fee for Canadian passport holders) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not permitted for visa-free or VOA entries; you must leave and re-enter. | Unknown (not available for visa-free/VOA entries) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying may result in fines, detention, or deportation; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (not officially published) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Samoa do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
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-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Present in Samoa; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
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 (Head Office)
Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Immigration Division, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa inquiries and permits; bring passport and supporting documents.
Apia
Faleolo International Airport Immigration Desk
Faleolo Airport, Apia
Open during flight arrivals/departures
For visa-on-arrival processing and entry questions.
Practical information for CA 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 = 2.67 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
No, you get a visa on arrival at Faleolo International Airport. It's free and takes about 15 minutes. No need to apply in advance.
The standard stay is 60 days. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. Extensions are not guaranteed.
No, it's free for Canadian passport holders. No payment required at the airport.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, immigration will ask to see proof of onward travel. A printed or digital copy of your return flight booking is fine.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. The fee is around 200 WST (about 75 CAD) for a 30-day extension. Apply before your current visa expires.
No mandatory vaccines for entry from Canada. But routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, etc.) are recommended. Check with a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before you go.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.