Samoa entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa. No need to apply before you travel — just show up at the airport in Apia with your documents and pay the fee. This policy is current as of 2026.
Apply for Samoa eVisaOfficial portal: Samoa Immigration Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | Swiss passport holders get a free 60-day visitor permit on arrival at Faleolo Airport. Hand over your passport and a completed arrival card — no pre-approval needed. You can extend once for another 60 days at the Samoa Immigration office in Apia (pay 200 WST fee). | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Samoa requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date. Airlines at Zurich and Frankfurt check this before boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Show at check-in | Samoa Immigration requires proof of a confirmed onward or return flight. Budget airlines like Fiji Airways and Virgin Australia enforce this strictly at check-in. A printed itinerary or digital boarding pass works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration officers may ask for a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Samoa. A printed Booking.com confirmation or a signed invitation with the host's contact details is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can request evidence of at least 1,000 WST (about 350 CHF) per week of stay. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a sufficient limit works. Keep a screenshot of your online banking balance. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. No credit cards, no ATMs at the airport. Bring Samoan tālā or US dollars in small denominations.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Swiss passport holders have a smooth process. Just have your documents ready and the fee in cash. The queue moves quickly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' — it's clearly marked.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return/onward ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will check your passport validity.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — Samoan tālā or US dollars are accepted. Keep small denominations. The officer will issue a receipt and stamp your passport.
4
Receive your visa
The visa sticker is placed in your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. You're now cleared to enter Samoa.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 (VOA)
Standard entry for Swiss passport holders; extension possible at Immigration Office.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostWST 200 (approx. USD 75)
Requires invitation letter from a Samoan company. Apply at Samoa Immigration.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
WST 500 (approx. USD 185)
For those with a job offer from a Samoan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Commerce.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
WST 1,000 (approx. USD 370)
For individuals investing at least WST 500,000 in Samoa. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist)Swiss passport holders receive a free 60-day visa on arrival. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension (first 30 days)Extensions are possible for up to 30 days at a time, subject to approval. | WST 200 (approx. USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; no official cap is published. | WST 100 (approx. USD 37) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Samoa do not need a 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-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is higher during rainy season (November–April).
Zika virusLow risk
Occasional cases reported; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to limited sanitation in rural areas; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low but present in rural areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for short stays.
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
Level 1, Government Building, Sogi, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Salelologa
Salelologa Immigration Office
Salelologa Wharf, Savai'i
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Handles extensions for visitors on Savai'i island. Limited services.
Practical information for CH 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 = 2.74 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 usually granted for up to 60 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost around 200 WST (about 70 USD).
Yes, but it's not automatic. You must visit the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before your current visa expires. The extension fee is approximately 200 WST. Processing takes a few days, so apply early.
You will be denied entry. Samoa strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before you travel.
Yes, an onward ticket is required. It can be a flight to another country, not necessarily back to Switzerland. A bus or ferry ticket is not accepted — it must be a flight.
Cash only. Samoan tālā (WST) is preferred, but US dollars are also accepted. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Have small bills ready.
Yes, but only at designated ports of entry — mainly Apia Harbour. The process is similar to the airport. Check with your cruise line or ferry operator for specific requirements.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.