Samoa entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Ivory Coast passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa in 2026. You fly in and handle the visa at the airport. Have the required documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Samoa. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, they may deny boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Samoa | Immigration officers at Faleolo Airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines enforce this strictly — have a printed copy or a screenshot ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Samoa Immigration may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers occasionally ask for proof of sufficient funds. A bank statement or credit card showing access to around 1,000 WST (~$370 USD) covers a short stay. | Recommended |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (Samoan tālā or USD). ATMs are available after customs, but not before. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected costs.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Faleolo Airport is well-organized. Have your documents ready and you'll be through in under 30 minutes. No need to apply in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
After landing, follow signs to Immigration. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival'. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready.
2
Submit Documents and Pay Fee
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will process your visa. Payment is usually in cash (Samoan tālā or major currencies). Keep small bills.
3
Receive Visa and Enter
Once approved, the visa is stamped in your passport. You'll then proceed to baggage claim and customs. Total time: 15–30 minutes if documents are in order.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Visa on arrival is free for Ivory Coast citizens; no need to apply in advance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Multiple entries are allowed under visa-on-arrival policy; no additional fee.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 530 WST)
Available for retirees or long-term visitors; requires proof of funds and health insurance.
retirement visa
Samoa Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 530 WST) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no criminal record. Allows long-term stay.
work visa
Samoa Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 800 WST) per year
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Samoan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
investor visa
Samoa Investor Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 1,330 WST) per year
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in a Samoan business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Citizens of Ivory Coast can obtain a visa on arrival at no cost for stays up to 60 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions may be granted for up to 60 days total; apply at immigration office before current stay expires. | ~$30 USD (approx. 80 WST) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. Avoid overstaying to prevent future entry issues. | ~$10 USD (approx. 25 WST) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Ivory Coast citizens 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
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsFaleolo International Airport (APW)
Health & vaccines for Samoa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Ivory Coast is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur. Use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or contaminated water. Avoid wading in fresh water after heavy rain.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common due to undercooked seafood or contaminated water. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in all areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.
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 permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Salelologa
Salelologa Immigration Office
Salelologa Wharf, Savai'i
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Handles extensions for visitors on Savai'i island. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for CI 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 visa on arrival fee is typically around 100–200 Samoan tālā (about $35–70 USD). Pay in cash at the airport. Credit cards are not accepted for visa fees.
The standard stay is up to 60 days. Extensions are possible but must be applied for at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before your visa expires.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, usually up to a total of 6 months. There is a fee per extension.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including parts of Africa), you may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic before departure.
Yes, the visa on arrival is also available at the main seaport in Apia. The same requirements apply: valid passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or deportation. The fine is typically around 100 Samoan tālā per day overstayed. Always apply for an extension before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.