Samoa entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Good news: Ivorian passport holders can travel to Samoa without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
Apply for Samoa eVisaOfficial portal: Samoa Immigration Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / Entry PermitYou can enter Samoa without a visa for tourism or business visits up to 90 days. Visa-free entry | Citizens of Ivory Coast do not need a visa for Samoa for stays up to 90 days. No eVisa application is required. | Not required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. Must be valid 6 months beyond departure | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Samoa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesSamoa immigration requires a blank page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you will leave Samoa before your visa-free period ends. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than Samoa, showing departure within your 90-day stay. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsHaving proof of funds helps show you can support yourself during your visit. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Samoa (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards). | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival declaration form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for entry to Samoa for this nationality. | Not required |
| Travel insuranceTravel insurance protects you against unexpected medical or travel costs. Recommended | Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip interruption is strongly recommended for your stay in Samoa. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
Because you're traveling from Ivory Coast, a yellow fever risk country, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Samoa. Without it, you could be denied entry or quarantined.
Passport validity is critical
Samoa enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away at check-in or at the border. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6 months) and blank pages (at least 1). Print or have digital copies of your onward ticket, accommodation booking, and any proof of funds. Keep them together in a travel wallet.
2
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
Most international flights land at Faleolo Airport near Apia. Follow the signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Have your passport and completed arrival card ready (you'll fill this out on the plane or at the airport).
3
Present your passport and documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your visa-free eligibility, stamp your passport, and may ask about your stay. Answer clearly and honestly. The process typically takes a few minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, collect your bags, and exit through customs. If you have nothing to declare, follow the green channel.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor permit extension
Max stay60 days per extension
ValidityUp to 1 year total stay
Cost200 WST (approx. $75) per extension
Apply at Samoa Immigration in Apia before current permit expires.
Business visa
Max stayUp to 90 days
ValiditySingle entry
CostFree (on arrival)
For business activities; must show invitation letter and proof of funds.
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 |
|---|---|
| Extension of stay (up to 60 days)Apply to Samoa Immigration before current permit expires. | 200 WST (approx. $75) |
| Exit feeMost airlines collect departure tax with ticket. | Included in airfare |
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
Citizens of Ivory Coast transiting through Samoa do not require a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Must hold confirmed onward ticket and valid passport.
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 = 2.74 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
No, you don't need a visa. You can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and you have an onward ticket.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Samoa and re-enter (if allowed) or apply for a different type of visa from a Samoan embassy or consulate before your 90 days expire.
Overstaying is a violation of immigration law. You may face fines, detention, deportation, or a ban on future visits. It's best to leave before your 90 days are up.
No, Samoa does not require an online arrival declaration for Ivorian passport holders. You'll fill out a paper arrival card on the plane or at the airport.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Samoan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Samoa requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Since you're traveling from Ivory Coast (which is a yellow fever risk country), you must have the certificate. Carry it with your passport.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, visiting friends/family, or short business activities. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa or permit before arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.