Samoa entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa. Just show up at Faleolo Airport with the right documents — no need to apply beforehand. The visa allows up to 60 days and can be extended locally.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Samoa. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Samoa | Immigration officers at Faleolo Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital hotel reservation covering your entire stay. If staying with family or friends, a letter of invitation with their contact details and address works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers may ask for evidence of at least 1,000 WST (about $370 USD) per person per week. A recent bank statement or a credit card with sufficient limit is usually accepted. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — Samoan tālā or US dollars. There is no ATM inside the immigration hall, and cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Faleolo Airport is smooth and takes about 5–10 minutes. Just have your documents ready and the fee in cash. No need to stress.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
All international flights land at Faleolo, about 40 km west of Apia. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a single hall, not a maze.
2
Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter
Look for the counter marked 'Visa on Arrival' or just 'Immigration'. There's usually one queue for all nationalities. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will process the visa — it takes about 5–10 minutes. Pay the visa fee (around 100–200 WST, cash only — have Samoan tālā or US dollars ready).
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the stamp says 'Visa on Arrival' and the dates are correct. You're now free to enter Samoa.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Then walk through customs (usually a quick green channel). Outside, taxis and hotel shuttles wait.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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 (no fee for Chinese passport holders)
Apply at Samoa embassy or consulate before travel for a single-entry tourist visa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (no fee for Chinese passport holders)
Allows multiple entries within validity; suitable for travellers planning multiple visits.
Long-stay visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
CostFree (no fee for Chinese passport holders)
Available for specific purposes (e.g., work, study, investment); requires prior approval from Samoa Immigration.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 1 year, renewable
Free (no fee for Chinese passport holders)
For those with a job offer in Samoa. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
Free (no fee for Chinese passport holders)
For enrolment at a recognised educational institution in Samoa. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
Free (no fee for Chinese passport holders)
For individuals investing a minimum of $500,000 USD in Samoa. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival entry feeVisa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 60 days. | Free (no fee for Chinese passport holders) |
| Stay extension feeVisa on arrival is not extendable; must leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa. | Unknown (not available for this visa type) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry bans. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day, max cap unknown) |
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
Chinese 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
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Australia, New Zealand, or the United States may transit without a 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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use insect repellent and avoid standing water.
Zika virusLow risk
Rare but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrheal illness; drink bottled or boiled 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
Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Level 2, Government Building, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters. Bring all relevant documents.
Salelologa
Salelologa Immigration Office
Salelologa Wharf, Savai'i
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Serves visitors on Savai'i island; limited services compared to Apia.
Practical information for CN 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 = 2.7 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 around 100–200 Samoan tālā (WST) — roughly 35–70 USD. Bring cash in Samoan tālā or US dollars. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
The visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 60 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. Extensions are usually granted for up to 60 more days.
Yes, you can extend your visa once you're in Samoa. Visit the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia (near the government buildings). The extension fee is around 200 WST, and processing takes a few days. You'll need your passport, a completed application form, and proof of funds.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before you travel.
Yes, you need a confirmed onward or return ticket before you arrive. Immigration will ask to see it. If you're unsure of your departure date, book a refundable ticket or one with a flexible change policy.
The visa on arrival is available at Faleolo International Airport (APW) near Apia. If you arrive by sea (e.g., at the port in Apia), you may also get a visa on arrival, but it's less common. Check with your cruise line or ferry operator.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport (e.g., for a layover of several hours), you'll need the visa on arrival. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.