Samoa entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Colombian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee at the airport. As of 2026, this is the standard entry process for tourism and short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | Colombian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Faleolo International Airport in Apia. Have 100 USD in cash for the visa fee — the immigration counter does not accept cards. The visa is valid for up to 30 days. | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Samoa. Airlines at Bogotá and connecting hubs check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in Samoa always ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Samoa immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Officers may ask to see you have enough money for your trip. Carry at least 200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing available funds. | Recommended |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. Cards are rarely accepted at the counter. Bring Samoan tālā, or have USD/AUD as backup. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall but may be unreliable.
Biosecurity is strict
Samoa has tough biosecurity laws. Declare all food, plants, seeds, and animal products. Fines for undeclared items can be steep. When in doubt, declare it.
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' or 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will process your visa and ask for the fee. Pay in cash (Samoan tālā preferred, but USD or AUD may be accepted).
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport and stamp it. Check the validity dates before walking away. Typical stay is 30 days.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Declare any food, plants, or animal products — Samoa is strict about biosecurity.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)
Visa on arrival is free for most nationalities; no separate tourist visa needed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostNot available
Multiple entry visas are not typically issued for tourism; visa on arrival is single entry.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Samoa. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Commerce.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Samoa. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 60 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not permitted for visa-on-arrival entries. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties may apply; avoid overstaying as extensions are not allowed. | Unknown |
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
Transit passengers staying airside and not passing through immigration do not need a visa. If you need to enter Samoa, a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed
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-rubellaEssential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use insect repellent and avoid standing water.
Zika virusLow risk
Present in Samoa; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food to avoid illness.
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, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa inquiries; extensions not available for visa-on-arrival holders.
Practical information for CO 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
Typically 30 days. The immigration officer will stamp the exact validity in your passport. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia.
Yes, but you must apply before your current visa expires. Visit the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia (ground floor, government building). Extensions are usually granted for up to 60 days total. There is a fee — around 200–400 WST depending on the extension length.
You will likely be denied entry. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. If you're unsure of your plans, book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to a nearby country like Fiji or American Samoa.
Probably not. The immigration counter at Faleolo Airport usually only accepts cash. Bring Samoan tālā, or have USD or AUD as backup. There are ATMs in the arrivals hall, but they may not always work.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport (even for a few hours), you'll need the visa on arrival.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel. There's no yellow fever risk in Samoa.
Yes, Samoa is generally very safe. Crime rates are low, but take normal precautions — don't leave valuables unattended, and be careful driving (roads can be rough and driving is on the left).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.