Samoa customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Samoa enforces strict biosecurity: declare all food, plants, and wooden items or face on-the-spot fines up to WST 5,000. The duty-free alcohol allowance is low (1 liter of spirits), and the cash declaration threshold is WST 20,000. These rules apply to all non-resident adult travelers arriving in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Total duty-free value cap: WST 800 (approx. USD 290).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare if carrying WST 20,000 or more (approx. USD 7,250) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the Customs Declaration Form (CDF) upon arrival.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to WST 800 (approx. USD 290). Above that, duty is 20% of the value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit
  • Pornographic materials
  • Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, turtle shells)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing codeine or other controlled substances (permit required)
  • Plants, seeds, and wooden items (must be declared and inspected)
  • Drones (require approval from the Samoa Ministry of Communications)
  • Satellite phones (require a license from the Office of the Regulator)
  • Animals and animal products (import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, proceed to the Customs channel. There is no red/green channel; all passengers must present a completed Customs Declaration Form (CDF). If you have nothing to declare, hand the form to the officer and proceed; if you have goods to declare, present them for inspection.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a prescription or doctor's letter. Controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, sedatives) require prior approval from the Samoa Ministry of Health. Some common Western medications like codeine are banned without a permit.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, wooden items, and animal products must be declared. Banned items include fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy. Biosecurity fines apply for undeclared items.

Rules worth knowing

Biosecurity Declaration

All travelers must declare any food, plants, wooden items, or soil on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in a fine of up to WST 5,000 (approx. USD 1,800).

Duty-Free Value Limit

The duty-free allowance for all goods (including alcohol and tobacco) is capped at a total value of WST 800 (approx. USD 290). Any excess is subject to 20% duty.

Cash Declaration in Local Currency

You must declare if you are carrying WST 20,000 or more (approx. USD 7,250) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the Customs Declaration Form.

Frequently asked questions

No, personal electronics like laptops and cameras for your own use are generally exempt from duty, but you may be asked to prove they are for personal use.
Yes, but only if it is in its natural root form and declared. Powdered kava is subject to biosecurity inspection. Limit is 2 kg per person.
Undeclared cash over WST 20,000 can be confiscated, and you may face a fine or prosecution under the Money Laundering Prevention Act.
No specific restrictions, but items that are considered offensive to Samoan culture (e.g., depictions of nudity) may be prohibited.
Yes, as long as it is within the 1 liter spirits or 2 liters wine/beer limit and the total value does not exceed WST 800.
No, prescription glasses and contact lenses for personal use do not require a permit. However, large quantities may be questioned.
No specific limit, but more than 2 new phones may be considered commercial goods and subject to duty.

Official source

Samoa Ministry for Revenue – Customs Division

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Samoa Ministry for Revenue – Customs Division before travelling.