Samoa entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa. You don't need to apply in advance — just arrive at Faleolo International Airport with the required documents and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Ethiopian travelers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 60-day tourist visa on arrival at Faleolo International Airport. Pay in cash (USD or Samoan tālā) — have the exact fee ready. No online pre-application needed. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Samoa. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Samoa. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Samoa ready to show at immigration. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for stay | Carry at least 200 USD per day in cash or have a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your visit. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. No credit or debit cards accepted. Bring small bills in USD, AUD, or Samoan tālā to avoid change issues.
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
This visa is for tourism, visiting friends/family, or short business meetings. If you plan to work, study, or volunteer, you need to apply for the appropriate visa before traveling.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport
After landing, follow signs to Immigration. There's a dedicated queue for visa-on-arrival applicants. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
At the immigration counter, pay the visa fee in cash (Samoan tālā or major currencies like USD or AUD). Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before stepping away.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Have your arrival card (usually given on the plane) filled out.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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; no paid alternative for longer stay.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (USD 0)
Not available; visa on arrival is single entry only.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is free for Ethiopian passport holders for stays up to 60 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are not permitted for visa-on-arrival entries. Check with immigration for special cases. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying to prevent fines or bans. | 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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Samoa do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use insect repellent and avoid bites.
Zika virusLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; mosquito avoidance recommended.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food to reduce risk.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Samoa; prophylaxis is not routinely recommended but consult a travel health specialist.
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 and extensions (if applicable).
Practical information for ET 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 — credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Carry small denominations in USD, AUD, or WST.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 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 on a case-by-case basis and usually cost around 100 WST. Apply at least a week before your current visa expires.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — either a return flight to Ethiopia or a ticket to your next destination. A one-way ticket without onward proof will get you turned away.
Yes, cruise passengers can also get a visa on arrival at the port of entry. The process is similar — have your passport, onward ticket, and accommodation ready.
Refusals are rare if you meet all requirements: valid passport, onward ticket, and sufficient funds. However, if immigration suspects you plan to overstay or work illegally, they can deny entry. Be honest about your travel plans.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.