Samoa entry requirements for Ethiopia 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
Ethiopian passport holders can travel to Samoa without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Ensure 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 short visits. Visa-free entry | Ethiopian passport holders do not need a visa for Samoa for stays up to 90 days. Entry is visa-free. | Not required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire soon after your trip. Minimum 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Samoa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary ready to show at the border. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country you are eligible to enter, as immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry bank statements or cash to prove you can support yourself. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Samoa. Amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and living expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form in advance. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Samoa based on current regulations. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationYou do not need to apply for an eVisa. Not applicable | Ethiopian passport holders are not eligible for Samoa's eVisa program. Since entry is visa-free, no eVisa application is needed. | Not required |
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding even if you have a visa-free entry.
No visa extension available
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. Plan your trip accordingly and make sure you leave before the 90 days are up to avoid overstaying penalties.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before flying
Check your passport validity (6 months) and blank pages (at least 1). Print or have digital copies of your return ticket, hotel booking, and bank statement showing funds. Keep them in your carry-on.
2
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
Most international flights land at Faleolo, about 40 km west of Apia. Follow the signs to 'Immigration' after disembarking. There are usually two queues — one for Samoan citizens and one for visitors. Join the visitor queue.
3
Present your passport and documents
Hand your passport to the immigration officer. They may ask about your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and how long you plan to stay. Answer clearly. They will stamp your passport with a visitor entry permit valid for up to 90 days.
4
Collect your bags and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Have your arrival card (if given on the plane) ready. You're free to enter Samoa once you pass customs.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia 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 stay90 additional days (total 180 days)
ValidityUp to 90 days per extension
CostApproximately 200 WST (about $75 USD)
Apply in person at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. Further extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extension of stay (up to 90 additional days)Apply to the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before your initial 90 days expire. | Approximately 200 WST (about $75 USD) |
| Exit feeNo separate departure tax is collected at the airport. | Included in airfare |
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 visa if they remain airside and depart on the same aircraft or a connecting flight within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport transit area, you must obtain a visa on arrival (free) or a visitor permit.
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 = 2.74 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 up to 90 days visa-free. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and you have a return ticket.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, but that's at the discretion of immigration.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Samoan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Immigration officers can ask for proof of sufficient funds. It's best to carry a bank statement or have access to funds via credit card. There's no set amount, but you should be able to cover your stay.
Yes, you'll be given an arrival card on the plane. Fill it out before landing to save time. It asks for basic info like your name, passport number, flight details, and address in Samoa.
The currency is the Samoan tālā (WST). US dollars are not widely accepted, so exchange money at the airport or use ATMs. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and restaurants in Apia.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry, but it's recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccines. Check with your doctor before travel.
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.