Samoa entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
French passport holders can visit Samoa visa-free for up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and you have a return ticket booked. This policy applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Samoa | Your passport needs at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date from Samoa. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof you will leave Samoa within 90 days | Immigration officers at Faleolo Airport always ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they will not let you through without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have your hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 1,000 WST (about $370 USD) per week. Immigration rarely asks, but it is better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding — if it's close, renew first.
No visa, but be prepared
You don't need a visa, but immigration may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Have them handy on your phone or printed.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
Most flights land at APW near Apia. After deplaning, follow signs to Immigration. There's usually one queue for all foreign passports.
2
Present your documents at the counter
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months), your return ticket (printed or on phone), and optionally your accommodation booking. The officer will stamp you in for up to 90 days.
3
Collect your luggage and clear customs
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually quick — declare any food or plants. Then you're free to exit.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free already applies)
No paid tourist visa needed for short stays; visa-free covers 90 days.
Long-stay visa (if available)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostUnknown (contact Samoa Immigration)
Samoa may offer long-stay permits for work, study, or retirement; check with immigration for details.
retirement visa
Samoa Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires application to Samoa Immigration and evidence of health insurance.
work visa
Samoa Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Samoan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Commerce.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly listed; avoid overstaying to prevent fines or bans. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
France holders transiting through Samoa do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present; use repellent and avoid standing water.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but practice good hygiene; drink bottled or boiled water.
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, Immigration Division, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Practical information for FR 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 = 2.67 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, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before day 90 or apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced from your arrival date.
If you're transiting through Samoa and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to enter the country (even for a few hours), the visa-free rules apply.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for French passport holders. Just show up with your documents.
The local currency is the Samoan tālā (WST). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants, but cash is king in markets and smaller shops. ATMs are available at the airport and in Apia.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism or short business visits only. For work or study, you need to apply for the appropriate visa before traveling.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Samoa. Always track your entry date and leave before day 90.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.