Samoa entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at Faleolo International Airport (APW) with your documents and you'll be stamped in. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Samoa enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Samoa | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket before granting entry. Airlines also check this at check-in — have a printed copy or a digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying, and having proof avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers may ask for evidence of sufficient funds — a bank statement or credit card showing access to around 1,000 WST (~£300) per week is usually enough. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
No need to apply online or visit an embassy. Just show up with your passport and documents. The process at Faleolo Airport usually takes 10–15 minutes.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're short, you won't fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's no separate counter — just the main immigration desks.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and return ticket if asked. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee (if applicable)
As of 2026, the visa on arrival is free for British passport holders for stays up to 60 days. No payment required at the counter.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visitor permit valid for up to 60 days. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — make sure the dates are correct.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check unless you're carrying restricted items.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa on arrival for UK holders)
Standard entry for tourism; no advance application needed.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost200 WST (~$72 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Samoan company; apply at embassy or on arrival.
retirement visa
Samoa Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~500 WST (~$180 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay but no work. Requires health insurance and police clearance.
work visa
Samoa Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~1,000 WST (~$360 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Samoan employer. Requires labour market test and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Samoa Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
~5,000 WST (~$1,800 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least 500,000 WST (~$180,000 USD) in a Samoan business. Includes family dependents. No work restriction.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist)Granted for up to 60 days; must have valid passport and return ticket. | Free (no fee for UK passport holders) |
| Stay extension (first 30 days)Apply at Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before current stay expires. | 100 WST (~$36 USD) |
| Stay extension (additional 30 days)Maximum total stay 90 days; extensions must be applied for in person. | 200 WST (~$72 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; overstay can also lead to deportation and ban. | 50 WST (~$18 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history15%
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
UK passport holders transiting through Faleolo International Airport (APW) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For domestic connections, you must clear immigration and obtain a visa on arrival (free).
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to change airports or leave the transit area, you must obtain a visa on arrival (free for UK holders).
Transit hubsFaleolo International Airport (APW)
Health & vaccines for Samoa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season (November–April). Use insect repellent.
Zika virusLow risk
Present in Samoa; pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater; avoid swimming in stagnant 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
Level 1, Government Building, Sogi, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, fee, and completed application form.
Salelologa (Savai'i)
Savai'i Immigration Office
Government Building, Salelologa
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Limited services; for extensions, it's best to apply in Apia.
Practical information for GB 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
British passport holders get a visitor permit for up to 60 days. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost around 200 WST (about £60).
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. The fee is approximately 200 WST. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration and typically allow an additional 30 days.
If you're transiting through Faleolo Airport and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter Samoa for any reason — even a short stop — you'll need the visa on arrival.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, as of 2026, the visitor permit for British citizens is free for stays up to 60 days. No payment is required at the airport.
Yes, if you arrive by yacht or cruise ship, you can still get a visa on arrival at the port of entry (Apia or Salelologa). The same rules apply — valid passport, return ticket, and onward travel proof.
Your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and a printed or digital copy of your return ticket. Having your first night's accommodation confirmation handy is a good idea too.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.