Samoa entry requirements for India passport holders

Verified May 14, 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

Indian passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Samoa. It's valid for up to 60 days and issued at Faleolo International Airport (APW) near Apia. No prior application needed — just show up with the right documents.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival at airport
Get your visa on arrival at Faleolo International Airport (APW). Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — the immigration officer may ask to see both. The visa costs 100 Tala (about $35 USD) and is valid for up to 60 days.Check Samoa ImmigrationRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from 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 of onward travel required
Immigration officers always ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. A one-way ticket without proof of onward travel will get you refused boarding in your departure country.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Samoa. Immigration may ask for this at the counter — a phone screenshot is not always accepted.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Carry at least 1,000 Tala (about $350 USD) in cash or have a bank statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely checks this, but budget airlines sometimes ask at check-in.Recommended
Visa on arrival is straightforward
No prior application, no fee, no appointment. Just show up at Faleolo International Airport with your valid passport and return ticket. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, you'll be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry in Samoa. Check your passport now.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport
After landing, follow signs to Immigration. The visa on arrival counter is right there — no separate queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll get a small card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your details, flight number, and where you're staying. Keep it simple.
3
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and any supporting docs. The officer will issue a visa sticker valid for up to 60 days. No fee is charged for Indian nationals.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Download PDF

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 extension available.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)

Multiple entries allowed; no extension available.

Long-stay visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostUnknown (estimated ~$100 USD)

Available for work, study, or investment; requires sponsorship.

work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For those with a job offer in Samoa. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Commerce.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Samoa. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Samoan business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is free for Indian passport holders for stays up to 60 days.Free (USD 0)
Tourist visa (single entry, longer stay)No fee for standard tourist entry; extension not available.Free (USD 0)
Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying.Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day)

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

Indian passport holders transiting through Samoa do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne disease; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.

Zika virusLow risk

Pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Drink bottled or boiled water; avoid street food.

Malaria risk: low

Low risk in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for long stays.

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 permits; bring all relevant documents.

Salelologa
Salelologa Immigration Office
Salelologa, Savai'i
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00

Handles visa matters on Savai'i island; limited services.

Practical information for IN 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
updated May 13
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
Police995
Medical996
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Up to 60 days. The officer stamps the exact duration on your passport. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before your 60 days are up.
No. Indian passport holders get the visa on arrival free of charge. No payment is required at the airport.
Yes, but you must apply before it expires. Visit the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia (near the government buildings). Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, and there is a fee — typically around 200 WST per extension. Bring your passport and a completed application form.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you do not need a visa. But if you plan to enter Samoa (even for a few hours), you must get the visa on arrival.
Your passport (6+ months validity), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
No. Samoa does not offer an e-visa or embassy-based visa for Indian nationals. The visa on arrival is the only option for tourism or short visits.

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.