Samoa entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders can get a visa on arrival when landing in Samoa. The process happens at Faleolo International Airport (APW) near Apia. As of 2026, the visa is issued at immigration for a fee, and you'll need to show a few standard documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Faleolo International Airport (APW) in Apia. Pay the fee in cash (USD or Samoan Tala) — have exact change ready. The visa is valid for up to 30 days and cannot be extended. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Samoa. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately from the original. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Apia airport will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they check this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Samoa ready. Officers may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for stay | Carry at least 1,000 Samoan Tala (about $370 USD) in cash or have a credit card with available balance. 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. Cards are not accepted. Bring Samoan tālā or a major currency like USD or AUD. There's an ATM at the airport, but it may not always work.
30-day stay is standard
The visa on arrival is typically issued for 30 days. If you need more time, apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Apia before your visa expires.
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 confirmation ready.
2
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will process the visa and ask for payment. As of 2026, the fee is around 100 WST (about $35 USD) — bring cash in a major currency (USD, AUD) or Samoan tālā. Cards are not accepted.
3
Receive your visa and enter Samoa
The visa is stamped or affixed to your passport. You'll be allowed to stay for up to 30 days (standard). Collect your luggage and proceed to customs.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)
Apply at Samoa embassy or online; may require proof of accommodation and funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)
For frequent travellers; conditions apply.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feeVisa on arrival is issued free of charge for eligible nationalities. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension feeVisa on arrival is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties may apply; check with immigration. | 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
Iraqi passport holders transiting through Samoa do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
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 avoid standing water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure; avoid swimming in floodwaters.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
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.
Practical information for IQ 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 standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost around 200 WST.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Apia. The extension is typically granted for an additional 30 days. The fee is about 200 WST (around $70 USD). You'll need a valid passport and a reason for the extension.
You will likely be denied entry. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
The visa on arrival is available at Faleolo International Airport (APW) near Apia. If arriving by sea (e.g., at Apia Wharf), you may also get a visa on arrival, but it's less common. Check with your cruise line or ferry operator in advance.
Cash only. Bring Samoan tālā (WST) or a major currency like US dollars or Australian dollars. The fee is around 100 WST. There is an ATM at the airport, but it's best to have cash ready.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally do not need a visa. However, if your layover is long and you want to enter the country, you'll need the visa on arrival. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry. However, it's a good idea to be up to date on routine vaccines. If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.