Samoa entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa in 2026. No need to apply in advance — just show up at Faleolo International Airport with your documents and pay the fee in cash. The process takes about 10–15 minutes.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Samoa | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay. Samoa does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but your airline may ask for at least 3 months beyond your departure date — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Faleolo International Airport (APW) | Japanese passport holders get a free 60-day visitor visa on arrival at Samoa's main airport. No pre-application needed — just join the visa-on-arrival queue after landing. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready for the immigration officer. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival issuance | Samoa immigration strictly requires a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting the visa on arrival. Budget airlines like Fiji Airways or Virgin Australia check this at check-in — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration officers may ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or Agoda works fine — have it handy at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Samoa does not publish a fixed minimum amount, but officers expect to see enough cash or credit for your trip. A bank statement or credit card with a few hundred USD available usually satisfies the check. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or WST). No credit cards, no mobile payments. Bring small bills — the counter may not have change for large notes.
No advance application needed
Japanese passport holders do not need to apply for a visa before traveling. Just show up at Faleolo International Airport with your documents and cash. The process is quick and straightforward.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants. Queue up, fill out the arrival card (provided on the plane or at the counter), and present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof.
2
Pay the visa fee and get stamped
Hand over the cash fee. The officer will process your visa, stamp your passport, and hand back your documents. The whole thing takes about 10 minutes. Keep the receipt if given.
3
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
Once stamped, walk through to baggage claim. Customs is straightforward for personal items. If you're bringing gifts or commercial goods, declare them.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, longer stay)
Max stay90 days (may be extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at a Samoan embassy or consulate before travel for a longer stay than the visa-on-arrival allows.
Business visa
Max stay90 days (may be extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD (estimated)
For business-related visits; requires an invitation letter from a Samoan company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 60 days)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 60 days. | Free (no fee for Japanese passport holders) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Visa-on-arrival cannot be extended; you must leave and re-enter if you wish to stay longer. | Not available (no extension for visa-on-arrival) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future bans. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
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
Japanese passport holders transiting through Samoa do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to enter Samoa (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight), you must obtain a visa on arrival.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is present year-round, especially in urban areas.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea and other infections from contaminated food/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)
Level 1, Government Building, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa inquiries and overstay payments. Bring passport and any relevant documents.
Practical information for JP 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
The visa on arrival typically grants a stay of up to 60 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before your visa expires.
Extensions are not automatic. You must apply at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia (ground floor, government building). Approval is at their discretion, and there's a fee. Start the process well before your current visa expires.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. A confirmed onward ticket is mandatory. If you're unsure of your plans, book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to a nearby country like Fiji or Tonga.
No. Only cash is accepted — either Samoan tālā (WST) or US dollars (USD). Have small bills ready. There's an ATM at the airport, but it may run out of cash or charge high fees.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you'll need the visa on arrival.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Japan. But hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
No. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
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.