Samoa entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
As a Lao passport holder, you can enter Samoa without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free entry applies to tourism and short visits—just present your passport on arrival. No prior application is needed for 2026 travel.
Apply for Samoa eVisaOfficial portal: Samoa Immigration Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa requirementYou can enter Samoa without a visa for short stays. Visa-free entry | Laos passport holders do not need a visa for Samoa for stays up to 90 days. No eVisa or embassy application is required. | Not required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire soon after your trip. Must be valid for 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Samoa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the immigration stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary ready to show if asked. Proof of onward travel | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket to a country you are eligible to enter. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or cash to demonstrate financial means. Sufficient funds for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Samoa. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Samoa for this nationality. | Not required |
No eVisa available for Lao citizens
Samoa's online visa system is not available for Lao passport holders. You don't need any visa for short stays, but if you need a different visa type (work, study, etc.), you must apply at a Samoan embassy or consulate.
Passport validity is critical
Samoa enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away at the airport. Double-check your passport before you book anything.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Visitors' or 'Non-citizens'. Have your passport and any supporting documents ready.
2
Present your passport to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your details, may ask about your trip purpose and length of stay, and will stamp your passport with a visitor permit valid for up to 90 days.
3
Collect your bags and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There is no arrival declaration form required for Samoa, so you can walk through the green channel unless you have goods to declare.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 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:
Visitor permit extension
Max stayUp to 90 additional days (total 180 days)
ValidityMust apply before initial 90 days expire
CostApprox. 200 WST (about $75 USD)
Approval at discretion of Samoa Immigration; may require proof of funds and return ticket
Business visa
Max stayUp to 90 days (renewable)
ValiditySingle entry or multiple entry
CostVaries, typically 200-400 WST (about $75-150 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Samoan company and approval from Samoa Immigration
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 520 WST) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Samoan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Commerce.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 1,300 WST)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Samoan business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extension of stayApply at Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before expiry | Approx. 200 WST (about $75 USD) |
| Exit feeNo separate departure tax | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Lao passport holders transiting through Samoa do not require a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required (free for 90 days).
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-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Zika virusLow risk
Present but low risk; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; 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
Level 1, Government Building, Sogi, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Salelologa
Salelologa Immigration Office
Salelologa Wharf, Savai'i
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Handles extensions for visitors on Savai'i island.
Practical information for LA 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 = 2.74 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, you don't need a visa. Lao passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Just arrive with a valid passport and you'll be stamped in.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave Samoa before the 90 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, but that's not guaranteed to work.
You'll likely be denied entry. Samoa requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, Samoa does not require an arrival declaration for visitors. You just go through immigration and customs as usual.
No, there is no fee for visa-free entry. You don't pay anything at immigration for the 90-day visitor permit.
No, visa-free entry is for tourism and short visits only. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer, you must apply for the appropriate visa at a Samoan embassy or consulate before you travel.
Just show a credit card, cash, or a recent bank statement. There's no set amount, but having a few hundred dollars or a card with a decent limit is usually enough.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.