Samoa entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Laos passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Samoa. You don't need to apply in advance — just arrive at the airport with the required documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Lao citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day visa on arrival at Faleolo Airport (APW) or Fagali'i Airport. Pay in cash — USD or Samoan Tala — $20 USD per person. Have a printed return ticket and hotel booking ready at the visa counter.Samoa Immigration | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Samoa. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Apia airport always ask for proof of onward travel. Show a printed or digital return ticket or a ticket to your next destination. Without it, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Samoa ready. Immigration may ask for it during the visa on arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of financial means for your stay. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
No need to apply in advance. Just show up with a valid passport, return ticket, and cash for the fee. The process at Faleolo Airport usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you won't be allowed to fly. Double-check before booking.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
All international flights land here. Follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a single hall.
2
Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter
Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign. Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and return ticket if asked.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — Samoan tālā, US dollars, or Australian dollars are usually accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your passport stamped
Officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and head through customs. No additional forms needed.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa on arrival)
Standard entry for tourism; extension possible at Immigration Office.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 130 WST)
Requires invitation letter from a Samoan company.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for Lao passport holders. | Free (no fee required) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions are possible but limited; apply at Samoa Immigration before current visa expires. | ~$50 USD (approx. 130 WST) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstay fines are assessed at the discretion of immigration; no official cap published. | ~$10 USD (approx. 26 WST) |
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 need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
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 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 = 2.69 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 up to 60 days. The exact number of days will be written on the stamp you receive at immigration.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling or leave and re-enter.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
You'll receive an arrival card on the plane. Fill it out before landing. No online pre-registration is required.
Cash only. Samoan tālā (WST) is preferred, but US dollars and Australian dollars are commonly accepted. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
Yes, children need their own visa on arrival. The same requirements apply — a valid passport with 6 months validity and a blank page.
No. Faleolo International Airport (APW) near Apia is the only international airport in Samoa. All international flights arrive there.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.