Samoa entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders can enter Samoa without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 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 at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Samoa | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation, resort booking, or a letter from your host with their contact details. A simple booking printout works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing at least 200 USD per day of your visit. | Recommended |
No visa needed, but plan ahead
You don't need a visa, but you still need a valid passport (6+ months), a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. These are checked by airlines and immigration. Have them ready before you arrive.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
The 6-month passport validity rule is not flexible. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Check your passport's expiry date now — if it's close, renew it before booking flights.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
Most flights from Europe connect through Auckland, Sydney, or Fiji. After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a small, single-terminal airport. Queues are usually short.
2
Present your documents at the immigration counter
Hand over your passport (with at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page) and your return/onward ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visitor permit. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — it should show the correct date. If it's wrong, ask for a correction immediately.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim (it's a single carousel). Then walk through customs — there's usually a green 'nothing to declare' lane for tourists. If you have food, plants, or large amounts of cash, use the red lane.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free already applies)
No paid visa needed for short stays; this option is not applicable.
Long-stay visitor permit
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Available for retirees or long-term visitors; requires proof of funds and health insurance.
retirement visa
Samoa Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD/year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay without work rights.
investor visa
Samoa Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Samoan business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying to prevent fines or bans. | Unknown (estimated ~$10–20 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Latvia passport holders transiting through Samoa do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours and remaining airside.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (November–April).
Zika virusLow risk
Rare but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to untreated water; 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
Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Level 2, Government Building, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Practical information for LV 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 = 2.68 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, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave Samoa before the 90 days are up. If you overstay, you may face fines or a ban. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before your current permit expires.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're transiting through Faleolo Airport and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, even for a few hours, you'll need to meet the visa-free entry requirements.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Latvian passport holders. You simply arrive, go through immigration, and get your stamp. No pre-registration needed.
The currency is the Samoan tālā (WST). Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and some restaurants, but cash is king in smaller shops and markets. ATMs are available at the airport and in Apia. It's a good idea to carry some cash for taxis and local purchases.
No vaccinations are required for entry. However, it's wise to be up to date on routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, etc.). Check with your doctor about hepatitis A and typhoid, especially if you plan to eat street food or visit rural areas.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering Samoa. Always leave before your stamp expires. If you have an emergency, contact the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia immediately.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.