Samoa entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Good news: as a Madagascar passport holder, you can get a visa on arrival in Samoa. No need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport in Apia with your documents and pay the fee. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Faleolo International Airport (APW) in Apia. Have a printed return ticket, proof of accommodation, and enough cash (around 100 WST or equivalent) for the visa fee — the immigration counter does not accept cards. The visa is valid for up to 60 days, but you cannot extend it. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Madagascar passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Samoa. Airlines at departure check this, so if your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration in Apia will ask to see a confirmed onward ticket out of Samoa before granting the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they check this at the counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it during the visa on arrival process, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry enough cash or a credit card to show you can support yourself during your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but having at least 200 WST per day in accessible funds avoids any issues. | Recommended |
Visa fee is cash only
The visa on arrival fee (around 100 WST) must be paid in cash. There is no ATM before immigration, so bring Samoan tālā or US dollars with you. Change is not always available — try to have exact amount.
6-month passport rule is strict
Samoa enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you will be refused entry. Check your passport's expiry date before booking flights.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
After landing, follow signs to Immigration. There's a dedicated queue for visa on arrival. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll receive a small card on the plane or at the immigration counter. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and where you're staying.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival fee is around 100 WST (Samoan tālā) — roughly $35 USD. Cash is preferred; have exact change if possible. Cards are not always accepted.
4
Receive your visa stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visitor visa. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. Typical stay is 30 days.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Samoa.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (0 USD)
Visa on arrival is free; no paid alternative for longer stay.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (0 USD)
No multiple entry visa available; visa on arrival is single entry.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is free for Madagascar passport holders for stays up to 60 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Visa on arrival is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future bans. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated) |
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Samoa do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; avoid mosquito bites.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Drink bottled or boiled water; avoid street food if hygiene is questionable.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Samoa; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider if visiting rural areas.
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; extensions not available for visa on arrival.
Practical information for MG 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, but it's not automatic. You must visit the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before your current visa expires. Bring your passport, a completed application form, and the extension fee (approximately 200 WST). Processing takes a few days.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Madagascar is not currently listed as a risk country, so you probably don't need it. Check with your doctor or the Samoa Ministry of Health for the latest requirements.
Yes, the same visa on arrival policy applies if you arrive by yacht or cruise ship at the port of Apia. The process is similar — present your passport, pay the fee, and you'll get a stamp.
Samoan tālā (WST) is preferred. US dollars are sometimes accepted but at a poor exchange rate. Bring cash — cards are rarely accepted for visa fees. ATMs are available at the airport after immigration.
Yes, children also need a visa on arrival. The same fee applies. Make sure each child has their own passport with at least 6 months validity.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.