Samoa entry requirements for Mexico passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Mexican passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa, valid for up to 60 days. This has been the case since 2024 and applies at Faleolo International Airport (APW) near Apia. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Samoa | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the visa-on-arrival stamp. Samoa does not enforce the 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your trip. Airlines may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Faleolo Airport (APW) routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A printed hotel confirmation or a written invitation from a host in Samoa works. No formal requirement, but it speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry evidence | Samoa doesn't set a fixed minimum, but officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing available funds. Cash is less common — cards work at most hotels and resorts. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. Bring Samoan tālā or USD. ATMs are available at the airport but may have limited hours.
Visa not extendable
The 60-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport
After landing, follow signs to Immigration. There's a dedicated queue for visa-on-arrival passengers. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot), and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Present documents and pay visa fee
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will process your visa-on-arrival. Payment is in cash (Samoan tālā or USD) — no card accepted. The fee is about 100 WST (roughly $35 USD). Keep the receipt.
3
Receive visa and enter Samoa
Once approved, the officer will stamp your passport with a visa-on-arrival sticker valid for up to 60 days. You're free to collect your bags and exit the airport.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Mexico Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost200 WST (~$70 USD)
Apply at Samoan embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost400 WST (~$140 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost300 WST (~$105 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Samoan company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~500 WST (~$175 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Samoan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Commerce.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~1,000 WST (~$350 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Samoan business. Must provide business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
~200 WST (~$70 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Samoa. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (local currency or USD) upon arrival. | 100 WST (~$35 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if applied in advance)For those who prefer to obtain visa before travel. | 200 WST (~$70 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | 400 WST (~$140 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are generally not granted; check with immigration. | 200 WST (~$70 USD) per 30 days |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay can also lead to deportation and future entry bans. | 50 WST (~$17 USD) per day, max 1,000 WST (~$350 USD) |
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
Mexico passport holders transiting through Samoa's Faleolo International Airport (APW) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight), you must obtain a visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Australia, New Zealand, or the United States may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and avoid standing water.
Zika virusLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; mosquito avoidance recommended.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Drink bottled or boiled water; avoid undercooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Samoa; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for most travellers, but mosquito bite prevention is advised.
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 Division
Level 1, Government Building, Sogi, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
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 MX 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 = 2.7 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
Up to 60 days. The visa is issued at the airport and is not extendable — you must leave before it expires.
About 100 Samoan tālā (WST), roughly $35 USD. Pay in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. USD is accepted but you'll get change in local currency.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling.
You will be denied boarding by your airline and refused entry by Samoan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes — you need proof of onward travel out of Samoa. A flight to another country works just as well as a return flight to Mexico.
Not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Samoa has limited medical facilities; a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Insurance covers that.
The visa on arrival is available at Faleolo International Airport (APW) near Apia. If arriving by sea (e.g., cruise ship), check with your cruise line — rules may differ.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.