Samoa entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Filipino passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa. No need to apply in advance — just show up at Faleolo International Airport with the right documents and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, this is the standard entry process for Philippine citizens.
Apply for Samoa eVisaOfficial portal: Samoa Immigration Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a free 60-day visitor permit on arrival at Faleolo Airport (APW). Have a printed return ticket and proof of accommodation ready — the immigration officer may ask. No advance application needed. | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Samoa. Airlines check this at check-in — do not risk a denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Printed or digital | Immigration officers at Apia will ask to see a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed copy or the email ready on your phone. Overstaying the 60-day permit is not possible — no extensions. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Samoa. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a bank statement or at least 500 USD in cash available. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay — showing a credit card or cash works fine. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. No cards accepted. Bring Samoan tālā or major currencies like USD or AUD. ATMs at the airport can be unreliable.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
No need to apply online or visit an embassy. Just show up with your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The process at Faleolo Airport takes about 10 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Visa on Arrival' counter. This is a separate queue from Samoan citizens.
2
Present your documents at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will process your visa on arrival — takes about 5–10 minutes.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash. Samoan tālā preferred, but US dollars or Australian dollars are often accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker and proceed to immigration
The officer stamps your passport with the visa. Then join the main immigration queue for final clearance. Show your passport and any supporting documents if asked.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. No additional forms needed.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
CostFree (0 USD)
Visa on arrival is free; no paid alternative for longer stay.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry
Validity1 year
CostFree (0 USD)
Not available; visa on arrival is single entry.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feePhilippines passport holders get visa on arrival at no cost for stays up to 60 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not available for this visa type. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Free (0 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
Philippines passport holders transiting through Samoa do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
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-rubellaEssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and undercooked food to prevent traveler's diarrhea.
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 PH 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
The visa on arrival is typically granted for up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but not automatic — you'd need to visit the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before your visa expires.
Yes, but you must apply in person at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra (around 200 WST). There's no online option.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. A return or onward ticket is mandatory for visa on arrival.
No — only cash is accepted at the visa on arrival counter. Bring Samoan tālā, US dollars, or Australian dollars. There are ATMs at the airport but they may not always work.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter Samoa (e.g., for an overnight layover), you'll need the visa on arrival.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline. Samoa strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. Renew your passport before traveling.
No mandatory vaccinations for Samoa, but check if you need a yellow fever vaccine if you're arriving from an endemic country. Otherwise, just standard travel health precautions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.