Samoa entry requirements for Qatar 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

Qatari passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa. You skip the embassy visit and handle it at the airport in Apia. As of 2026, the process is straightforward for tourism stays.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
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 before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Faleolo Airport will ask to see a confirmed onward ticket out of Samoa before they stamp you in. This applies to all arrivals — have your printed or digital booking ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
While not always checked, having a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host in Samoa speeds up the immigration process. If you are staying with family, get their address and phone number written down.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
Officers may ask how you plan to fund your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough for accommodation and daily expenses — around 200 WST per day is a safe benchmark.Recommended
Visa on arrival is free for Qataris
There is no fee for Qatari passport holders. You don't need to prepare cash or a credit card for the visa itself.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiry, renew before you go. No exceptions at immigration.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will process your visa. There is no fee for Qatari passport holders as of 2026. The visa is stamped directly into your passport.
3
Receive visa and proceed
Once stamped, you're free to enter. The visa is typically valid for up to 30 days. Check the stamp for the exact validity period.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist Visa (single entry, applied in advance)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency)

Apply at a Samoan embassy or consulate before travel; allows longer stay and possible extension.

Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD

Ideal for multiple visits; must apply in advance at a Samoan diplomatic mission.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Visa on arrival is granted free of charge for stays up to 30 days.Free (no fee for Qatari passport holders)
Stay extension (per 30 days)Extensions are not permitted for visa-on-arrival entries; must exit and re-enter.Free (not available for visa-on-arrival stays)
Overstay fine (per day)Overstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; avoid overstaying.~$10 USD per day (no official cap confirmed)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear travel purpose20%

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

Qatari passport holders transiting through Samoa do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (routine)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (routine)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne disease present year-round; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.

Zika virusLow risk

Rare but reported; pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.

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)
Government Building, Sogi, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and immigration queries; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Salelologa
Salelologa Immigration Office
Salelologa Wharf, Savai'i
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00

Serves visitors on Savai'i island; limited services, best to handle matters in Apia.

Practical information for QA 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
updated May 29
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
Police995
Medical996
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The visa on arrival is typically granted for up to 30 days. Check the stamp for the exact validity. Extensions are not available for this visa type.
No, extensions are not available for this visa type. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa before traveling.
No, there is no fee for Qatari passport holders as of 2026. The visa is issued free of charge at the airport.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — either a return ticket to Qatar or a ticket to your next destination. Immigration will check this.
No, all international flights arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW) near Apia. There is no other international airport in Samoa.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or deportation. Always check your visa's expiry date and leave before it expires.

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.