Samoa entry requirements for Serbia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Serbian passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Samoa in 2026. No need to apply in advance — just show up at Faleolo International Airport with your documents and pay the fee at the immigration counter. The visa is valid for up to 30 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Faleolo Airport (APW) in Apia. Pay in cash — USD or local currency (Samoan Tala) — the fee is about $30 USD. Have a printed return ticket and hotel booking ready at the visa counter. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date | Samoa enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Carry a photocopy of the bio page as backup. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | You must show a confirmed onward or return ticket when applying for the visa on arrival. Immigration checks this at the visa counter — a one-way ticket will get you refused entry. Print the itinerary or have it accessible on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Samoa. Immigration may ask for it at the visa counter, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked stay. A booking confirmation email works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines flying into Samoa (e.g., Fiji Airways) may check at check-in. Credit cards are accepted in Apia but not everywhere. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. ATMs at the airport are unreliable. Bring enough Samoan tālā, USD, or AUD in small denominations.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Faleolo Airport is smooth and usually takes 5–15 minutes. Have your documents ready and you'll be through quickly.
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' — it's clearly marked. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will process your visa and ask for the fee. Pay in cash (Samoan tālā preferred, but USD and AUD are usually accepted). Expect to wait 5–15 minutes.
3
Receive visa sticker and enter Samoa
The officer will stamp your passport and affix a visa sticker. Check that the validity dates are correct. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Serbia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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 (VOA) or WST 200 (approx. USD 75) for extension
Visa on arrival is free; extension costs apply for longer stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostWST 400 (approx. USD 150)
Available at Samoa Immigration for frequent travellers; requires justification.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostWST 1,000 (approx. USD 375)
For retirees or long-term visitors; requires proof of funds and health insurance.
retirement visa
Samoa Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
WST 1,000 (approx. USD 375) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no criminal record. Allows long-term stay.
work visa
Samoa Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
WST 500 (approx. USD 187) per year
For those with a job offer from a Samoan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test. Allows residence and work.
investor visa
Samoa Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
WST 5,000 (approx. USD 1,875) initial fee
For investors committing at least WST 500,000 in a Samoan business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Includes family.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for up to 60 days for Serbian passport holders. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions are possible for up to 60 days total stay, subject to immigration approval. | WST 200 (approx. USD 75) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstay fines apply daily; maximum cap may apply. Avoid overstaying. | WST 100 (approx. USD 37) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Serbian passport holders transiting through Samoa do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit, a visa on arrival is required.
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 (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present year-round; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Low risk but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
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 (Head Office)
Level 1, Government Building, Sogi, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Salelologa
Salelologa Immigration Office
Salelologa Wharf, Savai'i
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Handles extensions for visitors on Savai'i island. Limited services.
Practical information for RS 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
The visa on arrival is typically granted for up to 30 days. If you need more time, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. Extensions are usually granted for another 30 days, but you must apply before your current visa expires.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. The fee is around 100 WST (about 35 USD) for an additional 30 days. You must apply before your current visa expires — overstaying can result in fines.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Bring Samoan tālā, US dollars, or Australian dollars. Small bills are best — change may be limited. There are ATMs at the airport, but they may not always work.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But if your layover is long and you want to leave the airport, you'll need a visa on arrival. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined (around 100–200 WST per day overstayed) and could face deportation or a ban from re-entering Samoa. Always apply for an extension before your visa expires.
The visa on arrival is only available at Faleolo International Airport (APW) on Upolu Island. If you arrive by sea (e.g., at the port in Apia), you'll need to arrange a visa in advance through the Samoa Immigration Office.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.