Samoa entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Russian passport holders can visit Samoa without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy has been stable for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and you have a return or onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Samoa. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately from your passport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Samoa | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting entry. Have your booking confirmation printed or accessible on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Samoa. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have at least 200 USD per day of your stay available in cash, bank statement, or credit card. Immigration can ask to see proof of funds at the border. | Recommended |
Time zone note
Samoa is UTC+13, which means it's one of the first places to see the new day. Adjust your watch and phone settings accordingly — flights and check-in times use local time.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check passport validity at check-in. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you will not be allowed to board. Double-check before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
Most flights land at Faleolo, about 40 km west of Apia. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'.
2
Queue at immigration counter
Join the line for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 1-2 minutes per person.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs. There's no arrival declaration form to fill out for Russian passport holders.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostUnknown (estimated ~$50 USD)
May be required for stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free is not available. Check with Samoan embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostUnknown (estimated ~$100 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Russian 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-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use repellent and avoid bites.
Zika virusLow risk
Rare but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled 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, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries. Bring passport and supporting documents.
Practical information for RU 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
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa category before your 90 days are up.
No, Samoa does not require proof of funds for Russian passport holders on visa-free entry. But having a credit card or some cash (Samoan tālā or USD) is sensible for your trip.
No. Russian passport holders do not need to complete any arrival declaration form when entering Samoa visa-free. Just your passport and return ticket.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Samoan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your arrival date, not your departure.
No. The 90-day visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you need to apply for the appropriate visa or permit before you arrive.
The local currency is the Samoan tālā (WST). ATMs are available in Apia and at the airport. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is king in smaller shops and markets.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra when leaving Samoa.
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.