Samoa entry requirements for Thailand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 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
Thai passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa, free of charge, for stays up to 60 days. The visa is issued at Faleolo International Airport (APW) in Apia — no need to apply in advance. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | Get a visa on arrival at Faleolo International Airport (APW) in Apia. Pay the fee in cash (USD or Samoan Tala) — have the exact amount ready. The visa is valid for up to 60 days.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your departure date from Samoa. Airlines check this before boarding — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers ask for proof of onward travel at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or next destination ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Samoa. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have at least 1,000 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask to see it during peak hours. | Recommended |
No extension possible
The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you overstay, you'll be fined about $10–20 USD per day. Avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues.
Healthcare limitations
Medical facilities in Samoa are basic, especially outside Apia. For serious conditions, evacuation to New Zealand or Australia may be needed. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly advised.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' — it's clearly marked. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents. The officer will process your visa on the spot. No forms to fill in advance.
3
Pay the visa fee (if any)
For Thai passport holders, the visa on arrival is free. No payment needed. If asked, confirm it's free for your nationality.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with a visa valid for up to 60 days. Collect your luggage and proceed to customs. Welcome to Samoa.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (Thai passport holders get visa on arrival)
Visa on arrival is free; no need to apply in advance for standard tourist visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (not applicable; visa on arrival is single entry)
Multiple entry visa not available for Thai passport holders; visa on arrival is single entry.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival entry feeVisa on arrival is granted free of charge for stays up to 60 days. | Free (no fee for Thai passport holders) |
| Stay extension feeVisa on arrival is not extendable; must leave and re-enter if longer stay needed. | Unknown (not available for visa on arrival) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | Unknown (estimated $10–20 USD per day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Thai 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use insect repellent and avoid standing water.
Zika virusLow risk
Rare but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Drink bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly 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 inquiries; visa on arrival is handled at airport, not here.
Practical information for TH 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. Thai passport holders get a visa on arrival at Faleolo International Airport. No prior application needed.
It's free. There is no fee for Thai nationals. Have cash just in case, but officially it's free.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Samoa and re-enter. Overstaying incurs fines of about $10–20 USD per day.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. Proof of funds (cash or bank statement) is recommended but not always required.
You will likely be denied entry. Immigration officers always ask for proof of onward travel. Have a ticket ready.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Healthcare is limited, and serious cases may require evacuation to New Zealand or Australia. Insurance with medical evacuation coverage is wise.
Yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, and Measles-mumps-rubella. Check with your doctor.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.