Samoa customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Samoa's duty-free allowance for arriving adult travellers in 2026 is 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 litres of wine/beer, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (choose one), and personal goods up to WST 800 (approx. USD 290). Cash amounts equivalent to USD 10,000 or more must be declared. Strict bans apply to narcotics, firearms, certain food items, and other prohibited goods. Travellers must be 21+ for tobacco and alcohol allowances.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Traveller must be 21+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Any amount equivalent to USD 10,000 or more (in any currency) must be declared on the arrival form. Failure to declare may result in seizure and penalties.

Goods duty-free

$290

Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is WST 800 (approx. USD 290). Items exceeding this value are subject to duty and tax.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and illegal drugs (including cannabis, even for medical use without prior approval)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (including pepper spray and tasers)
Pornographic materials (including digital files)
Counterfeit currency and goods
Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, turtle shell, coral) without CITES permit
Certain food items (e.g., fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products) without a biosecurity permit

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines containing controlled substances (require a prescription and prior approval from the Ministry of Health)
Plants, seeds, and soil (require a biosecurity import permit)
Animals and animal products (require a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries)
Drones (require approval from the Samoa Civil Aviation Authority)
Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a license from the Office of the Regulator)

Rules worth knowing

Biosecurity Declaration

All arriving travellers must complete a biosecurity declaration form. Failure to declare food, plants, or animal products can result in an on-the-spot fine of up to WST 4,000 (approx. USD 1,450).

Tobacco and Alcohol Age Limit

The legal age for purchasing and importing tobacco and alcohol in Samoa is 21. Travellers under 21 are not entitled to the duty-free allowance for these items.

Currency Declaration

There is no limit on the amount of currency that can be brought into Samoa, but amounts equivalent to USD 10,000 or more must be declared. Undeclared amounts may be confiscated.

Gifts and Personal Effects

Personal effects (clothing, toiletries, etc.) for the traveller's own use are generally duty-free, but gifts and new goods valued over WST 800 (approx. USD 290) are subject to duty.

Frequently asked questions

No. The legal age for importing alcohol in Samoa is 21. If you are under 21, you cannot bring in duty-free alcohol, and any alcohol in your possession may be seized.

Yes, if it contains a controlled substance. You should carry a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining the medical need. For large quantities or unusual drugs, apply to the Ministry of Health before travel.

Undeclared cash over the equivalent of USD 10,000 can be seized by customs, and you may face a fine or legal action. Always declare on the arrival form.

No. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products are generally prohibited without a biosecurity permit. Even if from a similar climate, they may carry pests or diseases. Declare them or leave them behind.

Yes. The allowance is 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco. You cannot combine these allowances; choose one option.

Yes, but you must obtain approval from the Samoa Civil Aviation Authority before arrival. Unauthorised drones may be confiscated and you could be fined.

Official source

Samoa Customs Service (Ministry for Revenue)