Samoa entry requirements for Ukraine passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Ukrainian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa. You'll handle it at the airport in Apia — no need to apply before you travel. This has been the case since at least 2024.
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. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Samoa | Immigration at Faleolo Airport will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting entry. Budget airlines flying into Samoa enforce this strictly — have your booking confirmation ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation for your first few nights. If staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation with their contact details works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least 200 USD per day in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient balance. Immigration officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your costs. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards accepted. Bring Samoan tālā or a major currency like USD or AUD to exchange at the airport.
No e-visa option
There is no e-visa system for Samoa. The only way for Ukrainian passport holders to get a visa is on arrival at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW)
After landing, follow signs to Immigration. There's a dedicated queue for visa-on-arrival applicants. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Present documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will process your visa on the spot. Payment is in Samoan tālā (WST) — cash only. No card accepted.
3
Receive your visa and enter Samoa
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport with the visa. You're free to go. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Ukraine Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 60 days)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 130 WST)
Apply at a Samoan embassy or consulate before travel; allows longer stay than visa-on-arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 260 WST)
For frequent visitors; requires proof of sufficient funds and itinerary.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 520 WST) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Samoan employer. Requires employer sponsorship, labor market test, and health clearance. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1–3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 1,300 WST) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Samoan business. Requires business plan and financial statements. Grants residency and work rights.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. 390 WST) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $20,000 USD/year). No work allowed. Simple application process.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Available to Ukrainian passport holders for tourism or business visits up to 30 days. | Free (no fee charged at border) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions are possible at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia, up to a total stay of 60 days. | ~$30 USD (approx. 80 WST) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstaying beyond permitted period incurs a daily fine; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD (approx. 25 WST) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
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
Ukrainian passport holders transiting through Samoa's Faleolo International Airport (APW) 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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season (November–April). Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Present in Samoa; pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to bacterial contamination; 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
Level 1, Government Building, Sogi, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions, re-entry permits, and overstay fines. Bring passport, photo, and fee in cash (WST).
Practical information for UA 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
The visa on arrival fee is 200 Samoan tālā (WST) — roughly $70 USD. Bring cash in WST or a major currency like USD or AUD to exchange at the airport. Cards are not accepted for the visa fee.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 60 days. Extensions are possible, but you'd need to apply at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before your visa expires.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. Extensions are granted at the officer's discretion and cost around 200 WST per additional month. Apply before your current visa expires.
Samoa requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Ukraine is not a risk country, so you likely won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area.
You'll be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, but the visa on arrival is only available at Faleolo International Airport. If arriving by yacht or cruise, you must apply for a visa in advance at a Samoan embassy or consulate.
If you're transiting through Samoa and staying airside, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.