Samoa entry requirements for Uruguay passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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
Uruguayan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa. Just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou do not need to apply for a visa before traveling; you will receive it when you arrive in Samoa. Entry permit issued at border | Uruguayan passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at any Samoa port of entry. No prior application is needed. The permit is typically valid for up to 60 days, but the exact duration is determined by the immigration officer at entry. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your arrival date in Samoa. Minimum 6 months remaining | Your Uruguay passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Samoa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a blank page to affix the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page (not the endorsement page) for the visa-on-arrival stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration may ask to see your outbound flight booking before boarding or at entry. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing your departure from Samoa within the permitted stay period. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry a bank statement, credit card, or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself. Financial means for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Samoa. No specific minimum amount is published, but having access to at least 200 WST per day is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to complete any online or paper arrival declaration before traveling. Not required | Samoa does not require a pre-arrival declaration form for Uruguayan passport holders. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationYou do not need to apply for an e-visa; simply obtain the visa upon arrival. Not applicable | No e-visa is required for Uruguayan passport holders traveling to Samoa, as a visa on arrival is available. | Not required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring Samoan tālā, USD, or AUD. Change may not be available, so carry small denominations.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Faleolo Airport is smooth. Have your documents ready, pay the fee, and you'll be through in 10-15 minutes. No need to apply online or visit an embassy.
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. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Present documents and pay 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 or AUD are usually accepted).
3
Receive visa stamp and enter
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport with the visa. You're free to collect your luggage and exit the arrivals hall. The visa is typically valid for up to 30 days.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Uruguay Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost200 WST (approx. $70 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Samoan company.
Multiple entry visitor visa
Max stay60 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost400 WST (approx. $140 USD)
Apply at Samoan embassy abroad; allows multiple visits.
long term tourist
Long Stay Visitor Permit
Up to 12 months
500 WST (approx. $175 USD) per year
For tourists who want to stay longer than 60 days. Must show sufficient funds and health insurance.
Apply at Samoa Immigration Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Payable in cash (WST or USD) at the airport. | 100 WST (approx. $35 USD) |
| Visa extension (per additional month)Apply at Immigration Office in Apia before current visa expires. | 200 WST (approx. $70 USD) |
| Exit fee (departure tax)Included in most airline tickets; confirm with carrier. | 40 WST (approx. $14 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
Incomplete or incorrect documents25%
No return or onward ticket20%
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
Uruguayan passport holders transiting through Samoa do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Must have confirmed onward ticket and valid visa for destination if required.
Transit hubsFaleolo International Airport (APW)
Health & vaccines for Samoa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if traveling from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedTetanusEssentialMeasles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk after flooding; avoid contaminated water.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Practical information for UY 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 = 2.74 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 longer, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost a fee.
The fee varies. As of 2026, it's around 100 Samoan tālā (about 35 USD). Always carry extra cash in case the rate changes. Only cash is accepted — no credit cards.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia. Extensions are usually granted for up to 60 additional days. The cost is around 200 Samoan tālā. You'll need to provide a reason and proof of funds.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling to Samoa.
Yes, you need a confirmed onward ticket out of Samoa. This can be a flight to another country or a return flight home. Immigration may ask to see it.
No, it's not mandatory. But it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Samoa can be expensive, and evacuation to New Zealand or Australia can cost thousands. Get insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at Faleolo International Airport (APW) and at the main seaport in Apia. For other ports, check with the Samoa Immigration Office in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.