Samoa entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa. No need to apply in advance — just show up at Faleolo International Airport with your documents and pay the fee. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Samoa. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Samoa | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you may be refused entry and placed on the next flight out. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation ready. 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 | Carry at least 200 USD per day in cash or show a bank statement. Immigration officers can ask for proof you can support yourself during your visit. | Recommended |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa on arrival fee is paid in cash. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Bring Samoan tālā or a major currency like USD or AUD.
No e-visa option
Samoa does not offer an e-visa for Zambian passport holders. The only way to get a visa is on arrival at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Faleolo International Airport
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
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa on arrival fee at the immigration counter. Exact cost varies — check with the Samoan Immigration office before travel. Cash (Samoan tālā) is safest.
3
Receive your visa sticker
An immigration officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Confirm the validity period matches your intended stay. Keep the passport safe.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. No arrival declaration form is required for Zambia passport holders.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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
CostFree (no fee for Zambia passport holders)
Same as visa on arrival; no paid alternative for longer stay.
Business Visa
Max stay60 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (no fee for Zambia passport holders)
Requires invitation letter from Samoan company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Samoan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Commerce.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Samoan business. Must provide business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 60 days. | Free (no fee for Zambia passport holders) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are not permitted for this visa type. | Not available (visa on arrival not extendable) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay may result in detention or deportation; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (no official published rate) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Zambia passport holders transiting through Samoa do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
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 yellow fever transmission risk (Zambia is endemic). Must present certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk present year-round, especially in urban areas.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure; avoid swimming in floodwaters.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; 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, Level 1, Government Building, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
For visa inquiries and overstay issues; extensions not available for visa on arrival.
Practical information for ZM 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 exact fee isn't fixed in public sources. Expect to pay around 100–200 Samoan tālā (about $35–70 USD). Bring cash in Samoan tālā or a major currency like USD or AUD — credit cards may not be accepted at the immigration counter.
The standard stay is up to 60 days. The immigration officer will stamp the exact validity in your passport. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Samoan Immigration Office in Apia.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Samoan Immigration Office in Apia with your passport and a reason for the extension. Fees apply — check with them directly for current costs.
Yes, you need a booked onward or return ticket. Immigration may ask to see it. A screenshot on your phone is fine.
You'll likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No mandatory vaccines for entry from Zambia. But check routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus) and consider hepatitis A and typhoid — common for travel in the region.
No, Zambian passport holders do not need to complete an arrival declaration form. Just go through immigration with your documents.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.