Samoa entry requirements for Zimbabwe 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
Zimbabwe passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Samoa. Just show up at Faleolo International Airport in Apia with your documents and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | Get your visa on arrival at Faleolo International Airport (APW) in Apia. Have a printed copy of your return ticket and proof of accommodation ready — the immigration officer will ask for both. Fee is 200 Tala (around $75 USD), payable in cash (USD or Samoan Tala). | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date from Samoa. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Apia airport will not issue a visa on arrival without a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they check this before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Bring a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Samoa. Immigration officers at the visa-on-arrival counter routinely ask for this — without it, you risk being refused entry. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. Cards are not accepted. Bring Samoan tālā, US dollars, or Australian dollars. There is an ATM in the arrivals hall, but it may not always work.
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
This visa is intended for short tourist visits. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 30 days, you need to apply for a different visa at a Samoan embassy or consulate before you travel.
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 passengers. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Present documents at the visa-on-arrival counter
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will check your passport validity, blank page, and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash.
3
Receive visa sticker and enter Samoa
The officer will affix a visa sticker to your passport and stamp it. You'll then proceed to baggage claim and customs. Keep the sticker intact — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Samoa Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe 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 (visa on arrival)
Standard visa on arrival for tourism, no fee.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (visa on arrival)
Multiple entries allowed under visa-on-arrival policy.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostUnknown (apply at Samoa Immigration)
For extended stays; requires sponsorship or strong ties.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
For those with a job offer in Samoa. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Commerce.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Samoan business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD (application fee)
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Samoa. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival entry feeVisa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 60 days. | Free (no visa fee for Zimbabwe passport holders) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not permitted for visa-on-arrival entries. | Unknown (not available for visa on arrival) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (likely ~$10 USD/day, max cap unknown) |
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
Zimbabwe passport holders transiting through Samoa do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use repellent and avoid bites.
Zika virusLow risk
Rare but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common from 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
Level 1, Government Building, Sogi, Apia
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and supporting documents.
Practical information for ZW 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 = 2.68 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 standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to apply at the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia before your visa expires.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You must visit the Samoa Immigration Office in Apia, submit an application, and pay a fee. Extensions are typically granted for up to 30 additional days. Start the process at least a week before your current visa expires.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Samoan immigration. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, an onward ticket to any destination outside Samoa is sufficient. It just needs to prove you'll leave within the allowed stay period.
No, the visa-on-arrival counter at Faleolo Airport only accepts cash. Bring Samoan tālā, US dollars, or Australian dollars. Change may be given in local currency.
Yes, visas on arrival are also available at the other international airport in Savai'i (Maota Airport) and at the main seaport in Apia. The process is the same.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering Samoa. If you need more time, apply for an extension before your visa expires.
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.