Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced Visitor's Permit Process
Starting in 2026, Samoa has streamlined its online pre-arrival registration for all visitors, making entry smoother with a quick digital form. This free process confirms your details and is valid for up to 90 days, helping reduce wait times at Faleolo International Airport.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Samoa, with at least two blank pages available for entry and exit stamps. Samoa requires this to ensure smooth re-entry to your home country and compliance with international travel standards.
Always verify with your airline or embassy, as some nationalities face additional scrutiny for Pacific island destinations.
Visa-Free Entry & On-Arrival Permits
Citizens of over 130 countries, including the US, UK, EU nations, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, can enter visa-free for up to 60 days and obtain a free visitor's permit on arrival at the airport or port.
The permit requires proof of onward travel, sufficient funds (around WST 200/day), and a return ticket; extensions are possible for an additional 60 days.
Visa Applications for Extended Stays
For stays beyond 60 days or if your nationality requires a visa in advance, apply through the Samoa Immigration website or your nearest Samoan consulate with documents like a valid passport, invitation letter if applicable, proof of accommodation, and financial statements.
Processing fees start at WST 100, and applications can take 2-4 weeks; it's advisable to apply at least one month before travel to account for any delays.
Border Crossings & Customs
Most arrivals are via Faleolo International Airport near Apia, where immigration is efficient but prepare for biosecurity checks on fresh foods, plants, and soil to protect Samoa's ecosystems.
Inter-island ferries from American Samoa require the same permit process, with quick customs at Pago Pago; always declare items to avoid fines up to WST 1,000.
Travel Insurance & Health Checks
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuations (which can cost over WST 50,000), trip delays, and activities like snorkeling or hiking in national parks.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from endemic areas; ensure routine vaccines like hepatitis A/B and typhoid are up to date, as medical facilities are limited outside Apia.
Permit Extensions & Overstays
You can extend your visitor's permit up to three times (total 180 days) by applying at the Immigration Office in Apia with a fee of WST 100 per extension and proof of funds and accommodation.
Overstaying incurs fines of WST 40/day plus potential deportation; always apply early to avoid complications during your island-hopping plans.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Samoa uses the Samoan Tala (WST). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Apia by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially from Australia or New Zealand hubs.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at roadside umu (earth oven) stalls for authentic dishes like taro and fish under WST 15, avoiding resort buffets to save up to 60% on meals.
Apia's markets offer fresh coconuts, fruits, and ready-to-eat foods at bargain prices, perfect for picnics on Lalomanu Beach.
Local Transport Hacks
Use aiga buses for island travel at WST 5-20 per route, far cheaper than taxis; get a multi-ride pass for frequent short trips around Upolu.
Inter-island ferries cost WST 50-100; book economy class and travel mid-week to avoid peak surcharges.
Free & Low-Cost Attractions
Explore To Sua Ocean Trench or Piula Cave Pool for free, and join community fale visits with a small donation instead of paid tours.
Many beaches like Return to Paradise are public access, and Sunday church services offer cultural immersion without entry fees.
Card vs Cash Strategy
Credit cards are accepted at resorts and larger shops, but rural areas are cash-only; exchange at banks in Apia for the best rates.
Use ATMs sparingly (fees WST 10-20) and withdraw larger amounts; avoid airport exchanges which add 5-10% premiums.
Activity Bundles & Discounts
Opt for multi-day snorkel or cultural tour packages at WST 150-200, which include gear and transport, saving 20-30% over individual bookings.
Shoulder season (April-May) offers resort discounts up to 40%, ideal for combining with free village homestays.
Smart Packing for Samoa
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, quick-dry tropical clothes like sarongs, t-shirts, and shorts for the humid climate, plus a light rain jacket for sudden showers. Modest attire (covering shoulders and knees) is required for villages and churches to respect fa'a Samoa customs.
Include swimwear, flip-flops, and a wide-brim hat; avoid dark colors to blend with the island vibe and reduce insect attraction.
Electronics
Bring a Type I plug adapter (Australian style), waterproof phone case for beach use, portable charger for remote areas, and a solar-powered lantern for power outages in rural fales.
Download offline maps of Upolu and Savai'i, plus translation apps for Samoan phrases; a GoPro or underwater camera is ideal for coral reef snorkeling.
Health & Safety
Carry reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), DEET insect repellent for dengue-prone areas, a basic first-aid kit with motion sickness meds for boat trips, and any prescriptions in original packaging.
Include water purification tablets, as tap water varies; travel insurance docs are crucial for potential medevac from remote atolls.
Travel Gear
Pack a waterproof daypack for hikes to Robert Louis Stevenson Museum or beach days, reusable water bottle, snorkel mask (rentals available but personal fit is better), and a money belt for cash security.
Bring a lightweight sleeping sheet for open-air fales and copies of your passport, permit, and insurance for village check-ins.
Footwear Strategy
Opt for sturdy water shoes or reef walkers to protect against coral and lava rocks during swims, plus comfortable hiking sandals for trails like the Cross Island Walk.
Aqua socks are essential for black sand beaches that get scorching hot; leave heavy boots at home as Samoa's terrain favors light, versatile footwear.
Personal Care
Include biodegradable soap and shampoo to protect marine life, aloe vera gel for sunburns, and a compact mosquito net for outdoor evenings.
Travel-sized toiletries suffice, but pack extra feminine products as availability is limited outside Apia; a reusable reef bag helps minimize plastic waste on eco-conscious islands.
When to Visit Samoa
Dry Season Start (May-July)
Perfect for beachcombing on Upolu's south coast with sunny days at 25-29°C, low humidity, and calm seas ideal for snorkeling at Namua Island.
Fewer crowds mean better deals on fales, and early whale watching season begins with humpbacks migrating through Vavau passages.
Peak Dry Season (August-October)
Prime time for surfing at Lefaga or hiking Savai'i's volcanic craters under clear skies averaging 28-30°C with minimal rain.
Teuila Festival in October brings cultural dances and fireworks; book accommodations early as resorts fill with Australian and Kiwi visitors.
Wet Season Transition (November-February)
Budget-friendly with lush greenery and temperatures of 27-31°C, though expect short tropical downpours; great for waterfall hikes like Sopoaga.
Christmas and New Year celebrations feature family feasts and fireworks; fewer tourists allow intimate village experiences despite higher humidity.
Wet Season Core (March-April)
Affordable shoulder period for cultural immersion with warm 26-30°C weather, ideal for exploring Apia's markets rain or shine.
Avoid cyclone risks by monitoring forecasts; enjoy empty beaches and discounted diving, plus the start of sea turtle nesting season on southern shores.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Samoan Tala (WST or SAT). Notes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100; coins 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 sene. Cards accepted in tourist areas but cash preferred elsewhere.
- Language: Samoan (official) and English widely spoken in hotels, airports, and urban centers; basic phrases like "talofa" (hello) enhance interactions.
- Time Zone: UTC+13 (Apia Standard Time); Samoa observes daylight saving from last Sunday in September to first Sunday in April.
- Electricity: 240V, 50Hz. Type I plugs (two flat pins, like Australia/New Zealand)
- Emergency Number: 999 for police, ambulance, or fire; 911 also works in some areas
- Tipping: Not customary in Samoa; service is included in bills. Small gifts or donations to villages are appreciated for homestays.
- Water: Bottled water recommended; tap water is generally safe in Apia but boil or treat in rural areas to avoid stomach issues.
- Pharmacies: Available in Apia and larger towns like Salelologa; look for "Sanapi" or hospital signs for basic meds and advice.