Samoa visas
Whether you need a visa for Samoa depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay. Most travellers receive a free visitor permit on arrival for tourism or short visits, while anyone coming to work, study, invest, join family or settle applies for an entry permit in advance. All permits, extensions, permanent residence and citizenship are administered by the Immigration Division of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (MPMC) in Apia.
Samoan visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Samoa β tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.4 visas
- Work visasComing to Samoa to work β the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Samoa β student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Samoa.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Samoa as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Samoa long term β residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Samoan visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Samoa β key facts
- Visa authority
- Immigration Division, Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (MPMC)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Samoan tΔlΔ (WST)
- Time zone
- West Samoa Time (UTC+13; daylight saving UTC+14)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources Β· last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only β not legal advice.