Visitor & short-stay visas
Samoan Transit
Short transit through Faleolo International Airport, with entry-permit rules applying only if you leave the airport.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The exact airside transit time limit before a permit is required is not confirmed on accessible official pages — verify with the Immigration Division.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Samoa government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Transit
- Route type
- Airport transit / short stopover
- Leaving the airport
- Standard visitor/entry permit rules apply if you leave the airside area
- Visa to transit
- None for eligible nationalities — a Visitor Permit is issued on arrival only if you enter Samoa
- Visitor Permit on arrival
- Up to 60 days, granted at Faleolo International Airport (per the official information sheet)
- Passport validity
- Valid for at least 3 months
- Onward ticket
- Required — you must hold onward or return travel and a visa for your next country if needed
- Work or study
- Not permitted while transiting or on a Visitor Permit
Who it is for
- Travellers passing through Samoa en route to another destination
What you can do
- Transit onward to your next destination
- Cannot work or study; leaving the airport triggers normal entry-permit requirements
Requirements
- Remaining airside: you generally continue your journey under transit conditions
- Leaving the airport: you are admitted as a visitor and the standard Visitor Permit rules apply according to your nationality and purpose
- A passport valid for at least 3 months
- A confirmed onward or return ticket, and a visa for your next destination country if one is required
- Sufficient funds to support yourself while in Samoa
- No advance visa is needed for eligible nationalities to enter as a visitor
How to apply
- For most nationalities no advance visa is required — remain airside to continue your journey under transit conditions
- If you leave the airport, you are admitted as a visitor and a Visitor Permit (up to 60 days) is issued on arrival at Faleolo International Airport
- Present your passport, onward ticket and evidence of funds to the immigration officer on arrival
- Do not take up any work or study — neither transit nor a Visitor Permit allows it
Documents you may need
- Passport valid for at least 3 months
- Onward or return ticket out of Samoa
- Visa for your onward destination, if required
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself
Frequently asked questions
No advance visa is required for eligible nationalities. If you remain airside you continue under transit conditions; if you leave the airport you are admitted as a visitor and a Visitor Permit is issued on arrival, provided you hold an onward ticket, a passport valid for at least 3 months and sufficient funds.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Samoan visas
- SHORT STAYVISA-FREEON ARRIVALVisitor Permit (on arrival)A free entry permit issued on arrival for tourism, holidays and short visits, needing no advance visa or form.View visa details
- SHORT STAYEXTENSIONVisitor Permit ExtensionFor visitors already in Samoa who wish to extend a visitor's stay beyond the permit granted on arrival, lodged from within the country.View visa details
- BUSINESSPAID OFFSHORESHORT STAYBusiness Visitor PermitA short-stay permit for people employed and paid offshore who visit Samoa for business meetings, a company branch or a conference.View visa details