Is it safe to travel to Samoa right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Samoa’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Samoa set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Samoan High Commission in Brussels.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Samoa, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit Samoa without a visa for up to 60 days. Border officials will issue a free visitor permit or business visitor permit using your arrival card. You may need to show:

• an onward or return ticket
• sufficient funds – a bank statement is acceptable evidence
• confirmed accommodation such as a hotel booking or letter of invitation

To stay longer than 60 days, or for work, study or other reasons, apply for a Samoan entry permit.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Samoa, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Samoa guide.

Departure tax for flights to American Samoa

If you are flying from Samoa to American Samoa, you must pay a departure tax of 40 Samoan tala.

Customs rules

There are strict regulations covering the import of firearms, plant and animal products, pets and recreational drugs. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Samoa

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 20,000 talas or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it with you.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Samoa.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 60 days
Business visa: not required for stays up to 60 days
Student visa: required (temporary resident permit)

You may extend your stay beyond 60 days by applying at the local immigration office.

Samoa Immigration - Government of Samoa

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).