Brian GeekVisa-Free Countries:
Samoan citizens can travel without a visa to the following countries:
- Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City.
- Asia: Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea.
- North America: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Dominica, Greenland, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Panama, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.
- South America: Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Peru.
- Oceania: Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Vanuatu.
- Africa: Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mayotte, Réunion, Rwanda, Gambia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini.
eVisa Countries:
Samoan passport holders can obtain an electronic visa (eVisa) for the following countries:
- Asia: Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Georgia, India, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
- North America: Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- South America: Suriname.
- Africa: Djibouti, Ethiopia, São Tomé and Príncipe, South Sudan.
Visa on Arrival Countries:
Samoan citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival in the following countries:
- Asia: Armenia, Cambodia, Iran, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
- North America: Nicaragua.
- South America: Bolivia.
- Oceania: Marshall Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu.
- Africa: Benin, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mozambique, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Saint Helena, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda.
Please note that visa policies are subject to change. It’s advisable to consult the official embassy or consulate websites of your destination country before making travel plans.
What Countries Do Samoan Citizens Need A Visa For?
Countries Requiring Visas for Samoan Citizens:
- United States: A visa is mandatory for entry.
- Canada: A visa is required for travel.
- Australia: Samoan citizens need to obtain a visa prior to arrival.
- New Zealand: A visa is necessary for entry.
- Japan: A visa must be obtained before traveling.
- China: A visa is required for entry.
- India: Samoan citizens need a visa to visit.
- South Africa: A visa is mandatory for travel.
- Brazil: A visa is required for entry.
- Argentina: Samoan citizens need to obtain a visa prior to arrival.
Notable Visa Exemptions:
- Schengen Area (European Union): Samoan citizens can travel visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, following a mutual visa waiver agreement signed on 28 May 2015.
- United Kingdom: Visa-free access is granted for stays up to 6 months.
- Russia: Visa-free travel is allowed for up to 60 days, based on an agreement effective from 9 July 2017.
Please note that visa requirements can change. It’s essential to consult the official government or embassy websites of your destination country before planning your travel to ensure you have the most current information
Do Samoans Need Visa For America?
No, Samoan citizens do not need a visa to enter the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Instead, they are eligible for entry under the Compact of Free Association (COFA), which allows them to live, work, and study in the U.S. without a visa.
However, Samoan citizens must have a valid passport and comply with U.S. entry requirements. If they intend to stay for extended periods or for specific reasons (such as employment with certain restrictions), additional documentation may be required
Do Samoans Need Visa For Europe?
Samoan citizens do not need a visa for short visits (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) to Schengen Area countries in Europe for tourism, business, or family visits. However, starting in 2025, Samoan travelers will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling to the Schengen Zone. ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization similar to the U.S. ESTA.
For longer stays (more than 90 days) or purposes such as work or study, a visa or residence permit is required, depending on the specific European country.
Countries That Gives Visa On Arrival For Samoan Passport Holders?
Samoan passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in several countries across various regions. Here’s a categorized list:
Asia:
- Armenia
- Cambodia
- Iran
- Jordan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
Africa:
- Benin
- Burundi
- Cape Verde
- Comoros
- Egypt
- Guinea-Bissau
- Madagascar
- Mauritania
- Mozambique
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Uganda
Oceania:
- Marshall Islands
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
Americas:
- Bolivia
- Nicaragua
Please note that visa policies are subject to change. It’s advisable to check the latest entry requirements with the official government websites or consulates of your destination country before traveling
Traveling To Australia For Samoan Passport Holders?
Australia is a popular destination for Samoan travelers due to its close geographical proximity, family ties, education opportunities, and economic prospects. Whether visiting for tourism, study, work, or migration, Samoan passport holders must meet specific visa requirements and entry conditions to travel to Australia.
Samoan passport holders are not eligible for visa-free entry into Australia and must obtain a visa before traveling. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the visit.
1. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
For Samoans traveling to Australia for tourism, visiting family and friends, or business-related activities (such as attending a conference), the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is the most common option.
- Duration: Typically allows stays of up to 3, 6, or 12 months.
- Processing Time: Varies but generally takes between 15 to 30 days.
- Cost: Starts from AUD 190.
- Requirements:
- A valid Samoan passport (valid for at least six months from entry).
- Proof of sufficient funds to support the stay.
- A return or onward flight ticket.
- Travel itinerary and accommodation details.
- Evidence of strong ties to Samoa (such as employment, family, or property ownership) to prove intent to return.
2. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601)
- Samoan citizens are not eligible for an ETA, which is available only to certain nationalities like the U.S., Canada, and European countries.
3. Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
For young Samoans aged 18 to 30 years who wish to work and travel in Australia for up to one year, the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) is available. However, there is a limited annual quota, so applications should be submitted as early as possible.
- Requirements:
- Proof of financial support (at least AUD 5,000).
- A return ticket or proof of funds to buy one.
- Basic English language proficiency.
- Completed at least two years of university education.
4. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Samoan students seeking to study in Australia must apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500), which allows them to stay for the duration of their course.
- Key Requirements:
- Acceptance into an Australian educational institution.
- Proof of tuition payment.
- Financial proof to cover living expenses (approximately AUD 24,505 per year).
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).
5. Skilled Work Visas
For skilled Samoans looking for long-term employment opportunities in Australia, Skilled Migration Visas (Subclass 189, 190, and 491) are available. These require a skills assessment and sponsorship from an employer or Australian state government.
6. Permanent Residency (PR) & Family Visas
Samoans with family in Australia may apply for family reunion visas, such as:
- Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) – For those with an Australian spouse or de facto partner.
- Parent Visa (Subclass 103, 143) – For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
COVID-19 & Health Requirements
Before traveling, check the latest Australian health and travel advisories. While COVID-19 restrictions have eased, travelers should:
- Ensure they are fully vaccinated (if required).
- Have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including COVID-19.
- Comply with health declarations or quarantine measures if requested.
Customs & Border Control
Australia has strict biosecurity laws. When entering, travelers must declare:
- Food, plant products, and animal items.
- Medications (carry a prescription if needed).
- Large amounts of currency (amounts over AUD 10,000 must be declared).
Failure to declare items can result in fines or deportation.
Flight & Travel Costs
Flights from Samoa (via Faleolo International Airport) to Australia (e.g., Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne) typically connect through New Zealand or Fiji.
- Average airfare: AUD 600 to 1,200 (depending on the season).
- Travel time: 7 to 15 hours, depending on layovers.
Cost of Living & Budgeting
Australia is an expensive country, so budgeting is essential:
- Accommodation: AUD 80–250 per night for hotels, AUD 30–100 per night for hostels.
- Food: AUD 15–40 per meal in restaurants; cheaper options available in supermarkets.
- Transport: Public transport (buses, trains) costs around AUD 3–5 per ride.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Apply for a visa early – Processing can take weeks.
- Have all travel documents – Ensure passport, visa, and travel insurance are in order.
- Follow Australian customs laws – Declare restricted items to avoid fines.
- Have sufficient funds – Be prepared to show proof of financial support.
- Respect visa conditions – Overstaying can result in penalties or bans from re-entry.
Related
- Saint Kitts and Nevis Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)
- Saudi Arabia Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)
- Rwanda Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)
- Russian Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)
- Qatar Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)
Conclusion
Please note that visa policies are subject to change. It’s advisable to consult the official embassy or consulate websites of your destination country before making travel plans.