Samoa visa guide: visitor permit and temporary residence

Samoa's immigration services are provided by the Immigration Division of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (MPMC) in Apia. By law Samoa issues four types of entry permit: visitor, temporary resident, permanent resident and ministerial. Foreign nationals without a temporary resident permit or Samoan citizenship are issued a free 90-day visitor permit on arrival, using the arrival card.

To receive the visitor permit, travellers need a passport valid at least six months beyond their intended departure, a return or onward ticket, any visa needed for the next destination, a confirmed address in Samoa (a hotel or the village and family name of hosts), evidence of sufficient funds such as a bank statement, no deportation history, no serious criminal record and no health risk. Work is not permitted on a visitor permit.

Longer stays and any activity beyond tourism need a temporary resident permit, issued for business and investment, employment, study, academic research, cultural or religious purposes, or family support or reunion. Applications use form MPMC100 and take about 10 working days. Fees range from SAT$200 for family reunion to SAT$1,800 for an employment or business permit applied for in the country.