Current DossierSubject · United States passportFile · SAMOA

Does Samoa require a visa for US citizens?

Straight answer, official source, and how long it takes.

Last checked 28 Jun 2026Source · US State Department travel adviceHow we source this →
Visa Panic answer
No visa neededLow panic

Do US citizens need a visa for Samoa?

A visa is not required for U.S. citizens traveling to Samoa for tourism for stays under 90 days.

Check official travel adviceUS State Department travel advice — last checked 28 June 2026
Always confirm with the official source before you travel.
VerdictAll Clear

You're good to go.

No visa application needed for United States passport holders on a short tourist or business trip. Just check your passport meets the validity rules below before you fly.

Health FileSubject · SamoaChecked · 22 Jul 2026

Vaccinations for Samoa

Book a travel clinic appointment 6–8 weeks before you fly.

Conditional

Only if arriving from a risk area

Required only if you're travelling from — or transiting through — a country with active transmission.

  • Yellow Fever

    Certificate required if arriving from (or transiting) a country with yellow fever transmission risk.

Recommended on health grounds

Not required for entry — advised by NHS / CDC for most travellers.

  • Hepatitis A

    Recommended — food & water borne.

  • Typhoid

    Recommended, especially for longer stays or rural travel.

→ Read the Yellow Fever briefing

Which countries require the certificate, timing, cost, and the 10-day validity rule.

Not medical advice. Always confirm with your GP, travel nurse, or a Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre — requirements change and can vary based on where you're arriving from.

Colour KeyCalm— no visaMedium— ETA / eVisaPanic— full visa

Deep breath. Here's the answer.

U.S. passport holders do not need a pre-arranged visa for short tourist visits to Samoa. Upon arrival, travelers can apply for a 90-day Visitor Permit. This permit is typically granted if you meet basic entry requirements such as having a valid passport and onward travel tickets.

Key facts

For United States passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

PassportRegular US passport
PurposeTourism
Visa requiredNo, not for short stays
Maximum stay90 days
Passport validityMust be valid at the time of entry; for a 90-day Visitor Permit, "a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay" is required.
Return/onward ticketYes, confirmed onward tickets are required.
Arrival formVisitor Permit (applied for on arrival)
Last checked28 June 2026

You may need a visa if…

  • While a visa isn't required in advance, a 90-day Visitor Permit is issued on arrival.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay for the Visitor Permit.
  • You must have confirmed onward tickets (return or to another destination).
  • You need to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay in Samoa.
  • A confirmed residential contact address in Samoa is required.

Before you travel

  • Ensure your U.S. passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Samoa.
  • Book confirmed onward or return tickets.
  • Have proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay.
  • Know your confirmed residential contact address in Samoa.
  • Ensure you have at least one blank passport page for an entry stamp.
  • Check for any required visas for your next country of destination, if applicable.

Common questions

No, a tourist visa is not required for U.S. citizens for stays under 90 days. You will receive a Visitor Permit upon arrival.

Related destinations

Field Report Provenance

Human-checked

Every dossier is written from official government sources, then re-checked on 28 Jun 2026.

Auto-monitored

An hourly job re-scans official sources for changes. Anything fishy triggers a manual review.

Not legal advice

Always cross-check with the linked official source before you book. Read our methodology and disclaimer.