Samoa: do South Africans need a visa?

Free visitor or business permit on arrival. Work, study, or stays over 60 days need an entry permit from Samoa Immigration.13

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

At least 6 months after your intended departure date.2

Confirmed on an official government source

Nothing to apply for in advance. The free visitor permit is issued at the border on arrival. No fee.2

Confirmed on an official government source

Not applicable for a short visit. For longer stays or work, contact Samoa Immigration in Apia (samoaimmigration.gov.ws, phone +685 20291). No Samoa mission in South Africa was found.13

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Not published by official sources

Required: an onward or return ticket, plus a valid visa for your next destination if it needs one.2

Confirmed on an official government source

Documented evidence of sufficient funds for self-support, for example a bank statement. No amount published.23

Confirmed on an official government source

Accommodation arrangements must be shown.2

Confirmed on an official government source

Samoa requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you arrive from a yellow fever risk country. South Africa's rule: you need a yellow fever certificate to enter South Africa only if you arrive from or transited a yellow-fever-risk country. Samoa is not a risk country, so a direct return needs none, but a routing through a risk country in Africa or South America would trigger it.38

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Not published by official sources

For stays beyond 60 days, apply to Samoa Immigration for an entry permit. Overstay penalties not published. Entry can be refused to people with a deportation history, a criminal sentence of one year or more, or a health risk.23

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Samoa transit rules not found. A departure tax of 40 Samoan tala applies on flights to American Samoa. Hub rules: via Australia, South Africans may use Transit Without Visa (air arrival, onward flight to a third country within 8 hours, stay airside); otherwise an Australian Transit (771) or Visitor visa is needed. Via Auckland, South Africans need a New Zealand Transit Visa (from NZD 235, up to 24 hours airside) unless they already hold a NZ visa.673

Confirmed on an official government source

Not published by official sources