Meeting us at the borders
Any aircraft or vessel departing or arriving at any regulated port shall be attended by Immigration officers for travel document screening on the spot. The process employs the first-come-first-serve principle using the queuing system. Signs have been placed above the Immigration counters for public direction.
We are willing to give special treatment to:
- Old age passengers
- Mothers with babies
- Medical and Disabilities
- Members of Diplomatic missions
- Special Ministerial cases
An officer will be available to provide assistance to passengers. Arrival and Declaration Cards will also be provided either by Airline/Shipping Agent or by Immigration Officers at Arrival Booths.
Vessel Clearance
The operator of every ship and aircraft about to arrive in or arriving in Samoa from another country shall deliver to the Officer on duty at such port or airport, as the case may require, prior to the ship's/aircraft's arrival. The Minister may require a list of all persons on the ship or aircraft, including but not limited to
- Complete name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport or other travel document number
Foreign nationals who do not hold a valid Temporary Resident Permit or Samoan Citizenship will be issued with a free 60 days Visitors Permit upon arrival. But grant of a Visitors permit is subject to our entry requirements, i.e the passenger must:
- Have a return or onward ticket
- Possess a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months after the intended date of departure from Samoa.
- Have a valid visa or permit for entry into the country to which they will travel from Samoa.
- State their accommodation arrangements, be it holiday accommodation such as a hotel or resort, or with family or friends (specifically the village and family name)
- Have documented evidence of sufficient funds for self-support (typically a copy of a bank statement)
- Have no record or deportation from other countries
- Have no health problems that would pose a risk to Samoa
- Have no history of criminal charges resulting in a minimum of one year of sentencing; and
- Not be on any alert or warning lists
Other Field Duties
On matters relating to overstaying and illegal entries, inspections and investigations are conducted in residential addresses and boarding houses for the purposes of:
- Updating office records
- Follow up public compliance
The Minister may authorize in writing the Officers to enter, providing their identification to ensure lawful actions.