United States Visa RequirementsFor Samoa passport holders
Independent Samoa passport holders must obtain a B1/B2 visa before traveling to the United States. There is no US Embassy in Samoa, so applicants must apply at the US Embassy in Suva, Fiji or Wellington, New Zealand. The $185 MRV fee and in-person interview are required.
Samoa passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
There is no US Embassy in Samoa. Apply at the US Embassy in Suva, Fiji (158 Princes Road, Tamavua) or Wellington, New Zealand (29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon). Factor in travel costs to Fiji or New Zealand for your interview. Complete the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your appointment in advance.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background, taken within last 6 months
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled at the US Embassy in Suva, Fiji or Wellington
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns showing ability to fund trip
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment proof
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended dates and purpose of travel to the US
Current Travel Situation
Samoa to United States: What You Need to Know
Samoa (independent Samoa, not American Samoa) and the United States have cultural connections through the broader Pacific community and through American Samoa, which is a US territory. However, Independent Samoa is not in the US Visa Waiver Program, so all Samoan passport holders require a B1/B2 visa. The closest US embassies are in Suva, Fiji and Wellington, New Zealand. Many Samoans have family ties in American Samoa, Hawaii, or the mainland US, which can be a factor in consular interviews.
How to Get There
Samoa Airways and Fiji Airways fly from Apia (APW) to US destinations via Nadi (NAN) in Fiji, then connecting to Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO). Air New Zealand also connects Apia via Auckland (AKL) to US cities. Total travel time to Los Angeles is approximately 15 to 18 hours.
Money & Banking
The US uses the dollar. In the US, tipping is standard: 15 to 20% at restaurants, $1 to $2 for hotel porters. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are plentiful. Budget at least $150 to $200 per day in major US cities. Hawaii is significantly more affordable than mainland cities for Pacific Islanders who often visit Honolulu first.
Practical Tips
Check current interview wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes. Plan for travel to Fiji or New Zealand to attend your interview. If applying in Fiji, this adds another international trip. Bring comprehensive evidence of ties to Samoa: employment, property, community and family responsibilities. If you have family in American Samoa, explain clearly that you are visiting the continental US or Hawaii and plan to return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Samoan citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
Yes. Independent Samoan passport holders require a B1/B2 visa to enter the US. Note: American Samoa is a US territory, and American Samoans are US nationals. This information applies only to citizens of independent Samoa.
Where do Samoans apply for a US visa?
There is no US Embassy in Samoa. Apply at the US Embassy in Suva, Fiji (158 Princes Road, Tamavua) or the US Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand. Factor in travel costs to Fiji or New Zealand for your interview. Complete DS-160 at ceac.state.gov and pay the $185 MRV fee.
What airlines fly from Samoa to the United States?
Samoa Airways and Fiji Airways connect Apia (APW) via Nadi (NAN) to Los Angeles (LAX). Air New Zealand connects via Auckland (AKL) to US cities. Total travel time to Los Angeles is approximately 15 to 18 hours.
How do Samoans demonstrate ties to Samoa for the US visa?
Employment documentation, property ownership, bank statements, church community ties, and family responsibilities all help demonstrate your intent to return. Church membership and community leadership are culturally significant in Samoa and can be documented.
I have family in American Samoa or Hawaii. How does this affect my US visa application?
Having family in American Samoa, Hawaii, or the US mainland is not a problem and can be stated as part of your visit purpose. However, you must also demonstrate clear reasons why you will return to independent Samoa after your visit.
How long can Samoans stay in the US on a tourist visa?
CBP determines your authorized stay at entry, typically up to 6 months. Do not overstay your authorized period.