A beautiful tropical island, Samoa is composed of 2 two large islands of Upolu and Savai'i and eight small islets. You should try to see a Fia Fia night where you can feast on traditional Samoan food, and see Samoan warriors perform, dancers, musicians, and story-tellers.

The Republic of Samoa is a free permit on arrival nation for Philippine Passport Holders. It is one of the VOA countries in Oceania for Filipinos. So if you want to travel in Oceania beyond Australia and New Zealand, try this tropical getaway. You will appreciate nature and culture when you visit!

Visa Free Countries

Almost all nationalities can enter Samoa can get an entry permit upon arrival when you arrive in Samoa:

Can Enter for 90 days on a 180-day period

Free Permit on Arrival

All nationalities except those of American Samoa can get a free permit on arrival good for 60 days. Those who want 90 days may need to apply and pay SAT 200.

Requirements for Entering Samoa

Valid Passport - valid for at least 6 months from date of departure
Return or onward ticket - with a valid visa to next destination, if applicable
Hotel Bookings or Accommodation
Sufficient Funds
No record or deportation from other countries
No Health problems
No history of criminal charges - with at least a year of the sentence
Not in any alert or warning list

Overview of Samoa

Capital: Apia
Language: English, Samoan
Currency: Samoan Tala (1 USD = 2.5 WST)

Samoa is an island nation in the Pacific near Fiji and Tonga and on the North-East of New Zealand. It has been under Germany and New Zealand until it gained its Independence in 1962. There are two main islands, the Upolu and Savai’i (where the capital and the international airport are) and eight islets that compose Samoa.

Make sure you have measles shot before you go, as there has been a recent outbreak last October 2019. Samoa’s culture has also been preserved and passed from generation to generation. Your adventure will be much more awesome if you witness a cultural event of Samoa.

Going to Samoa

Faleolo International Airport in Apia. There are direct flights from New Zealand, Hawaii, Fiji, and Australia.

From the Philippines, you need to stop by either New Zealand or Australia, if you want the No-Visa route; then try Hong Kong or Singapore then Fiji before landing in Samoa.

What to do to Samoa

1. Swim at To-Sua Ocean Trench

Have an awesome experience as you swim in this enchanting spot with crystal clear waters. Get your swimwear ready and get ready to dive. Just be very careful as it can get slippery when climbing down the ladder. It’s picture-perfect like a post-card, so it’s a must-visit when you enter Samoa.

2. Hang out at Piula Cave Pool

Don’t return your swimwear yet, you’re in for another swim at the Piula (Fatumea) Cave Pool. With cool freshwater, it’s a relaxing place to be! You can bring your snorkel gear to see some fishes as well as eels. It’s the perfect destination to go with family or friends!

3. Visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum

Treasure Island, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Kidnapped - are all written by Robert Louis Stevenson. He spent his last years in Samoa and was well-loved by the locals (even had a native name that means “Teller of Tales”). His old house has become a museum and there’s a path from there to his burial spot. It’s a great attraction to Samoa.

4. Take a Dip at Afu Aau Waterfalls

Another breathtaking scenery and a chance to get wet is at Afu Aau Waterfalls. It’s a great place to dive and swim and with good facilities (toilets and showers.) It’s very well maintained and a great spot to relax and cool-off. It’s also easy to access, so you should stop by!

5. Have a picture at Alofaaga Blowholes

The Taga or Alofaaga Blowholes are amazing natural spots in Samoa. The seawater rushes out into tubes and shoots from lava rocks, it’s like whales blowing! It’s super cool and worth the visit. You will definitely feel the power of the ocean!

6. See a Samoan Dance

Learn more about Polynesia culture through dance. There are dances performed by women, men, or boys with knives each telling different stories. There are hotels or resorts who may hosts fiafia nights that give tourists a peak of Samoa’s culture.

Frequently Asked Questions for your travel in Samoa

1. Is Samoa Visa-free?

For Philippine Passport Holders, you can get a permit on arrival when you go to Samoa. For other nationalities, see the list above!

2. Is it safe to travel to Samoa?

Samoa is a very safe place to travel and people are friendly and helpful. Crime rates are low but always be vigilant when traveling. I always recommend buying travel insurance since we don’t know what will happen to us. Check out SafetyWing, my insurance provider.

3. Is it expensive in Samoa for tourists?

Samoa is not that expensive. If you want to be on a budget, you can get budget accommodations instead of luxury resorts.

4. When is the best time to visit Samoa?

Samoa is a tropical country with warm temperatures, the rainy season is from November to March, you might want to avoid that. There are festivals from June - September, they are fun and full of Samoan songs, music, and dance.

5. Where should I stay in Samoa?

You can stay at Apia, the capital since it is near the airport, some tourist spots and you can also have day trips to scenic spots.

Samoa is truly a place “where beautiful just happens.” It’s not only full of gorgeous sceneries but also welcoming and friendly locals. It’s a paradise worth a visit! Have a honeymoon, a family trip, BFF bonding, or solo relaxing at this stunning tropical utopia.