Marshall IslandsSamoa
Marshallese passport ยท policy checked 11 Jul 2026
Visa on arrival
Issued at the border. All foreign passport holders (except US Nationals of American Samoa) are issued a gratis 90-day Visitor's Permit upon arrival in Samoa.
90
days
max stay per entry
0
visa fee
free at the border
14
visa types
published by Samoa
Border
visa issued on arrival
Policy note
Requirements: passport valid for at least 6 months after intended departure date, return or onward ticket, valid visa/permit for onward destination, documented accommodation, evidence of sufficient funds, no deportation history, no health problems posing a risk to Samoa, no criminal convictions with sentences of 1 year or more, and not appearing on any alert/warning list.
Extensions beyond 90 days must be applied for at the Immigration Office in Apia before the permit expires. Note: The MFAT Entry Requirements PDF (binary-unreadable, last updated July 2021) references '60 days' as a 'no permit required' threshold; the operative permit-on-arrival duration of 90 days is confirmed by the MPMC immigration authority (mpmc.gov.ws) and the Samoa High Commission (samoa.org.nz/visa-passport/).
Entering Samoa on a Marshallese passport
- Get your visa at the Samoa border on arrival - carry the fee and documents. Apply here โ
Samoa visa cost for Marshallese citizens
Free
Visitor's Permit (issued free on arrival)
Visitor's Permit (issued free on arrival)
90 days
Free
Samoa visa types for Marshallese citizens
Temporary Resident Permit (Medical Elective / Treatment)Medical
single entry
Foreign nationals coming to Samoa for medical electives, short-term clinical attachments, exchange programmes, or medical treatment.
Issued as a Temporary Resident Permit for 'medical electives / short-term attachments / exchange programme', per the official Embassy of Samoa (Belgium). Stated fee EUR 470 (approx. USD 510). Medical students must provide a confirmation letter from the Samoa Ministry of Health plus evidence of funds. Requires the MPMC100 form, passport bio-data, acceptance letter from the local counterpart, university confirmation, accommodation confirmation, and medical/police reports. Submit at least 4 weeks before departure.
Official page โTemporary Resident Permit (Family Support / Reunion)Family
multiple entry
Foreign nationals joining or being supported by family members resident in Samoa, including spouses and dependent children.
One of the six Temporary Resident Permit categories under the Immigration Act 2020 (MPMC Immigration Division). Requires a host accommodation/support letter, the MPMC100 form, and (for stays over one year) medical (MPMC102) and police (MPMC103) reports. Used for family reunion and dependent support of residents/citizens.
Official page โTemporary Resident Permit (Study)Student
multiple entry
Foreign nationals enrolled in an academic programme at a recognised Samoan educational institution.
One of the six Temporary Resident Permit categories under the Immigration Act 2020 (administered by MPMC Immigration Division). Requires the MPMC100 application form, a letter of acceptance from the local counterpart in Samoa, a confirmation-of-enrolment letter from the university/institution, and evidence of sufficient funds. Medical (MPMC102) and police (MPMC103) reports are required for stays exceeding one year. Students may work part-time if authorised on the permit. Applications should be lodged at least 4 weeks before travel; fees are set by the MPMC fee schedule.
Official page โForeign Employment Employee Permit (FEEP)Work
multiple entryvalid 1095d
Authorises a specific foreign national to work for a specific employer in a specific role in Samoa. Issued under Part IX of the Labour and Employment Relations Act 2013 (as amended 2023).
The employer (not the employee) must apply before the employee commences work. MCIL reviews applications against local labour market conditions. The permit is non-transferable between employers or roles. Valid for up to 3 years, subject to conditions set by the MCIL CEO. The foreign employee must also hold a valid Residence Permit (issued separately by MPMC). Contact: employmentinfo@mcil.gov.ws or +685 20 442.
Official page โMinisterial PermitOther
Discretionary permit for exceptional or special cases falling outside the standard permit categories.
One of the four entry-permit categories under the Immigration Act 2020. A discretionary permit issued at the discretion of the Minister responsible for immigration, used for special or exceptional cases not covered by the Visitor, Temporary Resident, or Permanent Resident permit categories.
Official page โPermanent Resident PermitOther
multiple entry
Long-term foreign residents, significant investors, and spouses or dependent children of Samoan citizens seeking permanent residence.
One of the four entry-permit categories under the Immigration Act 2020 (MPMC Immigration Division). Typically granted after sustained lawful temporary residence (commonly cited as 10+ years), through significant economic contribution/investment, or via family ties to a Samoan citizen. Requires the MPMC100 form, medical (MPMC102) and police (MPMC103) reports, extensive supporting documentation, and background checks.
Official page โResidence PermitOther
multiple entry
Authorises a foreign national to reside in Samoa for an extended period, required in conjunction with a Foreign Employment Permit for workers.
Administered by the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (MPMC) - Immigration Division. Required alongside the FEEP for any foreigner working in Samoa. Also required as part of the Citizenship Investment Act 2015 pathway (Temporary Resident Permit stage). Detailed permit types, fees, and eligibility rules were not accessible from the MPMC website (returns HTTP 403) at time of research (June 2026). Applicants are advised to contact MPMC Immigration directly.
Official page โTemporary Resident Permit (Academic and Scientific Research)Other
multiple entry
Foreign researchers conducting academic or scientific research in Samoa.
One of the six Temporary Resident Permit categories under the Immigration Act 2020 (MPMC Immigration Division). Requires a letter of support from the sponsoring institution, the MPMC100 form, and (for stays over one year) medical (MPMC102) and police (MPMC103) reports.
Official page โTemporary Resident Permit (Cultural and Religious)Other
multiple entry
Foreign nationals coming to Samoa for cultural or religious activities or events (e.g. missionaries, performers).
One of the six Temporary Resident Permit categories under the Immigration Act 2020 (MPMC Immigration Division). Requires a confirmation letter from the event/activity organiser, the MPMC100 form, and (for stays over one year) medical (MPMC102) and police (MPMC103) reports.
Official page โTemporary Resident Permit (Investment Pathway)Investment
multiple entry
First stage of the Citizenship Investment Act 2015 pathway, granted to qualifying foreign investors who invest WST 4 million or more in Samoa.
Administered by MCIL under the Citizenship Investment Act 2015 (launched 31 January 2017). Qualifying investments include: leasing/developing government lands; processing/manufacturing of agricultural or fishery products; tourism hotel/resort development; ICT; renewable electricity generation; or other services not restricted under the Foreign Investment Act 2000. The pathway progresses from Temporary Resident Permit โ Permanent Resident Permit (minimum 15 days per year physical presence required) โ citizenship eligibility after 3 years. No investor has completed the process as of June 2026.
Official page โSamoa visa for Marshallese citizens - FAQ
Do Marshallese citizens need a visa for Samoa?
No advance visa is required - Marshallese citizens get a visa on arrival at the border for stays of up to 90 days.
How long can Marshallese citizens stay in Samoa?
Marshallese passport holders can stay in Samoa for up to 90 days per entry under the current visa on arrival arrangement.
What documents do Marshallese citizens need for Samoa?
A passport valid well beyond your planned stay (commonly three to six months, depending on the destination), proof of onward travel and funds, and any documents required for the specific Samoa visa category - check the official portal for the exact passport-validity rule.
Check entry with visas you already hold โWhat โvisa on arrivalโ means โ