Samoa

The official sea-arrival guide was reviewed on 2026-11-04. It is a starting point for arrival planning; confirm the actual port and authority requirements for each voyage.

Entry and departure ports

The official visiting-yacht guide directs yachts to Apia for immigration, customs, health and quarantine.

Official reference (individual requirements have not all been rechecked online): Arriving by Sea

Pre-arrival reporting

Contact Samoa Ports Authority at least two days before arriving at Apia to arrange inspection. Complete the master's declaration at least 24 hours before arrival, declaring biosecurity-risk items such as food, plant and animal products.

Official reference (individual requirements have not all been rechecked online): Arriving by Sea

Immigration says eligible visitors may apply for a 90-day visitor permit. Passports must remain valid for at least six months after intended departure; onward travel, funds and accommodation conditions also apply. Before sailing, yacht crew should confirm which evidence of onward departure immigration accepts for their voyage.

The Tourism Authority's yacht guide requires customs release before crew go ashore or visitors board. Yachts need a cruising permit from the port authority to anchor in Samoan waters and must return to Apia for outward clearance. Confirm declarations, permits and temporary-entry arrangements for the vessel with customs and the port authority in advance.

The Tourism Authority says visiting skippers must complete a master's declaration at least 24 hours before arrival, listing biosecurity-risk items including food and plant/animal products. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries reminds travellers to declare plant and animal products, including food. Confirm admissibility and permits with Biosecurity Samoa before departure.

Samoa Customs lists firearms, ammunition and fireworks as restricted items requiring a police permit. CITES-controlled items require permission from the natural resources and environment authority. Customs says SAT 20,000 or its foreign-currency equivalent must be declared on a border currency report. Confirm declarations and safekeeping of onboard items before sailing.

Arrival procedures

A voyage from American Samoa crosses the International Date Line. Recalculate the local arrival date to avoid mistakenly assuming it is a working day.

Official reference (individual requirements have not all been rechecked online): Arriving by Sea

The Tourism Authority's yacht guide says to return to Apia before departure, obtain outward clearance at the customs office in the town centre and pay in cash. It describes inward clearance as free, with possible separate berthing or anchoring charges. Confirm amounts, opening hours and payment methods with customs and the port authority before departure.