Definition and advisories

The Temporary Resident Permit for Cultural or Religious Purposes covers travel to Samoa for a variety of cultural and religious acivities. Principally, the permit is designed for individuals conducting missionary work in Samoa and attending theological conferences. The permit is also designed to cater to groups or individuals who are travelling to Samoa for cross-cultural activities, such as touring dance groups and fellowship conferences between partner organisations from Samoa and overseas.

Please note that the permit is not intended for individuals who are travelling to Samoa to attend a theological college. The Temporary Resident Permit for Study is the appropriate permit in those circumstances.

Requirements

All applicants for the Temporary Resident Permit for Cultural or Religious Purposes must have:

  • a letter from the church or organisers of the event(s);
  • a letter from the hosts indicating accommodation arrangements;
  • evidence of sufficient funds for self-support (typically a copy of a bank statement); and
  • a passport valid for a minimum of six (6) months after the intended period of stay in Samoa for the principal applicant and any dependents.

Costs

Applications for the Temporary Resident Permit for Religious or Cultural Purposes cost (in WST):

  • $100 for the principal applicant; and
  • $50 for each dependent.

Forms

All applicants must fill out the Temporary Resident Application Form (MPMC100) (PDF document). One copy of the form should be used for both the principal applicant and all dependents. For applicants intending to stay in Samoa for one year or more a Medical Report Form (MPMC102), and a Radiology Report Form (MPMC103) must also be completed. One copy of each form must be used for each applicant (principal and dependents). Any applicant or dependent 18 years of age or older must also submit police reports from authorities of every country they have lived in for more than one (1) year in the last five (5) years.

Application checklist

Before submitting an application please review the following checklist to confirm that the application is complete. Make sure you have:

  • a letter from the chuch or organisers of the event(s) you are attending;
  • a letter from your hosts confirming accomodation arrangements;
  • evidence of sufficient funds for self-support;
  • a single completed Temporary Resident Application Form for yourself and any dependents;
  • a passport valid for a minimum of six (6) months after the intended period of stay in Samoa for yourself and any dependents; and
  • funds to cover the processing cost for yourself and any dependents.

If the purpose of your residence in Samoa will involve you attending classroom and/or food preparation environments, make sure you also have:

  • a completed Medical Report Form; and
  • a completed Radiology Report Form.

If you are intending to reside in Samoa for one year or more, make sure you also have:

  • completed Medical Report Forms for yourself and any dependents 16 years of age or older;
  • completed Radiology Report Forms for yourself and any dependents 16 years of age or older; and
  • police reports for each applicant 18 years of age or older.

Submitting an application

Applications for this permit can be submitted by post to the Samoa Immigration office in Apia, Samoa or to any of the Government of Samoa overseas Missions. Postal addresses for these offices can be found on our contacts page. Applications can also be submitted in person at our office in Apia.