Samoa Passport Ranking

AI Summary

Samoa ranks #89 out of 199 countries and territories in the Globevisa Passport Ranking, placing it in the mid-range category. Across the five core dimensions — Mobility (#78), Governance (#86), Security (#103), Education (#123), and Quality of Life (#113) — Samoa performs strongest in mobility (#78), followed by governance (#86). Its weakest dimension is education (#123).

Five-Dimension Ranking Scores

Mobility: #78 (score 61/100), Governance: #86 (score 57/100), Security: #103 (score 49/100), Education: #123 (score 39/100), Quality of Life: #113 (score 44/100)

• Mobility: #78 (score 61/100)
• Governance: #86 (score 57/100)
• Security: #103 (score 49/100)
• Education: #123 (score 39/100)
• Quality of Life: #113 (score 44/100)

Samoa Passport Ranking Overview

Samoa ranks #89 globally in the 2026 Globevisa Passport Ranking, which evaluates 199 countries and territories worldwide. Unlike traditional passport indices that focus solely on visa-free destination counts, the Globevisa Passport Ranking provides a comprehensive structural assessment across five core dimensions: Mobility, Governance, Security, Education, and Quality of Life. In terms of strengths, Samoa excels in Mobility (#78, score 61). However, Education (#123) represents structural areas of concern.

Samoa — Passport Profile

Country Overview: Samoa is a stable Polynesian island state with a developing economy and moderate immigration openness through structured residency pathways. / Emerging South Pacific market with strong regional mobility.

Identity Attributes: Long-term Residency, Citizenship by Investment, Identity Springboard

Global Taxation: Yes (Worldwide Taxation)

Cost of Living: Medium

Culture & Adaptation: English-friendly in urban and tourist areas; high cultural distance requiring deep respect for traditional Fa'a Samoa customs and religious norms; ideal for retirees or professionals seeking a slow-paced, communal lifestyle

Employment & Development: Service and agriculture-led economy with heavy reliance on tourism and remittances; targeted opportunities for foreign experts in development aid and technical niches; limited career growth potential due to small market size and geographic isolation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Samoa

After obtaining a passport from Samoa, does it grant visa-free access to countries in the Schengen Area and the UK? How well is this passport recognized internationally? Is there any risk of future scrutiny or policy changes regarding potential suspension or cancellation of visa-free agreements with the EU or other major visa-free regions?

Holding a Samoan passport provides visa-free access to the Schengen Area for short-term stays and the United Kingdom for up to six months, though a visa is generally required for entry into the United States. The passport is well-regarded internationally, offering a high degree of global mobility and ranking strongly among Pacific island nations. While its travel privileges are stable, the introduction of digital systems like the UK’s ETA and the upcoming EU ETIAS highlights a trend toward more rigorous pre-travel security screening. As with all visa-exempt countries, these agreements remain subject to periodic reviews to ensure ongoing compliance with international security and migration standards.

How stable are the current immigration laws in Samoa? Has there been a history of sudden policy tightening, widespread visa refusals, or outright closures? Is there a high potential risk of future international compliance reviews?

Samoa’s immigration and investment migration policies are generally considered stable, supported by a firm legal framework established under the Citizenship Investment Act. While the program has not experienced sudden closures or mass refusals, it is currently undergoing a period of evaluation as the government considers adjusting investment thresholds to remain competitive. Future applicants may face increasing scrutiny related to international compliance and anti-money laundering standards, particularly regarding the verification of funds and ties to foreign governments. Consequently, while the path to residency and citizenship remains structured, evolving global regulatory pressures could lead to periodic refinements in due diligence procedures.

What is the overall social security and political stability of the Samoa? Are there significant regional differences in security (e.g., extremely dangerous neighborhoods) in actual residence? What local systems protect the personal safety and property of residents?

Samoa is generally considered one of the most stable and peaceful nations in the Pacific, characterized by a functional democratic system and relatively low crime rates. While the overall environment is safe, most incidents of petty theft or property crime are concentrated in the capital city of Apia, particularly around downtown bars and harbor areas at night. Personal and property security are maintained through a professional national police force and an independent judiciary, complemented by a traditional village council system that oversees local affairs. Residents are advised to practice standard safety precautions, such as securing homes and avoiding isolated areas after dark, to mitigate risks associated with occasional opportunistic crime.