In a significant development, Samoa and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, allowing Samoan citizens the convenience of obtaining an Indian visa more easily. The agreement was inked by HE Shri Ashok Kumar, the High Commissioner of India to Samoa, and HE Ms. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, the Attorney-General and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Samoa, in Apia on 9 September 2019.
This memorandum opens doors for Samoan citizens to apply for an Indian visa directly at the High Commission of India in Samoa. Additionally, the High Commission will provide consular services to Samoan citizens in Samoa, streamlining the application process. The goal of this understanding is to enhance the bilateral relations between India and Samoa and facilitate smoother travel experiences for Samoan citizens.
Previously, Samoan citizens had to undergo a lengthy and bureaucratic process to apply for a visa through an Indian diplomatic mission. However, the new online application system has simplified and expedited the procedure. Applicants can now fill out an online application form and submit it, receiving their visa within a few days.
This development is a welcome relief for Samoan citizens traveling to India for business or leisure, saving them time and minimizing bureaucratic hurdles. Starting from October 1, 2019, Indian citizens seeking to visit Samoa can also apply for a visa at any Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) member state embassy, further facilitating travel arrangements.
Under the terms of the agreement, Indian citizens can apply for a business visa, a tourist visa, or a transit visa. The business visa allows a stay of up to 60 days, the tourist visa permits a 30-day stay, and the transit visa allows a stay of up to 72 hours. To apply for a visa, Indian citizens need to submit a completed visa application form, a passport-sized photograph, a copy of their travel itinerary, and pay a visa application fee of $50.
This collaboration aims to ease the visa acquisition process for Samoan citizens and encourages stronger ties between India and Samoa. It enhances travel opportunities, marking a positive step forward in bilateral relations.