The Consulate General of Samoa in American Samoa has cautioned the public about illegal activities from some of the territory's travel agents who are accepting payments for processing of Samoan passports. 

According to a notice issued by the Consulate General of Samoa based in Tafuna, Fata Brian Kaio there has been online information circulated by travel agents regarding Samoa travel documents. 

Only the Consular Office can do this.

The travel agents have not been named but the notice from the Consulate General reveals social media posts from the travel agents claiming they can process applications for Samoan passport renewal.

In addition, the travel agents have alleged they can also accept legal payments for the processing of the travel documents.  

However, the Consulate General has made it clear the office has the authorised authority to process passport applications and other confirmation documents from any Ministry of the Government of Samoa in the territory.  

“We respectfully advice, this is unlawful pursuant to immigration laws of the Government of Samoa,” said the Consulate. 

“The Immigration Office in Samoa does not accept and cancel any applications through the agents except for the Government of Samoa’s Consular in overseas countries. 

“The Consulate General of Samoa in American Samoa is the official service provider of the Independent State of Samoa on travel matters for the general public in Tutuila and Manu’a.”

Locals applying for passports in Samoa have to lodge their application with the Immigration Division under the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

For persons that have just acquired a passport it costs about $200 tala and $240 tala if it's urgent and can be received within two days. 

For the renewal of passports it currently costs $200 tala if your passport has expired but for lost passports a new one will cost $400 tala.