I. All visa applicants (excluding Hong Kong and Macau visa applicants) should log in to the COVA system (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn) and select "Oceania - Samoa", fill out the form online, print out the confirmation page and application form, and sign. Then log in to the AVAS system (https://avas.cs.mfa.gov.cn) to make an appointment.
Bearers of diplomatic and service passports and applicants for diplomatic, service, and courtesy visas are not required to make appointments. They should log in to the COVA system to complete the online form, print out the confirmation page and application form, and sign. Relevant application materials should then be submitted to the Chinese Embassy in Samoa directly.
II. "Announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Immigration Administration on the Temporary Suspension of Entry by Foreign Nationals Holding Valid Chinese Visas or Residence Permits" issued on 27 March, 2020 remains valid. Foreign nationals coming to China for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or out of emergency humanitarian needs may apply for visas and submit application materials according to "Notice by the Chinese Embassy in Samoa on Visa Facilitation for Applicants Vaccinated with Chinese COVID-19 Vaccines" (http://ws.chineseembassy.org/eng/lsfw/t1873980.htm) .
III. A transition period will be in force from 10 May to 10 June, 2021. During the transition period, applicants can still submit the old paper application form. After 10 June, the Chinese Embassy in Samoa will no longer accept visa applications with the old version form.