Samoan Laissez-Passer Photo

The Photograph for Samoa’s Two-Island Travel Document

For travel between Samoa and American Samoa, the Samoan application identifies a specific alternative to a passport: the Document of Identity, or DOI. The published form limits this document to Samoan citizens travelling between the two Samoas for emergency, medical, funeral or cultural purposes. That makes the intended journey important when preparing a photo for a document sometimes searched for as a laissez-passer. A DOI should not be treated as a general passport replacement for an unrelated international itinerary.

The combined passport and DOI application asks for two photos and links certification of one image to the person confirming the applicant’s identity. Arrange that endorsement after choosing the final prints; a different photo cannot simply inherit the previous image’s certification. If travel is urgent, contact Immigration or the relevant mission through our embassy and consulate directory with the route and purpose already clear. The Ministry also lists a Certificate of Identity separately, so establish the exact document name before selecting a form.

For the portrait itself, aim for a recent recognisable likeness with sharp facial detail and unobstructed features. Our photo preparation guide covers practical setup, while the photo requirements below helps assess the crop. Preserve the original digital photograph and check photo quality after printing, particularly if copies have been produced quickly for an urgent journey. Transport the photographs flat with the supporting identity documents, keeping signatures on the reverse from damaging the image surface.