American Samoa may be a United States territory, but American citizens nonetheless require passports to enter American Samoa, but no visas. The US Visa Waiver Program means 30-day permits are given to United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canadian, and Australian citizens upon arrival. Entry visas are required for citizens of most other nations, who should telephone the American Samoa Attorney General’s Office at: +1-684-633-4163 for further information about visas. Women over six months pregnant cannot enter American Samoa, and visitors over a year old coming from regions infected with yellow fever must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival. Visitors should also take special precautions against tetanus, diphtheria, and hepatitis A, as with travel to any global destination.
Health and Safety
Mosquitoes may be a nuisance in American Samoa, but these biting bugs do not carry malaria. Dengue fever, however, is not unheard of, so visitors should apply DEET insect repellent when on the islands. Travelers should also bring an ample amount of prescription drugs, anti-diarrhea pills, and other medications as supplies are limited on American Samoa. Visitors with serious medical issues must be transported as far away as New Zealand, Fiji, or Hawaii, so travel insurance is a must.
E. coli contamination has made water unsafe to drink in some areas, so visitors should get further confirmation from the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency or stick to bottled water. Pago Pago Harbor is the only place on American Samoa that visitors should avoid after dark as street crime can be a problem. Stray dogs are the biggest danger visitors will encounter on the streets. Rip tides happen fairly often in American Samoa’s waters so it is a good idea to check swimming conditions with locals before getting in the water.
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