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Territory of United States

Polynesia

American SamoaTravel guide

Explore American Samoa visa rules

American Samoa is a United States territory in the South Pacific, about 100 km east of the separate country of Samoa. It has five main islands and two coral atolls. Tutuila is the largest and most populated island. Tourism is limited, but visitors can enjoy beaches, hiking, snorkeling and historic sites.

Why go

  1. Hike in the National Park of American Samoa and see Pola Island.

  2. Snorkel the coral reef beside To'aga Beach on Ofu.

  3. Visit historic defensive guns from the Second World War.

  4. Try a traditional Samoan umu feast.

  5. Explore lagoons and the marine sanctuary.

Best time to go: June to September is slightly cooler and drier. The islands are warm, humid and rainy all year, with a wetter season from October to May.

Getting there

By air

  • Pago Pago International Airport is also called Tafuna Airport. It is on Tutuila, about 5 km southwest of central Pago Pago.
  • Hawaiian Airlines operates two return flights a week from Honolulu.
  • Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways operate daily flights between American Samoa and Samoa. Faleolo International Airport in Samoa has wider international connections.

By sea

  • Pago Pago is Tutuila's international seaport. Passenger-carrying cruise ships and cargo ships call there.

Customs

  • American Samoa has its own immigration and customs system, separate from the United States federal system.
  • Visitors other than United States citizens and green card holders need a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward ticket, and enough money for their stay.
  • United States citizens and green card holders arriving from the United States may enter without identification, though carrying it is recommended. Green card holders arriving from another country must present a passport and may need an entry permit.

Getting around

  • Bus

    Tutuila's aiga, or family, buses run frequently but have no fixed timetable. They start and finish at the market in Fagatogo. Fares are about 50 cents to $1. Routes cover Pago Pago Harbor and more distant parts of Tutuila. Wave to stop a bus. Tap the window when you want to get off, then pay the driver by putting your fare on the dashboard as you leave.

  • Car and taxi

    Several car rental businesses are at or near Tutuila's airport. Taxis are available at the airport and near the market in Fagatogo. Drive on the right.

  • Plane

    Samoa Airways provides daily domestic flights between Pago Pago and Ta'ū in the Manu'a Islands. The flight between Pago Pago and the Manu'a Islands takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Ofu Airport has no commercial airline service. Rose Atoll and Swains Island have no airports.

  • Boat

    A government boat provides a weekly ferry service from Pago Pago to the Manu'a Islands. It also calls at Afono, Vatia and Fagasa on Tutuila. Local people with boats can take visitors arriving on Ta'ū to Ofu and Olosega. Small ferries regularly serve Aunu'u.

What to see and do

  • Fatu ma Futi

    Also called Flower Pot Rock, this small, tall island stands about 275 metres offshore. It is home to birds and fruit bats.

  • Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary

    Visit a protected marine area. Reaching it requires a steep, moderately difficult hike.

  • National Park of American Samoa

    Explore the park and enjoy views of Pola Island, also called Cock's Comb.

  • Turtle and Shark Site

    This small cove in Vaitogi is linked to an ancient Samoan legend.

  • Tia Seu Lupe

    This ancient star mound in Ottoville was used for the chiefs' sport of pigeon catching. It is the most accessible of American Samoa's ancient star mounds.

  • Blunt's Point Battery

    See well-preserved defensive guns from the Second World War and wide views from the mountain. The trail starts to the right of the laundromat in Utulei.

Food and drink

  • Tutuila restaurants

    Choices range from familiar fast food to fine restaurants. Cuisines include American, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Polynesian.

  • Outer island dining

    Food choices are much more limited than on Tutuila.

  • Tisa's Barefoot Bar

    This venue in Alega holds weekly traditional Samoan umu feasts.

  • Samoan dishes

    Signature dishes include Palusami, Lu'au and Supoesi.

  • Kava

    A drink made from the roots of the pepper plant, known for its relaxing effects. It is often considered the national drink.

  • Flying Fox Brewing Company

    Located in Pava'ia'i, it is the island's first and only brewery.

Money

United States dollar (USD), divided into 100 cents.

  • Keep small coins for bus fares.
  • Local shops and kiosks sell handmade clothing and traditional wooden items.
  • A covered market operates in Pago Pago when cruise ships visit. Laufou Shopping Center is in Nu'uuuli.

Typical costs

  • Tutuila bus fares: about $0.50 to $1.
  • ASTCA wireless internet hotspots: $2 for 24 hours at up to 3 megabits per second.
  • ASTCA wireless internet hotspots: $10 for seven days at up to 10 megabits per second.
  • ASTCA wireless internet hotspots: $40 for 30 days at up to 20 megabits per second.

Language

  • Samoan is the native language and is used in daily life.
  • English is widely spoken, and most people understand at least some English.
Talofa — tah-low-fah
Hello.
Fa'amolemole — fah-ah-moh-lay-moh-lay
Please.
Fa'afetai — fah-ah-feh-tie
Thank you.

Staying safe

  • Crime rates are low, but theft is common. Keep a close eye on your valuables.
  • Stay near other people while on the beach.
  • Do not swim too far offshore. Strong currents that pull swimmers away from shore are common.
  • Packs of stray dogs can be territorial and may bite, especially near homes. Local people often pretend to pick up a rock to scare them away.

Local customs

Do

  • Ask villagers before taking photographs, using a beach or doing other activities in their village.
  • In a traditional home, called a fale, sit on the floor before talking, eating or drinking. Cross your legs or cover them with a mat.
  • Keep Sundays quiet around villages. Swimming and other activities allowed on other days may not be permitted.
  • At dusk, villages observe a prayer time called Sa. If entering a village, stop and wait quietly until it ends; you do not need to stop on main roads.
  • If invited to share kava, spill a few drops on the ground or mat in front of you. Raise your cup and say 'manuia' before drinking.

Don't

  • Do not eat or drink while walking through a village.
  • Do not walk through a village while a sacred ritual is taking place.
  • Do not stretch your legs out uncovered while sitting in a traditional home.

Staying healthy

  • Mosquitoes spread dengue fever and chikungunya. Bring insect repellent containing DEET.
  • Bring your necessary medicines, as local supplies may be unavailable.
  • Medical care is limited, and none is available on the Manu'a Islands. LBJ Tropical Medical Center is in Faga'alu on Tutuila.
  • A serious illness or injury will generally require transfer to a hospital in Hawaii, Fiji or New Zealand.

Phone and internet

  • United States mainland mobile operators do not cover American Samoa. The two local providers are BlueSky and ASTCA.
  • iPhone users can choose either provider. Some Android phones do not work on ASTCA and may be limited to BlueSky.
  • Certain BlueSky data bundles allow roaming in Samoa at local data prices. Calls and text messages cost extra.
  • BlueSky offers prepaid data-only plans for tablets and portable internet devices.

Where to stay

  • Hotel-style accommodation is available on the main islands, except Olosega. There is no hotel-style accommodation on Swains Island or uninhabited Rose Atoll.
  • American Samoa has no five-star hotels.

Outdoor adventures in American Samoa

American Samoa offers national park hikes, coral reefs and quiet beaches. Tourism is limited, and the islands are warm, humid and rainy year-round. June to September is slightly cooler and drier.

  • National Park of American Samoa

    Hike

    June–September is slightly cooler and drier.

    Explore the park on its hiking trails.

    • Expect rain throughout the year.
    • Use insect repellent containing DEET to help prevent mosquito bites.

  • To'aga Beach

    SnorkellingOfu

    June–September is slightly cooler and drier.

    Visit the south side of Ofu and bring your own snorkel to explore the reef along the shore.

    • Stay close to shore when swimming, as rip currents are common.
    • There is no medical care on the Manu'a Islands.

  • Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary

    Scuba diving

    June–September is slightly cooler and drier.

    Reaching the bay requires a steep, moderately difficult hike.

    • Allow for a steep, moderately difficult walk to reach the bay.

  • Two Dollar Beach

    Snorkellingnear Avalo

    June–September is slightly cooler and drier.

    Visit the beach in Avalo to snorkel around the rocks.

    • Stay close to shore when swimming, as rip currents are common.
    • Keep a close eye on your valuables.

  • Blunt's Point Battery Trail

    Hikenear Utulei

    June–September is slightly cooler and drier.

    Find the small trail entrance to the right of the laundromat in Utulei. Follow the trail up to the battery.

    • Use insect repellent containing DEET to help prevent mosquito bites.

  • Fatu ma Futi

    Wildlife

    Look for birds and fruit bats on the offshore rock, also called Flower Pot Rock.

  • Turtle and Shark Site

    More to donear Vaitogi

    Visit the small coastal cove in Vaitogi.

  • Tisa's Barefoot Bar & Grill Beach

    BeacheEastern Tutuila

    June–September is slightly cooler and drier.

    Access the beach through Tisa's Barefoot Bar & Grill on the eastern part of the island.

    • Stay close to shore when swimming, as rip currents are common.
    • Keep a close eye on your valuables.

Airports, metros and trains in American Samoa

Airports with scheduled flights

  • PPGPago Pago International AirportPago PagoMain international airport

People and safety in American Samoa

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian98%
  • No religion<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex couples can form civil unions, but not marry.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 1 of 94 countries can visit American Samoa easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required1
  • Visa required80
  • Entry permit required13

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe1 of 3 countries
  • Africa0 of 54 countries
  • Americas0 of 19 countries
  • Asia0 of 9 countries
  • Oceania0 of 9 countries

Questions

Is American Samoa part of United States?

American Samoa is a territory linked to United States, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit United States.

Does a United States visa let me visit American Samoa?

Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for United States may not cover American Samoa. Check the American Samoa visa page for your passport.

Is American Samoa the same country as Samoa?

No. American Samoa is a United States territory, while Samoa is a separate, independent country about 100 km to the west.

When is the driest time to visit?

June to September is slightly cooler and drier. Rain can fall throughout the year.

Can I get around Tutuila by bus?

Yes. Family buses run frequently without fixed timetables, starting and ending at Fagatogo market. Fares are about 50 cents to $1.

What money will I need?

American Samoa uses the United States dollar. Small coins are useful for bus fares.

Will people understand English?

English is widely spoken, and most people understand at least some. Samoan is the native language.

Are there luxury hotels?

There are no five-star hotels. Hotel-style accommodation is available on the main islands except Olosega.

Will my mainland United States mobile service work?

Mainland operators do not cover American Samoa. Local providers are BlueSky and ASTCA, though some Android phones do not work on ASTCA.

Can I drink the tap water?

Tap water is unsafe in many parts of Tutuila because of E. coli bacteria. Drink bottled water or check with the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency.

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