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Before you go to American Samoa: what to know

Must know

  • American Samoa has separate entry rules from the mainland US: a US visa or ESTA alone does not replace its visitor permit.
  • Apply at least 72 hours ahead, excluding weekends and holidays; some travellers need a local sponsor to apply in person.
  • Carry USD cash for small businesses and outer islands; most ATMs are on Tutuila.

Entry and visas

Entry is governed separately from the US mainland. US-visa/Green-Card holders and citizens of US visa-waiver countries can request a non-extendable 30-day permit online. Other foreign visitors need an eligible local sponsor to apply in person. Check Legal Affairs for your nationality and any US-citizen/national documentation requirements.

Online arrival forms and permits

  • American Samoa visitor permit ↗ required
    Apply at least 72 hours before travel, excluding weekends and holidays · Fee: USD 40 for the 30-day route; confirm current charge before payment · Eligible foreign visitors; other nationalities need a sponsor to apply in person.

Passport validity: Foreign visitor-permit applicants: passport or identity document valid at least 6 months after departure.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Present approved permit, return ticket, accommodation details and local contact.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: legalaffairs.as.gov ↗, legalaffairs.as.gov ↗, legalaffairs.as.gov ↗

Money

Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

ATMs: ATMs are concentrated on Tutuila; do not depend on finding one on another island.

  • Large hotels and stores accept major credit cards; most businesses require cash.
  • Confirm card compatibility and fees with your bank; wallet and individual network acceptance were not established.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: visitamericansamoa.org ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Illegal-drug possession, use and trafficking carry severe penalties.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Do not overstay the permit; the 30-day US-visa/waiver permit cannot be extended.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗, legalaffairs.as.gov ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Christian values and Samoan cultural traditions are important locally.

Clothing: Cover up in villages; reserve swimwear for the beach. Ask hosts about dress for Sunday church.

Etiquette

  • Ask local hosts before entering village spaces or participating in community activities.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: visitamericansamoa.org ↗, visitamericansamoa.org ↗, nps.gov ↗

Climate

Tropical, warm and humid year-round. NPS describes a wetter October–May and relatively drier June–September season; tourism guidance uses narrower wet-season dates. Rain remains possible in every month.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: wetter season; plan for heavy showers
  • February: Feb: wetter season; plan for heavy showers
  • March: Mar: wetter season; plan for heavy showers
  • April: Apr: wetter season; plan for heavy showers
  • May: May: wetter season; plan for heavy showers
  • June: Jun: relatively drier; showers still possible
  • July: Jul: relatively drier; showers still possible
  • August: Aug: relatively drier; showers still possible
  • September: Sep: relatively drier; showers still possible
  • October: Oct: wetter season; plan for heavy showers
  • November: Nov: wetter season; plan for heavy showers
  • December: Dec: wetter season; plan for heavy showers

Best season: June–September is relatively drier in NPS guidance; check forecasts and island transport before departure.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: nps.gov ↗, visitamericansamoa.org ↗

What to pack

  • Light clothing and a village cover-up
  • Rain protection and sturdy footwear for muddy trails
  • USD cash reserve for outer-island travel
  • A copy of your approved visitor permit

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Assuming mainland US entry permission covers American Samoa
  • Depending on outer-island ATMs

Practical

Plugs: US-style outlets; tourism authority lists 110 V.

Water: Confirm the local water supply with your accommodation before drinking; carry safe water for outings.

Traffic: drives on the right

Insurance: Choose insurance covering medical evacuation and island travel delays.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: visitamericansamoa.org ↗, home.nps.gov ↗, safetravel.govt.nz ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.