Can You Travel To American Samoa Right Now? Yes, you can travel to American Samoa right now, but it’s essential to understand the current entry requirements and guidelines to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip, and TRAVELS.EDU.VN can help with that. Let’s explore the latest updates on travel regulations, visa policies, and health and safety measures, giving you everything you need to plan your visit confidently, including island hopping and cultural experiences.
1. Understanding American Samoa’s Entry Requirements
What are the current entry requirements for American Samoa? American Samoa has specific immigration laws for all foreign visitors. U.S. passport holders can travel freely. For others, the Entry Permit Waiver Program (EPWP) may apply.
The EPWP allows citizens of certain countries to enter American Samoa without a visa for tourism or business. To qualify, you need a non-expired machine-readable passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure, a confirmed roundtrip ticket, and payment of a USD$20 processing fee. You must also apply and pay online for an “OK to Board” at www.legalaffairs.as.gov before traveling.
1.1 Eligible Countries for the Entry Permit Waiver Program
Which countries are eligible for the Entry Permit Waiver Program? Citizens of the following countries are eligible for the EPWP:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Palau
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales)
1.2 Activities Permitted Under the EPWP
What activities are allowed under the Entry Permit Waiver Program? The EPWP allows specific activities such as:
-
Business:
- Consulting with business associates
- Attending scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions
- Participating in short-term training (without local payment, except for incidental expenses)
- Negotiating contracts
-
Tourism:
- General tourism
- Vacations
- Visiting friends or relatives
- Seeking medical treatment
- Participating in social events
- Taking part in amateur sports or musical events without pay
- Enrolling in short recreational courses (e.g., a cooking class)
- Participating in cultural or religious exchanges
1.3 Activities Prohibited Under the EPWP
What activities are not allowed under the Entry Permit Waiver Program? Prohibited activities include:
- Studying for credit
- Engaging in employment
- Working as foreign press, radio, film, journalist, or other information media
- Applying for residency in American Samoa
- Applying for an extension of stay (except in emergencies)
1.4 Travelers on Cruise Ships
Do cruise ship passengers need an entry permit? Travelers and crew arriving on cruise ships for less than 24 hours are automatically issued a transit permit, so they do not need an entry permit.
1.5 Obtaining an Entry Permit
How do I obtain an entry permit if I am not eligible for the EPWP? If your passport is not listed under the American Samoa Entry Permit Waiver Program, you must obtain an Entry Permit by contacting the Attorney General’s Office via email at [email protected].
1.6 Contact Information
Who can I contact for questions about the EPWP? For any questions, contact the Office of the Attorney General at +1 (684) 633-4163 or +1 (684) 633-4164, or email [email protected].
2. Navigating Travel Logistics
What are the best ways to get to American Samoa? American Samoa is accessible via air and sea. Three international airlines fly to American Samoa from Hawaii, Samoa, and Tonga.
2.1 Airlines Serving American Samoa
Which airlines fly to American Samoa?
- Hawaiian Airlines: Operates bi-weekly flights from Honolulu to Pago Pago.
- Samoa Airways: Offers daily services from Apia, Samoa.
- Talofa Airways: Provides daily services from Apia, Samoa, and twice-weekly flights from Tonga.
Additional flights are available during peak holiday travel times (June-August and December-January).
2.2 Ferry Services
Is there a ferry service to American Samoa? A weekly ferry service is operated by the Samoa Shipping Corporation from Apia, Samoa.
2.3 Airports in American Samoa
What airports are in American Samoa?
- Pago Pago International Airport (PPG): The main arrival point on Tutuila Island.
- Fitiuta Airport (FTI): Located on Ta’u Island in the Manu’a Islands.
- Ofu Airport (OFU): Located on Ofu Island in the Manu’a Islands.
3. Customs and Currency Information
What should I know about customs and currency in American Samoa? Understanding the customs regulations and currency information can enhance your travel experience.
3.1 Duty-Free Allowance
What is the duty-free allowance for American Samoa? Travelers can bring in:
- 1 bottle of alcohol (including wine)
- 1 carton of cigarettes
- 1 case of beer
Amounts exceeding these limits are subject to duty charges by Customs.
3.2 Currency Used
What currency is used in American Samoa? The United States Dollar (USD) is the official currency.
- Notes: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100
- Coins: 1c, 5c, 10c, 25c
Major foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport money exchange, Western Union retailers, and ANZ Bank.
3.3 Banking and ATMs
Where can I find banks and ATMs in American Samoa? The Territorial Bank of American Samoa (TBAS) is the main bank. Branches are located in Utulei and Tafuna, open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. TBAS ATMs are available throughout Tutuila Island.
4. Weather and Climate
What is the climate like in American Samoa, and what should I wear? American Samoa features a tropical climate year-round, distinguished by two primary seasons: the wet and dry seasons.
4.1 Seasonal Variations
What are the typical weather patterns in American Samoa?
- Wet Season: Generally spans from November to March.
- Dry Season: Usually lasts from April to October.
4.2 Temperature
What temperatures can I expect in American Samoa? The average daily temperature ranges from 84 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (29 to 30 degrees Celsius).
4.3 Recommended Attire
What type of clothing should I pack for a trip to American Samoa? Light cotton summer clothing is ideal throughout the year. Swimwear is suitable for beaches; however, when visiting villages, it’s respectful to cover up with a t-shirt, shorts, or a lavalava (sarong). For church services on Sundays, men typically wear slacks and a collared shirt, while women opt for a dress or a blouse and skirt. If unsure, asking locals for advice is always a good idea.
5. Essential Information for Visitors
What else should I know before traveling to American Samoa? There are several key details to consider for a smooth visit, including time zone, electrical power, language, and business hours.
5.1 Time Zone
What time zone does American Samoa observe? American Samoa operates 11 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC -11). For example, if it’s 9:00 AM Monday in New Zealand, it’s 10:00 AM Sunday in American Samoa.
5.2 Electrical Power
What type of electrical outlets are used in American Samoa? The standard is 110 volts using American power points. Travelers from other countries may need to bring a power adapter.
5.3 Language
What languages are spoken in American Samoa? Samoan and English are both widely spoken, with English serving as the primary language for business. Over 95 percent of the population speaks both languages.
5.4 Commercial Hours
What are the typical business hours in American Samoa?
- Retail Stores and Government Offices: Generally open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with some larger stores staying open later.
- Saturdays: Many stores are open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- Sundays: Most retailers are closed.
5.5 Post Office
Where is the post office located and what are its hours? The United States Post Office is in Fagatogo and operates with the following schedule:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM
6. Planning Your Trip with TRAVELS.EDU.VN
How can TRAVELS.EDU.VN enhance my trip to American Samoa? Planning a trip to American Samoa involves many details, from understanding entry requirements to arranging transportation and accommodation. TRAVELS.EDU.VN offers comprehensive services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
6.1 Tailored Travel Packages
What kind of travel packages does TRAVELS.EDU.VN offer? TRAVELS.EDU.VN specializes in creating customized travel packages that cater to various interests and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an adventurous exploration, or a relaxing vacation, we can design a package that meets your needs.
6.2 Personalized Itineraries
How can TRAVELS.EDU.VN help me create a personalized itinerary? Our travel experts work with you to create personalized itineraries that highlight the best of American Samoa. We take into account your preferences, interests, and budget to design a trip that exceeds your expectations.
6.3 Booking and Accommodation Assistance
Can TRAVELS.EDU.VN help with booking flights and accommodations? Yes, we provide booking assistance for flights, accommodations, and local transportation. We partner with reputable airlines and hotels to offer you the best deals and ensure a comfortable stay.
6.4 Local Insights and Recommendations
What local insights and recommendations can TRAVELS.EDU.VN offer? TRAVELS.EDU.VN provides valuable local insights and recommendations to help you discover hidden gems and authentic experiences in American Samoa. From the best beaches to local cultural events, we ensure you get the most out of your trip.
6.5 24/7 Support
Does TRAVELS.EDU.VN offer support during my trip? We offer 24/7 support to assist you with any issues or emergencies that may arise during your trip. Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind and ensure a stress-free travel experience.
7. Public Holidays in American Samoa
What are the public holidays in American Samoa? Being aware of public holidays can help you plan your trip better, as some businesses and services may have limited hours or closures.
7.1 List of Public Holidays
What are the key public holidays observed in American Samoa?
- January 1st: New Year’s Day
- January 16th: Martin Luther King Day
- February 18th: President’s Day
- April 17th: American Samoa Flag Day
- May 28th: Memorial Day
- July 4th: Independence Day
- July 16th: Manu’a Cession Day
- September 3rd: Labor Day
- October 8th: Columbus Day
- November 12th: Veteran’s Day
- November 22nd: Thanksgiving Day
- December 25th: Christmas Day
8. Visiting the American Samoa Visitors Bureau
Where can I find the American Samoa Visitors Bureau? The American Samoa Visitors Bureau is located on the Ground Floor, Fagatogo Square Building, Route 001, Fagatogo.
8.1 Opening Hours
What are the opening hours of the Visitors Bureau? The bureau is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is closed on weekends and public holidays. The office may also be closed during cruise ship visit days.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Traveling to American Samoa
Have more questions about traveling to American Samoa? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip.
9.1 Do I need a visa to enter American Samoa?
Do all nationalities need a visa for American Samoa? U.S. passport holders do not need a visa. Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for the Entry Permit Waiver Program (EPWP). Others must obtain an entry permit from the Attorney General’s Office.
9.2 What is the best time to visit American Samoa?
When is the ideal time to visit American Samoa? The dry season (April to October) is generally considered the best time to visit, with less rainfall and pleasant temperatures.
9.3 What should I pack for my trip to American Samoa?
What essentials should I pack for a trip to American Samoa? Pack light cotton clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat. If you plan to visit villages or attend church, bring appropriate modest attire.
9.4 Are credit cards widely accepted in American Samoa?
Is it common to use credit cards in American Samoa? Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and stores, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets.
9.5 Is American Samoa a safe place to visit?
How safe is American Samoa for tourists? American Samoa is generally a safe place to visit. However, it’s always wise to take standard safety precautions, such as securing your valuables and being aware of your surroundings.
9.6 Can I drink the tap water in American Samoa?
Is the tap water safe for drinking in American Samoa? It’s generally recommended to drink bottled water or use a water filter, as tap water quality can vary.
9.7 What are some popular attractions in American Samoa?
What are some must-see attractions in American Samoa? Popular attractions include the National Park of American Samoa, Ofu Beach, and the Rainmaker Hotel.
9.8 Are there any cultural customs I should be aware of?
What cultural etiquette should I follow in American Samoa? Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting villages and remove your shoes before entering homes.
9.9 How can I stay connected to the internet in American Samoa?
What are the internet connectivity options in American Samoa? Wi-Fi is available at many hotels and cafes. You can also purchase a local SIM card for mobile data.
9.10 What is the local transportation like in American Samoa?
What are the transportation options within American Samoa? Local transportation options include taxis, buses, and rental cars. Buses are an affordable way to get around, but rental cars offer more flexibility.
10. Ready to Explore American Samoa? Contact TRAVELS.EDU.VN Today!
Ready to plan your dream trip to American Samoa? Contact TRAVELS.EDU.VN today for personalized travel packages and expert advice. Let us help you create unforgettable memories in this beautiful destination.
Don’t let the complexities of travel planning hold you back. TRAVELS.EDU.VN is here to make your journey seamless and enjoyable. Contact us today and start planning your adventure to American Samoa!
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Alt text: Tranquil beach scene in American Samoa with turquoise waters and lush green vegetation, perfect for a tropical getaway.
Alt text: Scenic view of Pago Pago Harbor, showcasing vibrant blue waters and surrounding hills in American Samoa.
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