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American Samoa is a U.S. territory in the South Pacific Ocean that lies about 100 km (60 mi) east of its neighboring country of Samoa, which is part of the same archipelago.
American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States of America. The citizens of American Samoa are US "nationals" and not US "citizens," but they are allowed to travel freely between American Samoa and the US mainland. They are not required to obtain green cards or visas to stay or work in the United States, and they are allowed to serve in the US armed forces (and often do). There are some ways that American Samoa's special status as an unincorporated territory has interesting legal consequences. The US Constitution is not necessarily the supreme law of the land in American Samoa, and Samoan cultural norms, in particular those related to the ownership of property and public displays of religion, actually trump certain well-settled US constitutional rights in American Samoa.
The main city is Pago Pago and the smaller Fagatogo is constitutionally designated seat of government. The governor's office is in the village of Utulei, on the opposite side of Fagatogo from Pago Pago.
The islands are frequently referred to as Samoa, which is the name of a separate island, and independent country, that used to be known as Western Samoa, that lies about 100 km west of American Samoa. Also the whole island group, including Samoa, is often identified as the Samoan islands.
Settled as early as 1000 BCE by Polynesian navigators, Samoa was reached by European explorers in the 18th century. International rivalries in the latter half of the 19th century were settled by an 1899 treaty in which Germany (later Britain) and the US divided the Samoan archipelago. The US formally occupied its portion, a smaller group of eastern islands with the excellent harbor of Pago Pago in the following year.
American Samoa is warm, humid and rainy year-round, but there is a long, wet summer season (October - May) and a slightly cooler and drier season (June - September). Total annual rainfall is 125 in (3,200 mm) at the Tafuna airport and more than 200 inches in mountainous areas. Such rainfall gave the English writer Somerset Maugham the name for his short story "Rain", based in Pago Pago, which was subsequently turned into a play and movie.
90% of the land in the group of islands is communally owned. Economic activity is strongly linked to the US and the greater part of its foreign trade is with the US. The private sector is dominated by tuna fishing and the tuna processing plants, canned tuna being the primary export. Monetary transfers from the US Government also add substantially to American Samoa's economic well-being. Since the emergence of US influence and control the government of the United States of America has put up resistance to the emergence of local independence movements. In the early 20th century the American Samoa Mau movement was actively suppressed by the U.S. Navy.
The Governor of American Samoa is the head of government and exercises executive power. American Samoa is an unincorporated and unorganized territory of the United States, administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior. Its constitution was ratified in 1966 and came into effect in 1967.
In both American Samoa and (independent) Samoa there is traditional village political system common to all of the Samoa Islands, the "fa'amatai" and the "fa'asamoa" interacts across the current international boundaries. The Fa'asamoa represents language and customs, and the Fa'amatai the protocols of the "fono" (council) and the chief system. The Fa'amatai and the Fono take place at all levels of the Samoan body politic, from the family, to the village and include regional and national matters.
American Samoa lies outside federal U.S. immigration and customs jurisdiction. All visitors (except U.S. citizens and green card holders) to American Samoa require a passport valid for six months or more, a return ticket or onward ticket and enough funds to support their stay. US citizens and green card holders traveling from the US may enter without ID, though it is still recommended.
However, since American Samoa has an immigration system independent from the US, US Green Card Holders traveling to American Samoa from another country (namely Apia Fagali’i Airport as it is the only foreign gateway) still have to present their passports, and if they are not citizens of any American Samoa Entry Permit Waiver Countries, they still need to acquire an American Samoa entry permit before traveling. The only exception may be passengers on transit to another US destination (Apia-Pago Pago-Honolulu), who are granted to stay in Pago Pago for 24 hours.
Entry is allowed for 30 days for tourism with a valid passport and proof of onward travel or local employment. Citizens of countries under the federal Visa Waiver Program, plus Canada may enter with an "OK to board", issued electronically.
To obtain an "OK to board", travelers must send a copy of their passport (valid for at least 6 months after planned departure from American Samoa) and a copy of their round-trip or onward ticket by email to the Attorney General's Office of American Samoa, at least 48 hours before travel. They must also pay a fee of 20 USD, before travel or on arrival.
To obtain a business or residence visa or to extend your stay to 60 days, you must visit the Attorney General's office after arrival.
All other international passport holders intending to visit American Samoa for business or holiday are required to apply for an entry visa.
To apply for a visa please contact the Attorney General's Office, phone +1 684 633-4163, fax +1 684 633-1838 or American Samoa Immigration +1 684 633-4203 or +1 684 633-4204. At this time there is no online application, so one must contact the Attorney General's or Immigration office by telephone or fax. However they usually just tell you to ask a hotel to apply on your behalf. They specifically mention Sadie's by the Sea and Trade Winds hotels as being able to provide this service. It's unknown whether other hotels do. Permit costs $40.
There is one international airport, Pago Pago International Airport (PPG IATA), with a runway length of 2,750 m (9,000 ft). This is also referred to as Tafuna Airport (or Tafuna International Airport) and is at Tafuna 5 km (3 ml) southwest of the central business district of Pago Pago on the island of Tutuila.
Faleolo International Airport (APW IATA) also serves as an international gateway to the region. That airport is 40 km (25 mi) west of Apia, the capital of (independent) Samoa. Daily inter-island flights between the Samoas are operated by Samoa Airways and Talofa. Samoa is in the western part of the Samoan islands archipelago.
The Faleolo airport in nearby Samoa has wider international connections including Air New Zealand to Auckland in New Zealand, Fiji Airways to Honolulu USA and Nadi in Fiji, Samoa Airways to Maota in Samoa and Pago Pago in American Samoa, Tongatapu in Tonga, Polynesian Blue (operated by Pacific Blue) to Auckland in New Zealand, Brisbane and Sydney in Australia.
The 2 airlines operating international services between Pago Pago and Apia, Samoa provide scheduled daily flights.
The island of Tutuila has the international seaport of Pago Pago. This port is served by a number of passenger carrying cruise ships and cargo ships.
Samoa Airways is the only airline providing daily domestic air services between Pago Pago and the Manu'a Island of Tau.
Fitiuta Airport (FTI IATA), (FAA LID: FAQ), 975 x 23 m (3,200 x 75 ft) is a public use airport in the village of Fiti‘uta on the northeast portion of Ta‘? island.
Ofu Airport (OFU IATA) has a public airport one 2 km (1.2 mi) southeast of the village of Ofu on the island of Ofu which is not served by a commercial airline.
Tau Airport (TAV IATA) 661 x 30 m (2,170 x 100 ft) is a privately owned, private-use airport 2 km (1 mi) southeast of the village of Ta‘? in the northwest corner of Ta‘? island. It is not normally utilized for scheduled services.
Rose Island (Rose Atoll) and Swains Island do not have an airport.
Several car rental facilities are available at or near the Tutuila airport. On Tutuila taxis are available at the airport, and near the market in Fagatogo.
The island of Tutuila has good public transportation (frequent, but unscheduled) via "aiga" or "family" buses. For 50 cents to a dollar you can be taken around Pago Pago Harbor, and to the more remote parts of the island. Buses originate and terminate at the market in Fagatogo, the village next to Pago Pago. The roads are generally too narrow and the traffic too busy for bicycles.
Hail an aiga bus with a wave of your hand. Many Samoans carry a quarter or two in their ears for bus fare as the wraparound skirts (lavalava) don't have pockets. When you want off, tap the window a few times and the bus will stop and pay the driver by tossing your fare (a quarter up to a dollar depending on the route and distance traveled) onto the dashboard on your way out.
A weekly ferry service from Pago Pago to the Manu’a Islands is provided by government operated excursion boat. This service travels around Tutuila, calling at the north coast villages of Afono, Vatia and Fagasa. Regular small ferries also offer service to and from the island of Aunu?u.
The native language is Samoan, a Polynesian language related to Hawaiian and other Pacific island languages. English is widely spoken, and most people can at least understand it. Most people are bilingual to some degree.
Some common words/phrases:
Hello - Talofa (tah-low-fah)
Please - Fa'amolemole (fah-ah-moh-lay-moh-lay)
Thank you - Fa'afetai (fah-ah-feh-tie)
American Samoa uses the U.S. dollar ("$, ISO code currency: USD). It is divided into 100 cents.
American Samoa has a lot of locally run shops and kiosks with products ranging from handmade clothing to traditional wooden weapons. A covered market operates in Pago Pago when cruise ships are in town. There is also a mini-mall, Laufou Shopping Center, in Nu'uuuli.
Tutuila has a wide variety of places to eat—from familiar fast food stops to fine restaurants. The outer islands have far less variety. Restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, including American, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Polynesian. Tisa's Barefoot Bar in Alega holds weekly traditional Samoan Umu feasts.
Signature/national dishes include Palusami, Lu'au and Supoesi.
Kava is often considered to be the national drink. The beverage is made from the roots of the pepper plant (Piper methysticum). Kava is known for its mellow and relaxing effects. Many people drink kava because it is a natural alternative to alcohol and anti-anxiety/anti-depressant medication.
Flying Fox Brewing Company in Pava'ia'i is the island's first and only brewery.
There is hotel-style lodging on the main islands, but not Olosega, Swains, or Rose (uninhabited).
The tuna industry is very prominent, but about 30% of the population is unemployed.
American Samoa has few health risks of concern for normally healthy persons visiting the islands. There are, however, a significant number of cases of dengue fever each year, and (since 2014) chikungunya, both spread by mosquitoes, so don't forget your insect repellent (containing DEET).
Another common danger, in or near residential areas, are packs of stray dogs. Most dogs, while they may nominally belong to someone, are left to fend and forage for themselves. They are territorial, and will often bite. The most common response by locals is to pretend to bend down and pick up a rock. This will often scare the dogs away because they are used to being abused and hit with thrown rocks.
Bring necessary medications with you, for supplies may not be available. Medical care is limited and there is none available on the Manu’a Islands. The LBJ Tropical Medical Center is on Tutuila island in the village of Faga'alu. It was once a highly regarded regional health center; however, it has fallen on hard times. It has staffing problems and only provides marginal (though inexpensive) service. A serious illness or injury will generally be evacuated to a hospital in Hawaii, Fiji, or New Zealand. When traveling in the region, carry some basic medications such as aspirin or paracetamol (acetaminophen/Tylenol), cold capsules, band-aids, sun screen, vitamins, anti-diarrhea pills, and a good insect repellant.
In many areas of Tutuila, the tap water is not safe for drinking or washing dishes due to E. coli contamination. Check with the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency for details or drink bottled water.
American Samoa has low crime rates, though it's best to stay where the crowds are while on the beach. While swimming, don't go too far out, as rip tides are common. Keep a close eye on your valuables, as theft is also common.
Except for perhaps a few thousand individuals nearly all inhabitants of American Samoa are indigenous Samoans of Polynesian ancestry. More than any other U.S. or Polynesian peoples, Samoans are oriented toward traditional customs and lifestyles. They closely follow the social customs and hierarchies developed prior to the arrival of the first Europeans in the region. This Samoan way, or fa'asamoa is still deeply ingrained in American Samoa culture.
The most apparent character is the Samoan matai system of organization and philosophy. In general, each village is made up of a group of aiga, or extended families, which include as many relatives as can be claimed. Each aiga is headed by a chief, or matai, who represents the family on all matters including the village council, or fono. Matais hold title to all assets of the aigas, or families; they represent and are responsible for law enforcement and punishment of infractions occurring in their villages.
The fono consists of the matais of all the aiga associated with the village. The highest chief of the matais of all the village aigas is the highest chief, or the ali’i, and heads the fono. Also, each village has a pulenu’u (somewhat like a police chief or mayor), and one or more talking chiefs, tulafale.
Over the centuries, distinct cultural traits emerged that we now call fa'asamoa (fah-ah-SAH-mo-ah). Whether you are a guest or simply passing through a village, please observe these customs as a sign of respect.
Follow the Samoan Way:
American Samoa uses the U.S. Postal Service with zip code 96799 and a state code of "AS". Postage between Hawaii, American Samoa, the mainland, and overseas military & diplomatic installations (APO, FPO, DPO addresses) is charged at the same domestic rates as it would be within a single island or between the islands of American Samoa.
American Samoa's area code is 684. When dialing any off-island telephone number, dial 1 + area code + phone number. Check with your phone/long distance company to regarding the rates.
American Samoa is not covered by US mainland mobile phone operators. There are two local mobile providers- BlueSky and ASTCA. iPhone users can freely choose either of the two, but not all Android devices are supported by the ASTCA network, so some Android users may be limited to BlueSky. Additionally, if continuing to Samoa later, BlueSky SIMs will roam in Samoa with the same pricing as local usage on certain data bundles (but not for voice or text, which are charged extra). If you have a data-only device such as an iPad or hotspot device, BlueSky also offers data-only prepaid plans (pricing details are here).
In addition to mobile data, ASTCA and BlueSky both offer a few WiFi hotspots around Tutuila. ASTCA hotspots cost $2 for 24 hours of unlimited usage at up to 3Mbps, $10 for 7 days of unlimited usage at up to 10Mbps, and $40 for 30 days of usage at up to 20Mbps. BlueSky hotspots charge by usage instead of speed and time, and their pricing table can be found here.
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.
Petty and violent crime occurs on occasion. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.
Traffic drives on the right. Roads are generally in poor condition. Buses and taxis are available.
Consult our Transportation Safety page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.
You are encouraged to register with the High Commission of Australia in Apia, Samoa, in order to receive the latest information on situations and events that could affect your safety.
Stray dogs are a problem. Do not approach or feed them as they can become aggressive.
Tidal changes can cause powerful currents in the many coastal lagoons that surround the islands, and several fatal swimming accidents are recorded each year. Consult local residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and on safe swimming areas.
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.
Measles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination.
Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
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Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in the Oceanic Pacific Islands, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in the Oceanic Pacific Islands. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
In some areas in the Oceanic Pacific Islands, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis and malaria.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in the Oceanic Pacific Islands, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
For the latest Travel Health Notices and information on vaccinations, outbreaks and diseases, consult the website of the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The Agency strongly recommends that you consult with a travel medicine clinic or health care provider preferably six weeks before departure.
The Agency publishes travel health advice for American Samoa.
The LBJ Tropical Medical Center Authority (tel.: 684-633-1222) is located in the village of Faga'alu, near Pago Pago.
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
You are subject to local laws. Consult our Arrest and Detention FAQ for more information.
Sentences for the importation of narcotics and other illegal drugs are severe.
Homosexuality is not widely accepted.
Dress conservatively, behave discreetly, and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.
The currency is the U.S. dollar (USD). Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, car-rental firms and airlines. Automated banking machines (ABMs) are available.
American Samoa is located in an active seismic zone.
The rainy (or monsoon) and typhoon seasons in the South Pacific extend from November to April. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, and hampering the provision of essential services. Disruptions to air services and to water and power supplies may also occur. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the advice of local authorities.
During a typhoon or monsoon, hotel guests may be required to leave accommodations near the shore and move to safety centres inland. Travel to and from outer islands may be disrupted for some days.
Consult our Typhoons and Monsoons page for more information.