Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
U.S. Embassy Apia, 5th Floor, ACC Building,Matafele Apia, Samoa Phone: +685 21436+685 21436 / 21631 / 21452 or 22696
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
684
Local Emergency Phone
911 (USA)
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for American Samoa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m (10 feet); rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October); little seasonal temperature variation; the temperature typically varies from 25°C - 31°C (77°F to 88°F) and is rarely below 23°C (74°F)
Currency (Code)
US $ (USD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, F, I
Major Languages
Samoan 88.6%, English 3.9%, Tongan 2.7%, other Pacific islander 3%
Major Religions
Christian 98.3%
Time Difference
UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested for non-US citizens.
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
National Park of American Samoa (includes Ofu Beach, Pola Island); National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (Fagatele Bay); Leone Church; Pago Pago Harbor; Tia Seu Lupe Park; Jean P. Haydon Museum; Rose Atoll
Major Sports
Football, rugby, soccer
Cultural Practices
In a traditional home, called a fale (fah-LAY), sit on the floor before talking, eating, or drinking. Cross your legs or pull a mat over them, as it is impolite to stretch out your legs.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not part of the culture, so leaving a few extra dollars is appreciated. Be sure to hand the tip directly to the employee to ensure the right person receives it. Tip hotel porters $2 (USD) dollars per bag. Taxi drivers would appreciate rounding up to the nearest even figure.
Souvenirs
Tapa bark cloth, traditional clothing, shell purses and handicrafts, wood carvings, woven mats
Traditional Cuisine
Panipopo — a dessert consisting of buns baked in a sweet and sticky coconut cream sauce
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, March 27, 2024