American Samoa

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

Plug Type APlug Type BPlug Type FPlug Type 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