American Samoa Entry Permit
Apply for the American Samoa Entry Permit online — approved by American Samoa Legal Affairs and emailed for use at Pago Pago (PPG) immigration.
What Is the American Samoa Entry Permit?
The American Samoa Entry Permit is an online visitor permit required by the Government of American Samoa for many non‑U.S. nationals and certain visitors who plan to clear immigration at Pago Pago. Managed by the American Samoa Department of Legal Affairs (Immigration & Visitor Permits pages), the system centralises short‑stay visitor permit applications that were previously handled in person or at the port of entry for some travellers. The permit streamlines arrival processing for guests who must apply prior to travel.
Applications are submitted through the official Legal Affairs portal (legalaffairs.as.gov/visitor-visa-home) or via authorised third‑party services like DoVisa. After approval you receive an email confirmation
The American Samoa Entry Permit is a pre‑arrival visitor permit — it is not a U.S. visa and does not replace any U.S. immigration requirements for travel to the United States. Entry decisions remain at the discretion of American Samoa immigration officers at the port of entry. Recent practice emphasises early online submission (many permit categories require application within three business days before travel) and electronic delivery of permits by email — this reduces delays on arrival at Pago Pago.
For broader rules see American Samoa visa information and confirm requirements on the official site at Legal Affairs — Visitor Permits. When you’re ready, Apply now to start your visitor permit application with guided support.
Who Needs the American Samoa Entry Permit?
Who Needs It
- Non‑U.S. nationals who must obtain a visitor permit before clearing immigration in American Samoa
- Tourists and business visitors requiring a 30‑day visitor permit when entering via Pago Pago
- Children and minors — a parent or guardian should complete the application on their behalf
Who Is Exempt
- American Samoan nationals (territorial citizens of American Samoa)
- Diplomatic and official passport holders on government business
- Airline and vessel crew members on active official duty
American Samoa Entry Requirements & Restrictions
Passport Validity
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay; some authorities recommend at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date. Check with your carrier and the official portal before travel.
Vaccination & Health Advice
A yellow fever certificate is required only if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk. Routine travel vaccinations and up‑to‑date MMR are recommended — see the CDC for current advice at CDC — Samoa (traveler health).
Customs & Prohibited Items
American Samoa enforces strict controls on firearms, explosives, plant and animal imports, and illegal drugs. Certain items (e.g., fireworks) are restricted and require permits; local environmental rules also restrict polystyrene packaging. Declare anything that may be subject to duty or restriction.
Itinerary, Accommodation & Funds
You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — keep booking confirmations and bank statements handy for immigration checks.
Travel Insurance & Medical Access
Travel insurance is strongly recommended — medical facilities on outlying islands are limited and serious cases may require evacuation to Tutuila or outside the territory.
Travel Tips for American Samoa Visitors
American Samoa is a U.S. territory in the South Pacific with rugged volcanic islands, coral reefs, and a strong Samoan cultural heritage. Most international travellers arrive at Pago Pago International Airport (PPG); the main seaport is the Port of Pago Pago. Inter‑island transport can be limited — plan transfers carefully.
- Best time to visit: May–October for drier weather; cyclone season can affect travel in November–April.
- Currency: United States Dollar (USD) — US dollars are used everywhere.
- Language: Samoan is the local language; English is widely spoken and used for official purposes.
- Time zone: American Samoa Standard Time is GMT‑11.
- Local customs: Respect matai (chief) titles and village protocols — dress modestly for village visits and ask permission before photographing people or ceremonial sites.
- Transport: Pago Pago is the hub — inter‑island flights and ferries run on limited schedules; book ahead for Manu’a islands (Ofu, Olosega, Ta‘ū).
- Safety: Ocean currents can be strong — follow local guidance for swimming and snorkeling.
- Save your permit: Keep your approval email/PDF and a printed copy accessible for airline check‑in and immigration at Pago Pago (PPG) and Port of Pago Pago.
"Applied for the American Samoa Entry Permit three days before travel — approval arrived by email the same day. Presented the PDF at airline check‑in and immigration at Pago Pago (PPG) with no issues."
"Used DoVisa to complete the visitor permit for a family trip. The confirmation included a clear approval number and QR in the email — immigration at Pago Pago scanned it quickly."
"Fast and straightforward. Support reminded me the Legal Affairs site requires applications close to travel. Had my approval in time for check‑in at the departure airport."
"The application asked for accommodation details and a local contact number. DoVisa helped format the information and the permit was emailed ahead of my flight to PPG."
"Photo upload required a specific size; had to adjust a couple of times but support was helpful. Arrival at Pago Pago was smooth once immigration saw the emailed approval."
"Good guidance on which visitor permit to choose (10‑day vs 30‑day). The permit cannot be extended, so double‑checked travel dates before submitting."
"Applied during a tight window and the team helped expedite. Approval email included clear instructions to present at immigration and on boarding at the departure airport."
"Minor delay: my confirmation arrived later than expected due to a typo in the contact number. Once corrected it was accepted at Pago Pago — support assisted quickly."
"Convenient for a last‑minute business trip. The visitor permit email had an approval code and QR — immigration stamped my passport at PPG without questions."
"Service was worth it — clear checklist, timely email confirmation and guidance on local rules (village etiquette and swimming safety). Smooth arrival at Pago Pago."
"Applied for the American Samoa Entry Permit three days before travel — approval arrived by email the same day. Presented the PDF at airline check‑in and immigration at Pago Pago (PPG) with no issues."
"Used DoVisa to complete the visitor permit for a family trip. The confirmation included a clear approval number and QR in the email — immigration at Pago Pago scanned it quickly."
"Fast and straightforward. Support reminded me the Legal Affairs site requires applications close to travel. Had my approval in time for check‑in at the departure airport."
American Samoa Entry Permit: Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Apply for Your American Samoa Entry Permit?
Complete the visitor permit application in minutes. Electronic approval emailed — present it at airline check‑in and Pago Pago (PPG) immigration.
Check Price & Apply NowSources & References
- Landing - Visitor Permits - American Samoa Department of Legal Affairs
- American Samoa travel advice — Government of Canada
- Samoa — Traveler view | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Samoa entry requirements — GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice
- Samoa International Travel Information — U.S. Department of State
- Visiting American Samoa — Getting Here (Visit American Samoa)
- Port Overview - Port of Pago Pago (American Samoa Port Administration)
- Use our new U.S. Visa Wizard! — U.S. Embassy in Samoa