Welcome to American Samoa

Backpackers, nature lovers and romantics adore American Samoa for its exotic appeal, from the floral scents that float on the air to the turquoise-blue waters that lap up to idyllic beaches.

While you won’t find flashy resorts and high-end shopping, what you will find is a fabulous national park, historical World War II sites and a National Marine Sanctuary. The national park includes sections of Tutila, Ta’u and Ofu volcanic islands – and a remarkable 4,000 acres of the national park are underwater.

Have lunch at Utulei Beach and admire the view of Pago Pago Harbor. Join a church service on a Sunday morning for the rousing sermons and beautiful singing. Or, grab a map, hop on a local bus and explore remote villages and meet the friendly Samoans.

Unique Facts

• As an unincorporated, unorganized territory of the United States, American Samoa receives diplomatic and military protection from the States, but not all of the protections of the US Constitution.
• American Samoa is often referred to as the “Football Island” because a disproportionately large number of American football players are from the region.
• If you enjoy a tunafish sandwich, it’s likely the tuna came from American Samoa. The tuna canneries employ about 80 of the working population and 100 percent of the canned tuna exports go to the United States.
• The National Park of American Samoa is one of the United States’ most remote parks. Some years it sees only 5,000 annual visitors, whereas a park like Yellostone might see more than four million in a given year.
• Lying 2,300 miles south of Hawaii, American Samoa is the southermostpoint in the United States.

Language

American Samoa’s official languages are Samoan and English.

When To Go

The best time to go to American Samoa is May through mid-November.

Airports

Pago Pago International Airport

Passport Validity

None

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting American Samoa: Measles and routine vaccinations. Most travelers should receive Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. Some travelers should receive a Hepatitis B vaccine.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A, B, F and I. Standard voltage: 120V. Frequency: 60Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: United States Dollar

Getting Around

Car rentals are available near the airport. Taxis are available on Tutuila at the airport and the market in Fagatoto. The island of Tutuila also offers public bus service, which runs frequently but is unscheduled. Two buses travel to the national park (look for signage for Vatia Village).

There is no public transportation and no rental cars on the Manu’a Islands.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

n/a

Local Visitor Info

American Samoa Office of Tourism
P.O. Box 1147
Pago Pago, AS 96799
Tel: 699-9411

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 911

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in American Samoa.