VISITOR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

American Samoa is a unique territory of the United States, and its entry requirements differ from those of the mainland U.S. Below is important information for travelers regarding immigration procedures:

U.S. Passport Holders

U.S. passport holders can travel freely to and from American Samoa without any special permits or visas.

American Samoa Entry Permit Waiver Program (EPWP)

Foreign travelers from eligible countries can enter American Samoa under the Entry Permit Waiver Program (EPWP). To qualify, you must provide the following:

  • A non-expired, machine-readable passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from American Samoa.

  • A confirmed roundtrip ticket to your point of origin or onward passage.

  • Payment of a USD $40 processing fee.

  • You must apply and pay online for an “OK to Board” at www.legalaffairs.as.gov before you travel.

Please note that eligibility under the EPWP does not guarantee entry into American Samoa. Immigration officers at the port of entry have the authority to refuse entry based on American Samoa laws. Travelers who pose a threat to the welfare, health, safety, or security of American Samoa will be denied entry and returned to their point of origin.

Travelers entering American Samoa to board fishing vessels or other commercial vessels are NOT eligible for the EPWP.

Eligible Countries

Citizens of the following countries are eligible to travel to American Samoa under the EPWP. These countries are also listed under the U.S. State Department Visa Waiver Program:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales).

Permitted Activities

While in American Samoa under the EPWP, you can engage in the following activities:

Business:

  • Consult with business associates.

  • Attend scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions or conferences.

  • Attend short-term training (you may not be paid by any source in American Samoa except for expenses incidental to your stay).

  • Negotiate contracts.

Tourism:

  • Tourism and vacation.

  • Visit friends or relatives.

  • Receive medical treatment.

  • Participate in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations.

  • Participate in amateur musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participation.

  • Enroll in short recreational courses of study, not for credit toward a degree (e.g., a two-day cooking class while on vacation).

  • Participate in cultural or religious exchanges.

Prohibited Activities

The following activities are not allowed while in American Samoa under the EPWP:

  • Studying for credit.

  • Employment.

  • Working as foreign press, radio, film, journalist, or other information media.

  • Applying for residency in American Samoa.

  • Applying for an extension of stay in American Samoa, except in emergency situations.

Special Note for Cruise Ship Travelers

Passengers and Crew arriving on cruise ships visiting for less than 24 hours do not need an entry permit or visa. Instead they will be issued a Transit Permit which will be generated automatically upon arrival.

Other Travelers

All other travelers whose passports are not listed under the EPWP must obtain an Entry Permit by contacting the Attorney General’s Office.

For any questions regarding the American Samoa Entry Permit Waiver Program, please contact the Office of the Attorney General at +1 (684) 633-4163 or +1 (684) 633-4164, or email okboard@la.as.gov.

Other Requirements:

Health Declaration

A traveler entering American Samoa must complete a health declaration to ensure safety for all. For added convenience, the traveler has the option to submit their responses online at travel.doh.as prior to their arrival. Alternatively, if they prefer or encounter difficulties with the online process, the traveler will be required to complete a health declaration form upon arrival in American Samoa.