fb-pixel

Do I Need A Passport To Go To American Samoa?

Jun 21, 2022

5 min read

I love nature; I would spend my time outdoors, traveling to all the national parks worldwide. One of the National Parks I will never forget is the National Park in American Samoa. It truly is amazing! And now you can travel to this beautiful place.

Let me tell you what you need to know:

Do I Need A Passport To Go To American Samoa?

In short, yes, you need a passport to travel to American Samoa. Even though American Samoa is territory of the United States, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not exercise jurisdiction in American Samoa. Although some people say that you can also travel with your birth certificate, I strongly recommend traveling with your passport. American Samoa is a group of Islands located in the South Pacific Ocean.

Your passport should have at least one blank page. International travel can be super exciting, just be sure that you have travel insurance in case of any unforeseen accidents.

Do I Need A Visa To Go To American Samoa?

American citizens and US nationals (permanent residents) don't need a visa to travel to American Samoa. You only require a valid passport. Citizens of other countries need a visa except if you are from a visa waiver country. If you are from a visa waiver country, you can apply for a Visa On Arrival, also known as an American Samoa Entry Permit Waiver Program (EPWP).

Countries that qualify for a EPWP (listed under the US State Department Visa Waiver Program) are Andora, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Federate States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, [Iceland(/country/iceland/iceland-tourist-visa), Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland Taiwan and United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales).

Contact your nearest US Embassy for more information.

Do Minors Need A Passport To Go To American Samoa?

Like adults, minors need a valid passport to travel to American Samoa. Although American Samoa is a US territory, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not exercise jurisdiction in American Samoa.

What Are The Entry Requirements For American Samoa?

There are a few entry requirements for American Samoa. First, make sure that you have the following:

  • A valid US passport or certified birth certificate showing that you are of US nationality.
  • A ticket for onward passage out of American Samoa or proof of employment in American Samoa.

What Documents Do I Require To Travel To American Samoa?

You need to provide certain travel documents when you enter American Samoa with your valid passport. These documents include:

These documents are mandatory for everyone who travels to American Samoa.

Where Can US Citizens Travel To Without A Passport?

You have options if you're in the mood for an exotic last-minute trip without a passport. Other United States of America territories do not require a passport, and they're all island destinations. You can travel to destinations such as Puerto Rico (located in the Caribbean), which is a favorite for American tourists since flights usually cost less than those farther destinations.

The US Virgin Islands is just a short flight from Puerto Rico, but you need a passport to visit the British Virgin Islands. The Northern Mariana Islands in Micronesia. And last but not least, Guam rounds out the passport-free zones for American travelers. Guam is just below the Mariana Islands.

Are There Direct Flights To American Samoa?

There are three international airlines that fly to American Samoa from Hawaii, USA, Samoa, and Tonga. Hawaiian Airlines operates bi-weekly flights from Honolulu to Pago Pago (American Samoa International Airport in Tutuila), while Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways operate daily services from Apia, Samoa. Talofa Airways also offers a twice-a-week service from Tonga to American Samoa.

All airlines provide additional flights during the peak holiday travel times. For further information and flight schedules, I recommend you visit the respective airline websites. In addition, a ferry service is operated between Samoa and American Samoa once a week by the Samoa Shipping Corporation in Apia, Samoa.

How Will The REAL ID Act Impact Passport Requirements In American Samoa?

Starting May 3, 2023, Us citizens will need to present a valid REAL ID when boarding local US flights. In addition, according to the REAL ID, every air traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license, or another acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel.

Do I Need A REAL ID If I Already Have A Passport?

No, you don't.

An official US passport will get you through airport security, and you can use the passport instead of a Real ID. You can choose whether you want to continue using your valid US passport or get a REAL ID.

There you go!

Enjoy the amazing culture of the Samoans and the beautiful language. Consider yourself very lucky because all you need to enjoy this wonderful place is a passport in hand and then you’re ready to snorkel, hike or eat your holiday away.

Written By: Laliq Schuman
Fact Checked By: Richard Nathan

Related Articles