- Local time
- 10:54
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- Capital
- Pago Pago
- Calling code
- +1684
- Drive on the
- right
Overview
American Samoa is a small US territory of volcanic islands and atolls: a national park, a marine sanctuary, quiet beaches on Ofu and a strong fa'asamoa way of life. Tourism is low-key.
American Samoa is a US territory about 100 km east of independent Samoa, in the same archipelago. It has five main islands and two coral atolls; almost everyone lives on Tutuila, around the deep harbour of Pago Pago (pronounced "Pango Pango"). The Manu'a Islands of Ofu, Olosega and Ta'u are quieter still, with To'aga Beach on Ofu and its fringing reef.
Tourism is not well developed and there are no five-star hotels, but you can hike the National Park of American Samoa, snorkel the lagoons, dive the Fagatele Bay marine sanctuary and visit Second World War sites. Samoan custom, fa'asamoa, shapes village life, and Sunday is a day of rest. It is warm, humid and rainy all year, with a long wet season from October to May.
- National Park of American Samoa: The islands' finest land and seascapes, with hiking and views of Pola Island.
- Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary: A tropical reef full of fish, reached by a steep hike.
- Ofu: High peaks dropping to white beaches and the reef at To'aga Beach.
- Blunt's Point Battery: Well-preserved Second World War guns atop a mountain, reached by a trail from Utulei.
- Flag Day fautasi races: Fifty-person longboats racing in Pago Pago harbour on 17 April.
Places to visit
- City
- Park
Cities
- Pago Pago: The main town, on a deep harbour on Tutuila; buses leave from the market in neighbouring Fagatogo.
Beyond the cities
- National Park of American Samoa (park): Land and seascapes set aside by village leaders and the US Congress.
- Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (park): A reef with parrotfish, butterflyfish, octopus and sharks.
- Ofu (island): A Manu'a island with To'aga Beach and its coral reef.
- Ta'u (island): The Manu'a island with the airport at Fiti'uta.
Regions
- Tutuila: The largest and by far the most populous island.
- Ofu: High peaks dropping to white beaches.
- Olosega: Joined to neighbouring Ofu by a narrow bridge.
- Ta'u: One of the Manu'a Islands.
- Rose Atoll: A marine monument closed to tourists.
- Swains Island: A privately owned island far to the north, with no tourist facilities.
Things to do
See
- Fatu ma Futi Tutuila: Flower Pot Rock, a tall islet home to birds and fruit bats.
- Tia Seu Lupe Ottoville: The most accessible of the ancient star mounds used for chiefly pigeon catching.
- Turtle and Shark Site Vaitogi: A small cove linked to an ancient Samoan legend.
Do
- Hike the national park Tutuila: Trails with views of Pola Island, the Cock's Comb.
- Snorkel at To'aga Beach Ofu: A pristine reef along the south shore of Ofu.
- Two Dollar Beach Avalo: Calm water with plenty of fish among the rocks.
Eat
- Umu feast Alega: Weekly traditional feasts at Tisa's Barefoot Bar, also home to a tattoo festival every October.
Getting there and around
| Main airports | PPG |
|---|
Getting there
By air: Pago Pago International Airport, at Tafuna about 5 km south-west of Pago Pago, has two Hawaiian Airlines flights a week from Honolulu and daily small-plane flights from Samoa. By sea: cruise and cargo ships call at Pago Pago.
Getting around
On Tutuila, "aiga" (family) buses run frequently but without a timetable, from early morning to about 5 pm on weekdays, less on Saturday and not on Sunday: wave to stop one and pay the driver as you get off. Taxis have government-regulated fares, so confirm the price first. Rental cars are available near the airport; traffic drives on the right, fatal accidents are frequent and speed limits are low (30 mph on the highway, less in villages), so avoid driving at night outside town. Canada says a valid Canadian licence is enough for up to 30 days; for longer you must carry an International Driving Permit. Samoa Airways flies to Ta'u in 30 to 40 minutes, and a weekly government boat sails to the Manu'a Islands. There is no public transport on Manu'a.
Flying to American Samoa? PartnerCompare fares and find the cheapest datesSearch flightsWhere to stay
- Hotels and lodges: On the main islands; there are no five-star hotels.
There is no hotel-style lodging on Olosega, Swains or Rose Atoll.
Eat and drink
Dishes to try
- Palusami: One of the signature national dishes.
- Lu'au
- Supoesi
Drinks
- Kava: Often called the national drink; to accept a cup is an honour.
- Local beer: From the territory's only brewery, at Pava'ia'i.
Tutuila has fast food, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Polynesian restaurants; the outer islands have much less choice. Do not eat or drink while walking through a village.
Entry requirements and visas
| Passport validity | Canada: at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave American Samoa |
|---|
| Passport | Entry | Max stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Eta | 30 days | A 30-day visitor permit, applied for online before travel; it cannot be extended. |
Other nationalities: check the official source below.
American Samoa runs its own immigration, separate from the mainland US. Canadians must apply online for a 30-day visitor permit before travelling, and it cannot be extended. To apply, you need a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and a local contact number. You must also fill in a health declaration, online up to 48 hours before arrival or on arrival. Rules depend on your passport and can change: check with the American Samoa Department of Legal Affairs before you book.
Money and payments
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
|---|---|
| Cards | Limited |
American Samoa uses the US dollar (USD). Major hotels and stores take credit cards, but most businesses accept only cash, so keep small bills and coins for buses and taxis. Most ATMs are on Tutuila; the other islands may have very few or none.
Health
| Recommended vaccines | Routine vaccines, including measles (MMR), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, only for some travellers: ask a travel clinic, Mpox, for travellers at risk of sexual exposure |
|---|---|
| Malaria | None |
| Tap water | Not safe |
In many parts of Tutuila tap water is not safe to drink, so drink bottled water. Dengue and chikungunya occur every year: use a repellent with DEET. Canada also reports a risk of Zika: if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk to a doctor before you go. Medical care is limited, there is none on the Manu'a Islands, and serious cases may need an air ambulance to Hawaii, New Zealand or Australia: bring your own medicines and get insurance that covers evacuation.
This is general information, not medical advice: check with a travel health professional before you go.
Safety
- Canada: Take normal security precautions (2026-10-20)
Crime is low, but petty theft happens: avoid walking alone after dark and keep an eye on your valuables. Lagoon currents and rip tides are powerful and fatal accidents have happened, so ask locally where to swim and do not go out too far. Packs of stray dogs can bite. Power cuts and water shortages occur, especially after cyclones, which are possible from November to April according to Canada, or to May according to the UK. Earthquakes are frequent and can cause tsunamis. In an emergency, call 911.
Customs and etiquette
Fa'asamoa, the Samoan way, is deeply rooted, and each village is run by its chiefs (matai). Ask villagers' permission before taking photos or using a beach. In a traditional fale, sit on the floor before talking, eating or drinking, and do not stretch out your uncovered legs. Sunday is for church and quiet, and activities such as swimming may not be allowed. At dusk villages observe Sa, a time of prayer: if you are walking through, stop and wait quietly. If offered kava, spill a few drops, raise your cup and say "manuia". Dress conservatively.
Drug penalties are severe, and Canada warns of lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines. Same-sex relationships are legal, but Canada says homosexuality is not widely accepted and that LGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks.
Language
| English | Widespread |
|---|
| Hello | Talofa tah-LOW-fah |
|---|---|
| Please | Fa'amolemole fah-ah-moh-lay-moh-lay |
| Thank you | Fa'afetai fah-ah-feh-tie |
| Cheers (when drinking kava) | Manuia mahn-ooh-WE-ah |
What to pack
- Insect repellent with DEET: Dengue and chikungunya occur every year.
- Your own medicines and a small first-aid kit: Supplies may not be available and care is limited.
- Small change: Bus fares are paid in coins.
Quick reference
Country facts
| Capital | Pago Pago |
|---|---|
| Population | 46,029 (2025) |
| Area | 199 km² |
| Time zone | Pacific/Pago_Pago (UTC-11) |
| Calling code | +1684 |
| Driving side | right |
Staying connected
| SIM and eSIM | Two local providers, BlueSky and ASTCA; US mainland networks do not cover the territory. BlueSky SIMs can roam in Samoa on some data bundles. |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Paid wifi hotspots from both providers around Tutuila. |
Emergency numbers
| Emergency | 911 |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for American Samoa?
Canadians do not need a visa, but must apply online for a 30-day visitor permit before travelling. American Samoa runs its own immigration, so check official information for your passport before you book.
Can I drink the tap water?
Not in many areas of Tutuila: drink bottled water.
What currency is used?
The US dollar. Most businesses accept only cash, and most ATMs are on Tutuila.
What should I know about village customs?
Ask before taking photos or using a beach, keep quiet on Sundays and stop during the evening prayer time, Sa.
Sources This guide was last checked on · 10 sources
- Wikivoyage: American Samoa · Overview, Places to visit, Things to do, Getting there and around, Where to stay, Eat and drink, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Health, Safety, Customs and etiquette, Language, What to pack, Staying connected, Frequently asked questions
- Government of Canada: American Samoa travel advice (updated 22 June 2026) · Getting there and around, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Health, Safety, Customs and etiquette, Emergency numbers, Frequently asked questions
- Wikidata · Money and payments, Country facts
- ISO 4217 (SIX), published 2026-09-17 · Money and payments
- CDC Travelers' Health: American Samoa · Health
- UK FCDO: USA health (also covers American Samoa) · Health
- UK FCDO: USA getting help (also covers American Samoa) · Safety, Emergency numbers
- World Bank, SP.POP.TOTL · Country facts
- World Bank, AG.LND.TOTL.K2 · Country facts
- IANA Time Zone Database, zone.tab · Country facts
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