Samoa and American Samoa have separate entry rules. The documents you need depend on your citizenship, where you are going, and how long you will stay. A visa or permit for one does not let you enter the other.
Before flying from Samoa to American Samoa, find out which visitor permit you need and complete American Samoa’s health declaration. For travel to Samoa, confirm that you are allowed to enter your next destination. Samoa requires proof of this.
Going to American Samoa
American Samoa offers several types of visitor permits. Having a Samoa-issued passport alone does not tell you which one you qualify for. The 10-day permit is for citizens born in Samoa who hold a Samoa-issued passport.
| Your circumstances | Permit and requirements |
|---|---|
| You are a Samoan-born citizen with a Samoa-issued passport | The 10-day permit costs US$10. You need identification valid for at least six months after departure, a round-trip ticket showing travel within 10 days, accommodation or host details, and a local contact number. Apply online within three business days before travel. The permit cannot be extended. |
| You hold a valid U.S. visa or green card, or you are a citizen of a U.S. visa-waiver country | You may qualify for a 30-day permit costing US$40. You need identification valid for at least six months after departure, a round-trip ticket within 30 days, accommodation or host details, and a local contact number. Apply online within three business days before travel. The permit cannot be extended. |
| You do not fit either category | You may need a local sponsor in American Samoa who is at least 21 and a U.S. citizen or national. The sponsor must apply in person. The application calls for a qualifying travel document, a round-trip ticket within 30 days, and police clearance from your country of origin. The fee is US$40. A one-time 30-day extension may be requested for US$50. The stated application window is three to five business days before travel. |
The permit types have different eligibility rules and application instructions. American Samoa’s Department of Legal Affairs recommends applying at least 72 hours ahead, excluding weekends and holidays. The individual permit pages give the application times listed above. Check the instructions for your category and allow time for processing before booking nonrefundable travel.
Complete the health declaration
The American Samoa Department of Health (ASDOH) requires incoming travelers to complete a health declaration. The online portal gives you a QR code to show a health official when you arrive. Earlier portal instructions also say to complete the declaration on arrival, but the current portal does not clearly give an online-submission deadline. Check the portal before departure and follow its current instructions.
The declaration does not give you permission to enter. Filling it out does not replace any visitor permit or supporting documents you need.
Going to Samoa
Samoa Immigration says eligible foreign nationals who are not Samoan citizens and do not have a temporary resident permit get a free 90-day visitor permit on arrival. The listed entry conditions include a passport valid for at least six months after your planned departure and a return or onward ticket. The list also requires permission to enter your next destination and enough money for your stay. You must provide details of where you will stay. A visitor permit does not let you work.
Official sources give different stay limits: Samoa Immigration says 90 days, while UK government and Samoa tourism guidance say up to 60 days. Before planning around a specific stay length, confirm with Samoa Immigration which rule applies to your nationality and trip.
If you are stopping in Samoa before going on to American Samoa, get any required American Samoa permit before you travel. Samoa Immigration requires visitors to show they have permission to enter their next country.
U.S. citizens and nationals
According to USAGov, U.S. citizens need a passport or certified U.S. birth certificate to enter American Samoa. The territory’s Department of Legal Affairs also lists documents for nonresident U.S. citizens, including a return or onward ticket and proof of employment or official assignment in American Samoa.
The published instructions cover different parts of the entry process, so confirm with the territorial authorities and your airline which requirements apply to your trip. Bring your passport, itinerary, and any relevant employment or assignment documents to address the listed requirements.
Check flights and charges
Check the route and fare details with the airline before booking. Published information about charges for flights from Samoa to American Samoa does not match: UK government travel guidance lists a SAT40 departure tax, while Talofa Airways describes a SAT80 passenger facility charge through the end of 2026 and a scheduled increase to SAT90 in 2027. It is unclear whether these are separate charges or whether one amount is outdated. Ask the airline which charges your fare includes and what you must pay separately.
