What Documents Do I Need to Travel to American Samoa?

One of the most essential travel documents you need for American Samoa is, of course, your passport.

Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date you intend to leave American Samoa. In other words, the date that you stated on your Entry Permit application.

If you are a United States citizen, you also have the option of using a travel document or a certified birth certificate with ID to enter American Samoa, although a passport is always the most straightforward method.

Do You Need a Visa?

Most visitors to American Samoa do, indeed, need a visa. This can be applied for online via the Department of Legal Affairs website, no less than 72 hours before arrival.

Some travellers from select countries require a sponsor in American Samoa to apply for the Entry Permit on their behalf.

Cruise ship passengers, who are spending less than 24 hours in American Samoa, are granted a free Transit Permit upon entry.

After you receive your Entry Permit via email, you will need to save/print out the attachment and have it ready to show Passport Control upon arrival in American Samoa.

Find out more about how to apply for the Entry Permit in our guide, American Samoa Tourist Visa: Do You Need a Visa to Visit American Samoa?

Something that many people don't realise is that you need to have your return flights (or ferry tickets) booked and your accommodation booked before even applying for the Entry Permit for American Samoa. These documents will need to be attached to your entry permit application. As a back-up it is best to have these documents also available, even if just a digital copy, to show at Passport Control. Either way, the below information should help.

How to Get Your Flight Ticket Details for Your Entry Permit for American Samoa

Ticket/Booking Information for Your Arrival Flight to American Samoa

After booking your flight to American Samoa, you should have received an email detailing your booking reference, departure time, etc. This is sometimes called an "E-Ticket". Attach this with your departure flight (see below) to your Entry Permit application.

Additionally, print this out and also save a digital copy so you can provide this to airport staff on check-in for your flight to American Samoa.

After check-in at the airport, you will be provided with a Boarding Pass, listing your name, seat number, etc. Don't lose it!

Ticket/Booking Information for Your Departure Flight From American Samoa

In the same email, if you have booked a return flight from American Samoa, you should also have your return flight details.

If you have booked a separate flight or travel ticket departing American Samoa, you will need to print and/or have a digital copy of this evidence, as it is a mandatory entry requirement in American Samoa to have a valid outbound travel ticket.

See American Samoa Tourist Visa: Do You Need a Visa to Visit American Samoa? to learn more about entry requirements.

Accommodation Booking Information

Your accommodation booking confirmation is equally important for your Entry Permit application. This documentation can come in several forms:

If you've booked through online booking websites like Booking.com or Expedia, you should have received a booking confirmation email with all the necessary details, including dates, accommodation name and booking reference number.

Many accommodations also have their own online booking portals where you can access and download your booking confirmation directly from their confirmation email or website.

For accommodations that handle bookings more manually, don't hesitate to contact them directly to request a confirmation document that you can use for your Entry Permit application. Most properties understand this requirement and will be happy to provide the necessary paperwork.

Make sure to have both printed and digital copies of your accommodation confirmation available, as you may need to present these at various points during your travel to American Samoa.

Another important travel document you must complete before arrival in American Samoa is a health declaration. The good news is that you can do this online ahead of time, which we highly recommend to save yourself time at the airport or not have to worry about it during your flight.

You have two options: submit your responses using the online web portal before you travel, or fill out a health declaration form when you arrive in American Samoa. Trust us, doing it online beforehand is much easier!

Here's how to complete your online health declaration step by step.

Complete the Form

Start by filling out the online form for yourself and any travel companions. It's straightforward and shouldn't take too long.

Once you've successfully submitted the form, you'll receive an email at the address you provided with details about the next steps. Make sure to click the link in that email to continue the process.

1- Log In to Your Account

If this is your first time using the system, you'll be prompted to set up a password before logging in. If you've used it before, simply log in with your email and password.

2- Upload Your Documents

Once you're logged in, your account page will show all your previous and current declarations. Look for the "Upload Documents" button next to the health declaration with your intended travel date and click it.

You'll need to upload a clear image of either your passport (or state-issued ID if you're from the US). Make sure the image is readable and shows all the important details.

3- Save Your QR Code

After uploading your identification document, you'll receive a final email confirming that you've successfully completed your health declaration. This email will include a QR code that you'll need to present to Customs Officiers when you arrive on the island.

Save this QR code to your phone or print it out—you'll definitely need it when you land in American Samoa!

Although you may want to ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date as per the recommendations of the World Health Organisation, there are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter American Samoa.

We keep an updated list of all the recommended and/or mandatory vaccines for a visit to American Samoa in our article, Do You Need Vaccines to Travel to American Samoa?

All of the documents detailed above are mandatory for travel to American Samoa unless stated otherwise. The following travel documents and paperwork are optional or only apply to specific situations.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance ensures financial cover in the event that travel plans need to be changed, theft or loss of personal items, or you need medical attention, etc.

Travel insurance policies cover (and don't cover) a range of circumstances where you otherwise might have significant expenses.

It is a personal decision to purchase travel insurance, so if you decide to go for it, make sure you have your policy paperwork and certificate.

Driver's License (and International Driving Permit)

If you want to hire a vehicle in American Samoa, then you're going to need your valid overseas driver's license.

Check out Can You Drive in American Samoa With an Overseas License? LINK#T040 to see what driver's licenses are accepted in American Samoa so that you can be issued a temporary driver's license by your rental provider.

Medical Prescription

If you're bringing prescribed medication to American Samoa, be sure that you have evidence that the medication is prescribed to you.

Usually, the original packaging for the medication with your name and doctor's name is sufficient. But if you don't have this available, a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter will suffice.

Arriving in American Samoa by Personal Boat/Yacht

Those arriving in American Samoa on a personal sailing yacht need to provide additional paperwork for entering and departing American Samoa. All of this is detailed in the Sailing Guide to American Samoa: Tips for Yachting LINK#T014.