American Samoa - Facts

American Samoa FAQs

Pre-Arrival Boat: Vessels are required to request authorization from the port to enter the harbor upon arrival. See Clearance for details.
Pre-Arrival Crew: All crew should get travel authorization. See Immigration for details. A health declaration can be completed in advance. See Clearance for details.
Where can I enter? Pago Pago is the only port of entry.
Are fees high to enter by yacht? There are minimal charges for yacht clearance. See Fees for details.
What security concerns should I know about? American Samoa is generally a safe country for yacht visitors. See Security for more info.

American Samoa Facts for Sailors

• WARNING: landing or anchoring at Rose Atoll is strictly prohibited. See Restrictions for additional details.
• The two neighboring Samoas are very different from each other, American Samoa being a US Territory, while Samoa (Western Samoa) is an independent state.
• American Samoa comprises all the Samoan islands east of the 171° parallel, that is the main island of Tutuila, as well as Aunuu, the Manua Group, Rose Island and Swains Island.
• American Samoa has a total land area of 76 square miles, consisting of five volcanic islands (Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega, and Ta’u) and two atolls (Rose and Swains).
• The landscape features steep volcanic mountains, with the highest peak, Mount Lata at 3,170 feet, on Ta’u Island, and Mount Matafao at 2,142 feet on Tutuila Island.
• Ninety percent of the islands are covered in untouched tropical rainforest, home to unique plants and animals.
• The National Park of American Samoa is the only U.S. national park in the South Pacific.
• The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa is the largest of its kind in the U.S.
• American Samoa offers opportunities for hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and fishing.
• This US outpost in the South Seas attracts most cruising boats because of the availability of US goods, excellent provisioning and good communications.
• It is Pago Pago which attracts most cruising sailors, either to re-provision in its well-stocked supermarkets or to spend the cyclone season in this scenically beautiful and well-protected harbor.
• The local fish cannery (and it's associated smell) is a major presence in the harbor.
• Repair facilities and services for yachts in Pago Pago are quite limited.
• Cruisers report that Pago Pago is populated by warm, friendly people who are hard working, devout family-centered people.