Amerikanisch-Samoa
Telefonvorwahl
+1
Hauptstadt
Pago Pago
Bevölkerung
47.000
Einheimischer Name
American Samoa
Region
Oceania
Polynesia
Zeitzone
Samoa Standard Time
UTC-11:00
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American Samoa (not to be confused with the nearby independent nation of Samoa, formerly Western Samoa) is a unique U.S. territory in the South Pacific, comprising five volcanic islands and two coral atolls located approximately 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii. What makes American Samoa extraordinary is its status as the only inhabited U.S. territory where residents are U.S. nationals—not automatically U.S. citizens—a legal distinction reflecting the islands' determination to preserve Polynesian culture and traditional land ownership systems (fa'a Samoa, 'the Samoan Way') that might conflict with U.S. constitutional requirements. This arrangement allows American Samoa to maintain communal land tenure where 90% of land remains in traditional Samoan ownership, protecting against outside land acquisition that has transformed other Pacific islands. The territory's main island, Tutuila, hosts the capital Pago Pago (pronounced 'Pango Pango'), blessed with one of the finest natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific—a dramatic fjord-like bay surrounded by rainforest-covered peaks rising straight from the sea. American Samoa is extraordinarily lush and mountainous, receiving over 200 inches of rain annually, creating cascading waterfalls, dense tropical rainforest, and vibrant ecosystems. The National Park of American Samoa, established in 1988, protects pristine paleotropical rainforest, coral reefs, and traditional Samoan villages, offering visitors rare opportunities to experience Polynesia largely unchanged by mass tourism. Cultural traditions remain vibrantly alive—extended families (aiga) live in traditional open-sided houses (fale), villages are governed by matai (chiefs) following ancient customs, and Sunday is sacred with villages virtually shutting down for church and family time. For travelers seeking authentic Polynesian culture, dramatic volcanic landscapes, world-class diving, and genuine off-the-beaten-path South Pacific experiences, American Samoa delivers rewards that more commercialized islands cannot match.
Entry Requirements for American Samoa
American Samoa operates its own immigration system separate from the United States mainland and other U.S. territories, making entry requirements unique and sometimes confusing for travelers. U.S. citizens can enter American Samoa freely without restrictions using valid U.S. passports, state-issued IDs with birth certificates, or passport cards. U.S. nationals (including American Samoans themselves) have the same unrestricted entry rights. For all other nationalities, entry to American Samoa requires advance permission in the form of entry permits, and importantly, American Samoa does NOT participate in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This means even citizens of countries that can visit mainland U.S. visa-free (like UK, Germany, Japan, Australia) must obtain American Samoa entry permits before arrival. Entry permits are obtained by submitting applications to American Samoa Department of Legal Affairs, Immigration Division, well before intended travel (at least 30 days recommended, though processing can be quicker). Applications require passport copies, proof of onward travel, accommodation details, purpose of visit statement, and sometimes sponsorship letters from American Samoa residents or businesses. Approved permits are typically valid for 30-day stays for tourism. The process, while bureaucratic, is generally straightforward for legitimate tourists. Most visitors arrive via Pago Pago International Airport (PPG) with flights from Honolulu (Hawaiian Airlines) or Apia, Samoa (Samoa Airways, Talofa Airways). Given the permit requirement and limited flights, American Samoa sees far fewer visitors than Hawaii or other Pacific destinations, preserving its authentic, uncrowded character.
Gängige Visumtypen
U.S. Citizens & Nationals (No Permit Required)
For U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals (including American Samoans) for unlimited stays without advance permission.
Entry Permit (Tourism)
For all foreign nationals (non-U.S. citizens/nationals) visiting American Samoa for tourism purposes.
Work Permit
For foreign nationals seeking employment in American Samoa in tuna canneries, government, healthcare, education, or specialized roles.
Extended Stay / Residency Permit
For long-term residence based on marriage to American Samoan/U.S. citizen, business investment, or specialized employment.
Important Travel Information
Städte mit Vertretungen
Wo dieses Land Botschaften oder Konsulate unterhält
Ausländische Vertretungen in Amerikanisch-Samoa
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Amerikanisch-Samoa
American Samoa offers adventurous travelers something increasingly rare—genuine Polynesian culture largely untouched by mass tourism, where traditional villages live according to fa'a Samoa customs passed down through centuries, where rainforest-covered volcanic peaks plunge into the South Pacific's clearest waters, and where you'll encounter more chiefs and extended families than fellow tourists. This is not Hawaii—there are no resorts, minimal commercialization, and Sunday observance brings entire communities to reverent pause. What you will find is extraordinary natural beauty protected in one of America's least-visited national parks, world-class diving on pristine reefs, warm hospitality from people proud to share their culture, and the satisfaction of experiencing a place where Polynesian traditions remain vibrant and central to daily life. The journey requires effort—entry permits, limited flights, basic accommodations—but rewards with authentic experiences and memories of a Pacific island that chose cultural preservation over tourist dollars. Plan ahead, respect fa'a Samoa, embrace the slower pace, and discover American Samoa's unique magic. Talofa!
Plan Your American Samoa Adventure