International Information

U.S. nationals who are not U.S. citizens, and who are resident in American Samoa, must obtain a visitor permit prior to all travel to Samoa.  U.S. nationals have not been permitted to travel to Samoa on certificates of identity since May 2005.   (U.S. law distinguishes between individuals who are citizens and those who are nationals.  The U.S. passport bio-page shows one's status as either a citizen or a non-citizen national.)    As of March 22, 2006, visitor permits to travel to Samoa can be applied for at the new Samoa Consulate General office in Pago Pago, American Samoa.  A valid passport and an onward/return ticket are required for all Americans (both citizens and nationals) to travel to Samoa.  Visitor permits are not required for U.S. citizens (only for U.S. nationals) seeking to stay in Samoa for up to 60 days.  All visitors are required to pay a departure tax of 40-tala (approximately 16.00 USD) upon leaving the country.