American Samoa - Clearance
American Samoa Pre-Arrival Procedures for Yachts
No action needs to be taken by the skipper for yacht entry, however, all crew should read the Immigration requirements and make the required pre-entry application.
All travelers entering American Samoa must complete a health declaration. For convenience, travelers can submit responses in advance using the online web portal, or will be required to complete a health declaration paper form upon arrival in American Samoa.
Ports of Entry:
Pago Pago is the only Port of Entry in American Samoa and all yachts must clear in there before visiting elsewhere.
American Samoa Arrival Procedures for Yachts
General Process:
Notify the Harbour Master by using VHF Channel 16 prior to port arrival for port authorization. The Harbour is open 24-hours.
Ensure you have all the mandatory documents before entering port which include Clearance from previous port, Passport of everyone on board and Ship’s Papers. If you did not complete the health declaration online in advance (for which you will have been given a QR code), then this must be filled out on arrival.
Government Officials that may inspect your vessel upon arrival include ASG-Customs, ASG-Port and ASG-Immigration.
Normal office hours for visiting the authorities are 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday.
If you arrive in the evening or at a weekend, anchor and fly the Q flag and wait until the next day/Monday to clear in.
For details of where to anchor/dock and the location of all clearance offices – see the Pago Pago page (port of entry) for details.
Notes:
- See the Pago Pago page (port of entry) for details on location of offices etc.
- Some cruisers have reported being charged “facilitation fees”, without receipts, when clearing in. While offering officials some food or non-alcoholic beverages upon clearing in is perfectly acceptable, paying fees without a receipt is ill-advised and illegal. See fees for more details.
Domestic Cruising in American Samoa:
Should a yacht wish to sail to other islands within American Samoa’s waters they must advise the Department of Port Administration and seek permission to do so and then return back to Pago Pago for departure procedures.
American Samoa Departure Procedures for Yachts
Clearing out can be done the same way, from the anchorage and dingy ashore.
Last updated: May 2024
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Just a heads up: we have just been refused clearance in to American Samoa after arriving from Neiafu. Because of the measles emergency in Samoa and other Pacific Islands, no-one will be allowed clearance unless they have documentation showing their measles immunisation status. We were not informed of this when leaving Tonga and we have no proof of immunisation.
We have been directed to return to Tonga.
To clear in Customs now want the boat alongside and they will visit it. Possibly the easiest is to tie alongside on the outside of the marina or go alongside a boat that’s already there. When you go and see the harbourmaster as part of the formalities pop into Customs downstairs and let them know where you are and that you are awaiting clearance.
Immigration will want a crew list and customs will want 3 crew lists. You will have to produce these yourself and the format doesn’t seem to be too important.
We will be late in leaving Hawaii for points south this year and wondering if there is a marina facility in case we need to stay through cyclone season or for a short period of time before continuing on this year should all the cards line up!
Hi Carey, try putting “cyclone” into the Noonsite search and lots of reports and links will come up.
This one will be interesting for you – https://www.noonsite.com/report/pacific-cyclone-season-north-instead-of-south/
With regards to marinas in American Samoa itself, see the Pago Pago port page – https://www.noonsite.com/place/american-samoa/pago-pago/.
Just as an ‘add on’ to the above comment … we had an issue where we had to leave without receiving delivery of a plotter being sent to us by PRIORITY mail.
The long and short of it was that it SHOULD have been sent PRIORITY EXPRESS MAIL whereas our package was sent PRIORITY Mail. Sometimes one will get ‘lucky’ with priority mail if the ship being loaded in Richmond CA is full.
If it is not full, the tracking number will show a delivery date within 2 weeks, but the package will not necessarily arrive in 2 weeks .. it will wait until the ship is fully loaded. PRIORITY EXPRESS goes by air.
Well, this is how they explained it to us anyway … so take care and make 100% sure before your mail is shipped. They refused 1 day later to withdraw the package from their system and we ended up buying a 2nd plotter which arrived in 7 days … by air … and marked … PRIORITY EXPRESS MAIL … cheers for now .. SV IMPI
Contrary to the above about crime in Pago Pago, it is almost non-existent. The crimes that happen are locals only. There was an incident a few years back against a “yachtie”, but it was quickly resolved (the attackers were high and drunk) they received 29 years in jail.
About getting marine supplies, use priority mail and most things arrive with 2 weeks. Defender and West Marine (for example) will ship directly to you. Use the address as follows:
(your name or yacht name)
C/O General Delivery
Pago Pago, AS 96799
The Post Office will hold mail for about a month if you miss your arrival date. Other items (heavier or larger) items can be shipped in, but allow about 2 to 3 months.
We have spent 4 years (by our choice) here and find the people to be very nice and helpful.
Is there any customs duty or any other fees to pay on items shipped in from the States?
Hi Tim, see the Customs section for American Samoa which talks about duties.
https://www.noonsite.com/place/american-samoa/formalities#customs-section
Thanks Bart for reporting your experience with immigration in American Samoa. The rules on our website are from the official AS immigration website. As we know, yacht crews are often treated differently to other visitors, but this is hardly ever stated on official sources.
Contrary to what is written on the official Samoan website, it is not required to obtain a visa in advance for most European passports if you arrive by yacht. Just rock up, and you will be granted a 30 day permit.
However, you will need a visa if you arrive by plane.
I got in by yacht on a Belgian passport with no trouble at all.