American Samoa

American Samoa's seaports and airports are operated by the American Samoa Port Authority. Before visiting, confirm port-entry approval, clearance arrangements and documents with the authority and a local agent. Immigration rules may differ from those of the mainland United States; crew visa or visitor-permit requirements depend on nationality and individual status.

Yachts should first obtain permission to enter Pago Pago Harbour on Tutuila and clear there. Official guidance requires US and foreign vessels bound for smaller Manu'a Islands ports, including Ofu, Ta’u or Faleasao, to enter Pago Pago first and then apply to visit those ports. Obtain advance confirmation from the Port Authority before planning clearance elsewhere.

Pago Pago Harbour's website specifies 96 hours' advance notice and requires port-entry approval. Contact the Port Authority or a local agent early with the ETA, vessel particulars and clearance documents. The official page says an agent coordinates arrival and departure manifests. Visitor-permit application deadlines for air passengers must not be confused with vessel-notification deadlines.

Crew entry eligibility depends on nationality and status. The government describes different visitor-permit routes for holders of US visas, visa-waiver eligibility or green cards and for other visitors; some applications require an eligible local sponsor. Passport validity, return travel and application deadlines may also apply. Before departure, the skipper should confirm each crew member's documents and permissions with immigration rather than relying solely on mainland US entry rules.

Pago Pago Harbour requires arriving vessels to obtain entry approval and submit clearance documents. Customs, immigration, health, agriculture, and marine and wildlife authorities may participate as needed. The public page does not give a complete list of customs forms, temporary-import requirements or cruising permits applicable to every private yacht. Ask a local agent for a checklist tailored to the flag, vessel use, onboard items and previous port.

Port clearance may involve agriculture, health, and marine and wildlife authorities. Declare pets, plants, agricultural products and other potentially controlled items before arrival, and confirm permits, inspections and disposal requirements. Handle rubbish, food waste and animal-related items as inspectors direct. Public information does not establish a complete, current checklist for every yacht.

Do not treat firearms and ammunition as ordinary onboard equipment. American Samoan legislation requires prior permission from the Commissioner of Public Safety, with the Attorney General's approval, to import weapons. Non-compliant firearms may be confiscated. Before carrying weapons, ammunition or other controlled items, obtain written confirmation of permit and declaration requirements from Public Safety and customs.

Obtain approval before entering Pago Pago Harbour. The Port Authority states that the harbour master provides anchorage information on VHF channel 16 or by email. Customs, immigration, health, agriculture, and marine and wildlife officials attend as required for clearance. The official website recommends coordinating arrival and departure document lists through a local agent. Clear in at Pago Pago before visiting the smaller Manu'a ports.

The Port Authority pages reviewed do not publish a complete, current schedule of private-yacht port, agency, clearance or departure charges. They state that agents coordinate departure documents. Before arrival, request an itemised written quotation from the authority or a local agent and confirm payment methods, working hours and outward-clearance steps. Do not estimate current charges from old schedules or third-party quotations.