American Samoa Travel Health

TRAVEL ADVICE

Visa Requirements

All travelers to American Samoa require a valid passport, proof of ongoing or return..

Travel Health

Most visits to American Samoa are trouble-free, but there are a number of health..

Local Currency

The official currency of American Samoa is the US dollar ($US), which is available in..

Weather

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, American Samoa enjoys a typically very warm, tropical..

Local Customs

With the tourism industry being relatively new in American Samoa, visitors can delight in..

Languages

American Samoa is a unique blend of traditional Samoan and contemporary western culture...

Transport Options

Visitors to American Samoa fly into Tafuna International Airport which is located about..

Local Food

The staples that make up American Samoan cuisine include taro, breadfruit, bananas..

Local Timezones

Standard time zone is 11 hours behind GMT. American Samoa does not presently implement..

Dutyfree Limits

Visitors are permitted to bring the following items into American Samoa without incurring..

Travel Health

Most visits to American Samoa are trouble-free, but there are a number of health precautions that travelers should take before arriving at this tropical island paradise. This includes ensuring that vaccinations for Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus are up to date.

Vaccinations against Hepatitis B and tuberculosis are sometimes advised and Rabies and Typhoid vaccinations may be required, depending on the season and region visited. If you are in doubt, it is advisable to seek medical advice well ahead of when you plan to travel.

In American Samoa incidents of Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease has also been on the increase. As there is no vaccination for Dengue fever, it is imperative that visitors reduce the risk of mosquito bites by applying insect repellant and wearing lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs.

Travellors should also take care to either boil drinking water or drink bottled water as even though the water is treated, cases of diarrhea are quite common. Medical facilities in American Samoa are basic. The main health care facility, the LBJ Medical Center (Ph: 633-5555) is located on the island of Tutuila and it provides general medical, dental and emergency services.

In situations requiring expert care, medical evacuation by Air ambulance to Hawaii, New Zealand or Australia may be required. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is highly recommended for those without overseas coverage. In addition to these health precautions, travelers should also be aware that American Samoa regularly experiences seismic and volcanic activity. The recent tsunami (29th September 2009) which impacted American Samoa, Samoa and parts of Tonga is a reminder of this.

Tropical cyclones do affect American Samoa with the season normally running from November to April. Whilst the crime rate in American Samoa is generally low, visitors should use common sense precautions to protect valuables and take care, particularly at night.

The number for emergencies in American Samoa is 911.

We strongly advise that all Australian travellers check the latest travel advice on the Australian Government Smart Traveller site.