Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Ofu, National Park & Samoa on a budget

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / American Samoa

Hi travellers

Are there any campsites on both Samoa and American Samoa and is free camping possible and safe? Also is there any other kind of cheap lodging around the islands? I would like to go to both islands in Samoa and to Ofu and Nat Park in American Samoa, is it possible to travel between the two on a budget, maybe by ferry, as I only found info that is more than 8 years olld.

I also read somewhere that there s no need for a visa for EU countries, is this information correct or is it outdated?

Thanking you

AS has visa waivers for a list of countries. you will need something called "ok to travel" status before departing Samoa to AS. details on the As immigration website.

"Passengers travelling to American Samoa with a passport on the Entry Permit Waiver List must contact the Attorney General's Office to secure an Ok to Board. Visit the American Samoa Immigration Website for more information - American Samoa Immigration" www.americansamoa.gov/immigration-info

ferry service between Samoa/AS goes once a week, several daily flights between 2 cost about $100 US

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and rather than camping have a look at beach fales. cheap basic accommodation

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Thanks for your reply! Yes that s what I meant... Fales... Couldn't remember the word. Will I need to book these ahead for mid to end of April or is ok to just get there and look around (this is what I usually do in other countries but have never been to this side of the world),or would the budget fales get full quickly? If needing to book ahead, how much time ahead is recommended? Your advice is most appreciated, thanks again!

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Thanks for your reply! The entry requirements are so cunfusi g! The way I m understanding it is that there s no need for an 'ok to board' as long as you come from a country mentioned under the Entry permit waiver list! Maybe I m missing some information somewhere!! Has someone who comes from any of these companies countries been there recently please? Is there any info, you can kindly share?!

Thanks again!

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I apologize, you were right, went back to read it again and found the info. Any idea how many days ahead do they expect the scanned copies to be sent? I have a problem though as when I get there, hopefully around end of April and by the time I leave, around 6th of May, my passport will only be valid for another 4 months as expiry date is 4th September! Are they very strict about this? Will I have to do a new passport?

As for travelling between Samoa and American Samoa, I couldn't find any I info with direct ferries from Apia to Ofu ( my destination) or at least to get me as far as Ta'u! Perhaps there s none at all?! In this case, I have no choice but to fly there. Are there any flights going from Apia to Ofu or Ta'u or will I need to change in Pago Pago? Will flights to Ta'u need to be booked months or weeks ahead for late April and first few days of May? Sorry to be asking so much but info is really limited out there and sometimes not that clear and sure...

Thanks heaps once again!

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might be best renew your passport. unsure how many days before you travel to submit documents. maybe as soon as you have your onward ticket booked. we will aim to do it maybe a couple months before we travel. google www.samoashipping.com and talofa airways, samoa airways and interislandair check out the routes they run.

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Ferry and planes between American Samoa and Samoa are only out of Pago Pago.

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