Pago Pago - Clearance

Pago Pago is the port of entry for American Samoa. For full details on clearing into American Samoa see the main Formalities page.

Notify the Harbor Master by using VHF Channel 16 prior to port arrival for port authorization. The Harbor is open 24-hours.

General Process:

Drop anchor and dinghy ashore to complete the paperwork during normal business hours (08:00-17:00 Monday to Friday) - the dinghy dock at the marina is open 06:00-18:00. There is also a dinghy dock in front of McConalds.

You may be asked to tie up at the tug dock at the container terminal for clearance. It is quite rough here however for a yacht.

The next section - Docking - has details on anchoring here. The Harbour Master will give you instructions on arrival as to where you can and can't anchor in the bay.

From the McDonalds dinghy dock, turn left towards the main container port where you will find the offices for check-in (approx. a 10 minute walk) to left of the entrance. You will need to show your passport to enter the port.

Check in first with Customs, Public Health and the Harbor Office. Then go upstairs to the Harbor Master's office. You may, or may not, find him available. As there is no particular order in which you have to check-in, you can go to Immigration if he's not available and return later.

Immigration is a 1km walk down the main road in a large triangular building (the office is at the back of the building). If they are busy, advise them that you are from a yacht and you will be taken directly to the correct official to get your passports stamped.

A yacht must not be moved within the harbor without prior permission from the Port Captain. This includes going to get fuel from the fuel dock.

When clearing out, the same procedure as for checking in can be followed.

Last updated:  January 2023