Order Your American Samoa Passport: Everything You Need to Know

So, I needed to get an American Samoa passport. Yeah, it’s a bit of a unique situation, I know. American Samoans are nationals, not citizens, unlike folks from other U.S. territories. It’s a whole thing. Anyway, I had to figure out how to get this done, and let me tell you, it was a bit of a journey.

Finding the Right Form

First things first, I needed the right application form. I found out that I needed to complete a copy of the Samoan Passport/DoI Application Form. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, getting your hands on the correct form is half the battle. I looked around, and it turns out that this form is pretty important because it is a travel document issued by the American Samoan government.

Gathering All the Documents

Next up, gathering all the necessary documents. This was a bit of a scavenger hunt. I needed:

• Proof of Birth and Gender: This was easy enough – my birth certificate did the trick.
• Identity Documents: I had to show my photo, signature, and current address. My driver’s license was perfect for this.
• Name/Gender Change Documents: Luckily, I didn’t need this, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’ve had a name or gender change.
• Passport Photos: Two passport-sized photos that comply with their guidelines. I got these done at a local shop. Make sure they fit the requirements, or it’s a no-go.

Submitting the Application

With all my documents in order, I moved on to submitting the application. It is a little bit of waiting.

Waiting for Processing

Now, the waiting game. I opted for the routine processing time, which is about 4-6 weeks. But I heard that you can expedite it for an extra 60 bucks and get it in 2-3 weeks. I wasn’t in a huge rush, so I saved the money. It’s good to know the options, though, especially if you’re planning to travel soon.

Proving Nationality

One interesting thing is that American Samoans can get their passports from the U.S. State Department to prove their nationality. The passport for a non-citizen national is pretty much the same as a U.S. citizen’s passport, which is kinda cool. It’s like having a special status.

Travel Requirements

If you’re planning to visit American Samoa, you need either a valid U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate, along with a ticket for onward passage or proof of employment there. I already had my birth certificate, so I just needed to make sure I had a return ticket.

All in all, getting an American Samoa passport was an interesting experience. It’s not something everyone has to do, but if you ever find yourself in this situation, hopefully, my little adventure here will help you out. Just remember to get the right form, gather all your documents, choose your processing time, and you’re good to go. Safe travels!