Why This US Territory's National Park Requires A Passport To Enter

The National Park of American Samoa, also known as the Islands of Sacred Earth, is one of the most staggeringly beautiful national parks managed by the National Parks Service. However, you might have to pack your passport if you want to visit! We're not talking about the popular guidebook "Passport To Your National Parks," which outdoors enthusiasts often use to collect stamps at the visitor centers of the parks they visit (though you should bring that, too.)

As strange as it might seem for a citizen of the United States to need to bring their passport to visit one of their own nation's national parks, there are actually nine national parks that aren't technically within the United States. They are located in U.S. territories, like Puerto Rico, which means that there are a variety of different regulations about traveling between them and the U.S. While American Samoa is in some ways American, visiting can feel more like international travel. Thankfully, the National Park of American Samoa is well worth the extra paperwork you might need to get there.

While you don't need a passport specifically to get into this national park, you do need one to get into American Samoa – so you might not be able to visit this beautiful park without one! That is because Samoa is not exactly a part of the United States the way a full state like America's other favorite tropical destination, Hawaii, is. Hence, the rules for traveling there are between domestic and international travel.

While American Samoa has been a U.S. territory since 1900, and its people can serve in the United States military, those born in American Samoa are considered U.S. nationals, not U.S. citizens. This means that, despite several lawsuits, people from American Samoa owe "permanent allegiance" to the United States, but they don't have the same rights and protections as full citizens.

But what does that complicated situation mean for visitors to American Samoa from the United States? Any American citizen who wants to visit American Samoa and its incredible national park must bring their passport or U.S. birth certificate to enter the country. Although you won't need a visa if you plan to stay for less than three months, you will need to be able to show your ticket to leave American Samoa.

If you don't already have your passport, visiting Samoa, one of the world's most beautiful islands, and its national park are more than worth the effort needed to obtain one. Standing on the coral sand beach, walking through the tropical rainforest, or visiting a village at sunset and hearing the evening prayers, it can be hard to believe you are in an American National Park. The sky is alive with fruit bats and migrating birds, while coral gardens are full of vibrant tropical fish below the waves.

The park also provides a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Samoan culture. Before you go, reading up on the region's customs is a good idea to be respectful on your journey. The National Park Service advises asking locals for permission before taking pictures or spreading out on the beach – especially on Sundays. Best of all, the park's visitor center can help you to arrange what is known as a homestay, where you can stay with a local host who can teach you everything there is to know about this beautiful place.