The Samoan Government has defended its entry fee process for visiting American Samoans.
Samoa's new Consul General in Pago Pago, Auseugaefa Va'asatia Poloma Komiti, was blamed for hiking the fee from 10 to 20 US dollars recently, but told media the increased fee is only for late applicants who want an entry permit on the same day.
He says that policy has been in place for some time but has not always been followed.
Auseugaefa confirmed the standard fee will remain at 10 dollars.
He says the office needs to do the usual due diligence on any request for a permit, as would any other country when considering the granting of a visa.
Auseugaefa began his three-year term in March.
