Pacific Islands Of Micronesia travel guide
About Pacific Islands Of Micronesia
Micronesia comprises four archipelagos: the Federated States of Micronesia (Caroline Islands), the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Republic of Palau.
The area has a turbulent history of foreign control and political change. Despite upheavals and foreign influences from Spanish, German, Japanese and US governments, many inhabitants have maintained their cultural heritage and traditions, while others have lifestyles inspired mainly by the teachings of 19th-century missionaries. Having come under UN Trusteeship, administered by the USA, at the end of World War II, all of the Pacific Micronesian states have now reached final political settlements.
Collectively, the islands are known for the dramatic tropical nature, pristine beaches and great diving opportunities. By contrast, the area has witnessed some of the darkest moments in recent history, with shipwrecks littering the sea beds, heavy nuclear weapons testing having been staged in the area, and the islet Tinian having the dubious privilege as being the launchpad from which the American B-29s set off for Japan to drop the Atom bomb. The inhabitants of the islands have nevertheless remained resilient in the face of history, and visitors can typically expect a warm welcome.
See individual country sections for further details.
Key facts
7,800,000 sq km (3,000,000 sq miles) of which 1,846 sq km (713 sq miles) is land.
Approx. 376,000 (estimate)
See individual country sections for further details.
Travel Advice
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Micronesia’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Cyclone season is normally between November and April but cyclones can occur throughout the year. Severe weather may result in flooding, landslides, and disruption to essential services and infrastructure. See Natural disasters
Only a few British tourists visit the Federated States of Micronesia every year. Most visits are trouble-free. See Crime
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Micronesia, attacks can not be ruled out. See Terrorism
The Islands of Micronesia are vulnerable to natural disasters including tropical cyclones, floods and severe droughts. See Natural disasters
There’s no British Embassy in Micronesia. Consular support is severely limited, however, the British High Commission Suva in Fiji can provide some consular support to British nationals.
Coronavirus travel health
Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Micronesia on the TravelHealthPro website
See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
International travel
International travel has resumed, but commercial flights to and from Micronesia remain limited. Check with your travel company for the latest information.
Entry and borders
See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Micronesia.
Be prepared for your plans to change
No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.
Plan ahead and make sure you:
- can access money
- understand what your insurance will cover
- can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned
Travel in Micronesia
The situation may change rapidly, including in neighbouring countries. Follow local guidance at all times.
You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) authorities. You should also familiarise yourself on the latest rules on travel on the Government’s Facebook page between the States, which could change at short notice.
Accommodation
Hotel and other accommodation for visitors may not be readily available. You will need to approach accommodation providers for the latest information on whether they are open.
Healthcare in Micronesia
Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health
View Health for further details on healthcare in Micronesia.
See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.
Finance
For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.
Further information
Latest information on Micronesia’s response to Covid-19 will be published on the website of the National Government.
If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.
Crime
Crime levels are low. There have been reported incidents of sexual assaults. Visitors should be vigilant, especially when alone.
Local travel
There are treacherous channel currents and rogue waves in parts of the islands. You should wear appropriate safety equipment and take local advice at all times if you’re taking part in adventure sports.
Mobile telephones
International roaming isn’t available in the Federated States of Micronesia. This means that your UK mobile phone will not be usable.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Micronesia, attacks can not be ruled out. You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.
There are heavy penalties for drug offences.
Homosexuality is not widely accepted in the Federated States of Micronesia. Open displays of affection between same-sex partners may offend. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
This page has information on travelling to Micronesia.
This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport, for the most common types of travel. Details on entry requirements can be found on the Federated States of Micronesia Tourism website.
The authorities in Micronesia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Micronesia’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.
You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Visas
Tourist/visitor visas are issued on arrival and the duration of stay is authorised for the number of days requested. You may extend your visa by up to 30 days. Subsequent extensions may be granted for another 30 days but the total time of stay shall not exceed 90 days. There is no fee charged for an extension of stay. Visa extensions are available from: Chief Immigration Officer, Palikir, Pohnpei. Telephone: + (691) 320 5844 / 320 2605, fax; +(691) 320 7250 / 6240.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 120 days from the date of exit from Micronesia.
If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.
See the Coronavirus travel health and Healthcare sections in the Coronavirus page for COVID-19 health information.
General health information
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).
Cases of measles have been reported in Micronesia. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
Medical facilities in Micronesia are limited but adequate for uncomplicated treatment. Some health services may be impacted due to the current outbreak of COVID-19. For more serious or complicated problems, medical evacuation (to Guam or Australia) may be needed. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation, including medical evacuation by air ambulance.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 (the central dispatch number for the country) ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
The Islands of Micronesia are vulnerable to natural disasters, including tropical cyclones, floods and severe droughts. Monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation carefully and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities.
See our Tropical cyclones page for information and advice about what to do if you’re caught up in a storm.
The currency used in Micronesia is the US dollar. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels. ATM facilities are limited.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. If you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).
Foreign travel checklist
Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.
Travel safety
The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can not provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.
When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.
Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.
Refunds and cancellations
If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can not offer a refund to their customers.
For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Registering your travel details with us
We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.
Previous versions of FCDO travel advice
If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can not find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request.
Further help
If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.
