micronesia

Micronesia (Federated States of)
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 04 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary (natural disasters) and the addition of a Natural Disasters section, an amendment to the Health section (Swine Flu) and the Contact Details section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Travel Summary

There is no British consular representation in the Federated States of Micronesia. Consular matters are covered by the British Embassy in Manila, the Philippines. See the General (Consular Representation) section of this advice for more details.
Only a handful of British tourists visit the Federated States of Micronesia every year. Most visits are trouble-free. We are not aware of any British nationals who have required consular assistance in Federated States of Micronesia in 2007.
There is a low threat from terrorism in the Federated States of Micronesia. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
The Islands of Micronesia are vulnerable to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, cyclones, floods and severe droughts. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) carefully and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities. See the Natural Disasters section of this travel advice for more information.
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your travel policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But 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.

For further information see Terrorism Abroad.

Political Situation

Micronesia Country Profile

Local Travel

There are treacherous channel currents and rogue waves in parts of the islands. You are therefore advised to wear the appropriate safety equipment and take local advice at all times when engaging in adventure sports.

Local laws and customs

There are heavy penalties for drug offences.

Homosexuality is technically illegal in many Pacific countries and the laws are occasionally enforced. Open displays of affection between same-sex partners may offend local inhabitants.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

Visas are not required for British nationals visiting for periods of up to 30 days. Extensions of up to 30 days may be granted twice at a cost of US$10 for each extension and are obtainable from: Chief Immigration Officer, Palikir, Pohnpei (tel: 691 320 5844).

Passport validity

Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months on arrival.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.

Health

There are confirmed cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) in Micronesia. Incoming visitors are likely to be screened in Kosrae and may be screened in Chuuk, Pohnpei and Yap. Health alerts are provided to arriving travellers by the National Department of Health and Social Affairs. Persons who show symptoms of Swine Flu are likely to be asked to observe voluntary home confinement unless there are medical reasons for hospital admission.

Medical facilities in Micronesia are adequate for uncomplicated treatment. For more serious or complicated problems, medical evacuation (to Guam or Australia) may be required. You should therefore ensure that you have appropriate insurance to cover medical evacuation by air ambulance.

Dengue occurs in Micronesia and is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccination against dengue, but there are preventative measures that you can take, as advised on the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website.

There have been outbreaks of cholera in Micronesia in the past. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Micronesia you should seek immediate medical attention.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Micronesia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health, Swine Flu and the UK Department of Health website. For food/drink hygiene see Eat and drink safely.

Natural disasters

The Islands of Micronesia are vulnerable to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, cyclones, floods and severe droughts. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) carefully and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities. You can also access National Hurricane Centre for updates.

Please also see Tropical Cyclones for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a tropical cyclone.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering all eventualities, including cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance, before you travel, particularly if you plan to engage in adventure sports. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.

Consular representation

There is no British consular representation in the Federated States of Micronesia. Consular matters are covered by the Embassy in Manila, Philippines (please see Contact Details section). In an Emergency UK citizens should contact the Australian Embassy. The address is:

Australian Embassy
H & E Enterprises Building
Kolonia, Pohnpei
Federated States of Micronesia

Telephone: +691 320 5448
Facsimile: +691 320 5449
Email: australia@mail.fm

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Replacing your passport

If you require a new passport, application forms can be downloaded from the Internet. You should send your completed passport application form by courier to the British Embassy in Manila. You should ensure that payment is made by remittance in Philippine Pesos to the British Embassy via Western Union (please confirm exact details with the British Embassy beforehand). Where possible, you are advised to apply at least two months before your passport is due to expire. You will be allowed to retain your old passport whilst waiting for the replacement to be issued and returned.

In the event of an emergency, the Australian High Commission can issue emergency travel documents and will ask you to complete a lost/stolen report form. We strongly advise you to keep a photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport, to avoid any complications.

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Contacts

Philippines, Manila, British Embassy

Address:

120 Upper McKinley Road
McKinley Hill
Taguig City 1634

Telephone:

(63) (2) 858 2200

Fax:

(+63) (2) 858 2237

Office hours:

Office hours (Local time):
Monday-Thursday: 08:00-16:45
Friday: 08:00-13:00

Office hours (GMT):
Monday-Thursday: 00:00-08:45
Friday: 00:00-05:00

Public opening hours ›

Website: http://ukinthephilippines.fco.gov.uk

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