Asia and Oceania

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

 

• 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 General - Consular Representation.
  
  
• Only a handful of British tourists visit the Federated States of Micronesia every year. Most visits are trouble-free.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• There is a relatively low incidence of crime in Micronesia. However, there are regular reports of petty crimes against foreigners, including break-ins and non-violent theft. You are advised to take the necessary precautions to protect your belongings.
  
  
• 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 Natural Disasters.
  
  
• You should obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the General - Insurance.

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. See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security – Crime
There is a relatively low incidence of crime in Micronesia. However, there are regular reports of petty crimes against foreigners, including break-ins and non-violent theft. You are advised to take the necessary precautions to protect your belongings.

In November 2010 there was an attempted sexual assault in Pohnpei against two western women during a morning jog. A similar incident happened in November 2009 in Yap when a woman was attacked and killed while jogging in the early morning. Women are advised to exercise caution about being alone in secluded areas and to be aware that standards of dress are more conservative in Micronesia than in many western countries.

Safety and Security - Local Travel
There are treacherous channel currents and rogue waves in parts of the islands.  You should wear the appropriate safety equipment and take local advice at all times when engaging in adventure sports.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Micronesia Country Profile

There are heavy penalties for drug offences.  

Homosexuality is illegal in the Federated States of Micronesia. Open displays of affection between same-sex partners may offend local inhabitants. See our Your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas
Tourist/Visitor visa is issued upon arrival and the duration of stay is authorised for the number of days requested, however, it may be extended up to 30 days. Subsequent extensions may be granted for another 30 days but the total time of stay shall not exceed 90 days. As of now, there is no fee charged for extension of stay. Extensions are obtainable from: Chief Immigration Officer, Palikir, Pohnpei at telephone number + (691) 320 5844 / 320 2605, fax numbers +(691) 320 7250 / 6240 or mailto:imhq@mail.fm. 

Entry Requirements - Passport validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Micronesia. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 120 days from the date of exit from Micronesia. Entries not meeting this requirement will be denied upon arrival.

Entry Requirements - 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. For more information contact the Chief Immigration Officer whose details are listed in the “Visas” section above.

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. See our HIV and AIDS page.

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 our Travel Health and Eat and drink safely pages and the UK Department of Health website.

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.

See our Tropical Cyclones page for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a tropical cyclone.

General - Insurance

You should take out 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 our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page. 

General - Mobile Phones
International roaming is not currently available in the Federated States of Micronesia. This means that your UK mobile phone will not be usable.

General - Consular representation
There is no British consular representation in the Federated States of Micronesia. Consular matters are covered by the Embassy in Manila, Philippines. In an emergency UK citizens should contact the British Embassy Manila at +632 858 2200. 
     
General - 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 Consulate in Hong Kong. For more information, visit their website. 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.

General - Emergency Assistance
In an emergency, please contact the British Embassy in Manila.

General - Consular Section - British Embassy, Manila
Consular section public hours and contact details
Submissions: Monday - Friday, 08.30 - 10.30
Includes: First time passport applications, Certificates of Non-Impediment (CNI), birth registrations and general consular assistance

Collections: Monday - Friday, 14.30 - 15.30
Includes: Certificates of Non-Impediment (CNI) and birth registrations

Emergency Consular Assistance: 08.30 - 16.00

Note: Passports application forms are available with the guards at the gate but completed forms should not be deposited with the guards.