Asia and Oceania

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

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

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 Travel Advice.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice .

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 illegal in the Federated States of Micronesia.  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 at telephone number + (691)   320 5844 / 320 2605, fax numbers +(691) 320 7250 / 6240 or mailto:imhq@mail.fm. 

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

Health

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 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 see When Things Go Wrong. 

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
2/F H & E Enterprises Building
Waterfront Road, 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 Consulate in Hong Kong. For more information, visit the website of the British Consulate Hong Kong (http://ukinhongkong.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports/). 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.

Emergency Assistance

In the event of an emergency, please contact the British Embassy Manila at +63 2 858 2200.

Websites:

British Embassy Manila http://ukinthephilippines.fco.gov.uk
British Consulate Hong Kong  http://ukinhongkong.fco.gov.uk  (passport applications)

CONTACT DETAILS BRITISH EMBASSY MANILA

Address:
British Embassy Manila,
120 Upper McKinley Road
McKinley Hill
Fort Bonifacio
Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila

Main switchboard: (+63) (2) 858 2200
Fax: (+63) (2) 858 2237
Email: mailto:Cons.manila@fco.gov.uk
Email: mailto:uk@info.com.ph
Email: mailto:uktrade@info.com.ph

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
Postal address:
PO Box 2927
MCPO
Manila
Fax numbers:
(+63) (2) 858 2342 Consular
(+63) (2) 858 2237 Management
(+63) (2) 858 2305 Visa
(+63) (2) 858 2371 UK Trade and Investment
(+63) (2) 858 2313 Policy, Projects and Communications

(+63) (2) 858 2216 Chancery

Consular Section public hours:

Submissions: Monday-Friday: 07:45-12:00

Collections: Monday-Thursday: 14:30-15:30
Includes birth registrations and consular assistance (emergencies only)