Federated States of Micronesia

The crime rate is low. Petty crime happens, including house break-ins.

Travellers have reported sexual assault and other physical assaults.

The risk of crime is higher:

• at night

• when alcohol is consumed

• in the state of Chuuk

To protect yourself from crime:

• keep windows, doors and gates locked

• keep your vehicle locked

• avoid going out alone after dark or in the early morning

• avoid being alone in isolated locations, including beaches

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Civil unrest is rare.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Avoid protests and demonstrations.

Monitor the news and other sources for advice of possible unrest. Avoid affected areas.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Dangerous currents are a risk to swimmers and surfers.

Ask locals about danger spots before swimming.

FSM experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• tropical storms

• flooding

• typhoons

• earthquakes

• tsunamis

To protect yourself in case of a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place

• monitor local media or the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

• follow the advice of local authorities

• keep in touch with your friends and family

Tropical storms and typhoons

Tropical storms and typhoons may happen at any time of year. They mostly occur July to November. They typically peak in August and September.

Severe weather can cause flooding and landslides.

Severe weather can also disrupt essential services, such as water, electricity and telecommunications.

The direction and strength of typhoons can change suddenly.

If there's a typhoon or severe tropical storm:

• you may get stuck in the area

• flights could be unsafe, delayed or suspended

• available flights may fill quickly

• adequate shelter may not be available

• ports may close

To protect yourself during a typhoon or severe tropical storm:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship

• identify your local shelter

More information:

• USA Navy Joint Typhoon Warning Center

• USA National Weather Service Forecast Office

Earthquakes

Earthquakes and tremors happen regularly in FSM.

Ask your host or hotel about what to do if there's an earthquake.

To protect yourself during an earthquake:

• consider tsunami risks

• monitor earthquake information via the United States Geological Survey

After an earthquake:

• expect aftershocks

• be ready for delays and to adjust your travel plans

• ask your tour operator if tourist services at your destination have been affected

Tsunamis

Tsunamis can happen.

Register for tsunami alerts:

• Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

• Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System

Move immediately to high ground if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up

• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more

• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level

• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens.

Move to higher ground straight away if advised by local authorities.

Once on high ground, monitor local media.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in FSM. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

There have been no recent reports of Zika virus in FSM. However, serious outbreaks of Zika virus and dengue sometimes happen.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor

• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

To protect yourself from disease:

• monitor local media for health advice

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof

• use insect repellent

• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Mumps

Mumps is steadily increasing in FSM.

To protect yourself from mumps, seek medical advice and get vaccinated before you travel.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is common, including in Pohnpei.

To protect yourself from leptospirosis:

• wear closed-toed shoes when walking along the water's edge

• avoid contact with muddy water or local rivers

• store food in closed containers

STIs are common in the FSM.  Take precautions.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Hospital and medical facilities are limited. Basic supplies and medication can also be limited.

You may need to be evacuated if you become seriously ill or injured. FSM has no dedicated medical evacuation planes. They usually take at least 24 hours to arrive. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Evacuation can be delayed if you use commercial airlines due to infrequent flights.

Doctors and hospitals may ask you to pay before they'll treat you.

Facilities are limited for scuba-diving injuries. FSM has decompression chambers in:

• Yap

• Chuuk

• Pohnpei

Access to services and trained staff varies widely.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe, and include long jail sentences and heavy fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Federated State of Micronesia does not recognise dual nationality.

Dual nationals

Dress and behaviour codes are conservative. Take care not to offend. If you're a woman, wear clothing that covers your knees when you're outside of resorts.

LGBTI information

No laws restrict the rights of LGBTI people or groups. However, social and cultural attitudes to same-sex relationships can be conservative.

Open affection between same-sex partners may attract negative attention and offend.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can’t help you.

You can get a tourist visa on arrival. It's valid for 30 days. You will need to show an onward or return ticket.

In other situations, you'll need an entry permit to:

• work

• study

• stay for more than 30 days

Rules affecting your visit can change at short notice.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the Division of Immigration in Pohnpei for details about visas and entry permits, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Division of Immigration in Pohnpei

Phone: (+691) 320 5844 or (+691) 320 2605

Fax: (+691) 320 7250 or (+691) 320 6240

Email: imhq@mail.fm

Travel via the United States

If you’re travelling through the US, you must also meet US entry or transit requirements. This includes transit through Hawaii and Guam.

Contact your nearest US embassy or consulate for travel advice.

Other information

FSM authorities have set up new entry measures due to the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).  You must spend at least 14 days in a country with no confirmed cases of coronavirus before entering FSM.  If you have visited, or transited mainland China since 6 January 2020 you will be denied entry to FSM.  Check with your airline or tour operator to confirm you meet all entry requirements.

The official currency is the US Dollar.

Credit cards are accepted in most hotels. ATMs are limited.

Contact your bank to make sure your cards will work overseas.

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is valuable. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport.

Always keep your passport in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• If you're in Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you’re overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate.

Departure fee

You must pay a cash departure fee in US dollars at domestic and international airports.

Carry cash with you. ATMs aren't available at most airports.

Each island has its own customs and immigration procedures.

More information:

• Customs regulations

Travelling with children

If you're travelling with a child who isn't your own, you must carry a letter of travel permission from the child's legal guardian.

For you to travel legally, your letter must:

• be certified

• state that you're allowed to travel with the child

Arriving by sea

All vessels must have an entry permit.

If you're on a private vessel or yacht, you must contact the Division of Immigration at least 72 hours before you arrive.

Division of Immigration

Phone: (+691) 320 5844 or (+691) 320 2605

Email: imhq@mail.fm

More information:

• Marine Division

• Pohnpei Port Authority

Tours and adventure activities

Transport and tour operators may not follow safety precautions or maintain their equipment. This includes adventure activities, such as diving and yachting.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check that your insurance policy covers it

• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements

• always use the safety equipment, such as life jackets and seatbelts, even if others don't

If you aren't given safety equipment, or it's not in good condition, use another provider.

If you plan to dive, check you have insurance cover for:

• the depth of your planned dive

• hyperbaric chamber treatment

• medical evacuation costs

Unexploded weapons

Remnants of war are still present in FSM. Take extra care when boating or diving around Yap harbour and channels next to it.

It's dangerous and illegal to remove objects from sunken World War II wrecks.

Driving permit

You can use your Australian driver's licence for 1 month after you arrive. After that, you must apply for a local licence.

Road travel

Driving can be hazardous.

Hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads

• drivers not following traffic laws

• unlit roads

• bad road conditions after heavy rain

If you plan to drive:

• stay on the right-hand side of the road

• keep under the 40km/h (25mph) speed limit

• in school zones, stay under the 24km/h (15mph) speed limit

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check that your insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and authorised limousines.

Book through your hotel.

Public transport

Public transport options are limited on the larger islands. In more remote areas, there's no public transport.

In some places, you can hire vehicles.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Sea travel can be dangerous in rain and storms.

To protect yourself while at sea:

• use your own life jacket

• carry an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)

• take a satellite phone

• avoid single-engine boats

• travel in a convoy with boats at half capacity or less

Tell someone you trust when you expect to depart and return.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check FSM's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

• Division of Civil Aviation

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• travel agent

• insurance provider

• employer

• airline

Medical emergencies

Call your nearest hospital:

• Chuuk State Hospital (+691) 330 2216

• Arthur Sigrah Memorial Hospital, Kosrae (+691) 370 3199

• Yap State Hospital (+691) 350 2115 or (+691) 350 3446

• Pohnpei State Hospital (+691) 320 3805 or (+691) 320 2213

Police

Call your nearest police:

• Chuuk (+691) 330 2223

• Kosrae (+691) 370 3214

• Yap (+691) 350 2415

• Pohnpei - Emergency call 911 or (+691) 320 8633

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Pohnpei.

Australian Embassy, Pohnpei

H & E Building

Kolonia, Pohnpei

PO Box S

Federated States of Micronesia

Phone: (+691) 320 5448

Fax: (+691) 320 5449

Email: phpi.mail@dfat.gov.au

Website: fsm.embassy.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in Micronesia

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia