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Federated States of Micronesia - Consular Information Sheet
September 14, 1999
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Federated States of Micronesia
(FSM) is composed of four states, named after their main islands,
and dozens of atolls extending over a large area of the north
central Pacific. The four states are: Pohnpei (formerly Ponape),
Kosrae (formerly Kusaie), Chuuk (formerly Truk) and Yap. The federal
capital is located at Palikir, on the island of Pohnpei and close
to its largest city, Kolonia. The FSM is a constitutional democracy,
and is party to a Compact of Free Association with the United
States. It is a developing economy reliant on fishing, tourism,
and agriculture.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Proof of citizenship, sufficient
funds, and onward/return ticket are required for tourist visits
up to 30 days. Visits are extendible for up to 60 days total from
the initial entry; this extension is sought after arrival in Micronesia.
An entry permit may be needed for types of travel other than tourism);
the necessary forms may be obtained from the airlines. There is
a departure fee of five U.S. dollars. A health certificate may
be required if the traveler is arriving from infected area. Travelers
are advised to enter and leave the FSM on a valid U.S. passport.
The U.S. Embassy in Kolonia does not issue passports; passports
for persons living or traveling in the FSM are issued by the Honolulu
Passport Agency. For more information about entry requirements
of the Federated States of Micronesia, travelers may consult the
Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia, 1725 N Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20038, tel: (202) 223-4383 or via the Internet
at http://www.fsmembassy.org.
The Federated States of Micronesia also have consulates in Honolulu
and Guam.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Health care facilities in the FSM
consist of hospitals on each of the four major islands and a few
scattered clinics. These facilities sometimes lack basic supplies
and medicines, and the quality of health care is variable. Doctors
and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services.
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United
States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific coverage
for overseas treatment and medical evacuation may prove useful.
Medical evacuation can be very expensive for non-ambulatory patients.
The U.S. Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide payment of
medical services outside the United States. Helpful information
on medical emergencies abroad is provided in the Department of
State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ brochure Medical
Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available from
the Consular Affairs homepage on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov
or autofax service at 202-647-3000. Additional information on
health matters may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) through its international travelers hotline
at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) via the CDC autofax service
at 1-877-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC home page on
the Internet: http://www.cdc.gov.
INFORMATION ON CRIME: The overall crime rate in the FSM
is low, but there have been incidents where foreigners have been
subject to, and possibly singled out for, verbal and physical
abuse. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported
immediately to the local police, and to the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting
personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department
of State pamphlet A Safe Trip
Abroad, which is available from the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402 or via
the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S.
citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which
sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States
and do not afford the protections available to the individual
under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe
than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating
the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs
are strict. and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences
and a fine. Prison conditions in the FSM meet minimal international
standards. Legal procedures provide for due process.
ROAD SAFETY: Traffic, particularly in the state capitals,
is increasing, and is a problem particularly during the hours
at the beginning and end of the work day. Most roads are narrow
and without sidewalks, creating a hazard for both drivers and
pedestrians. Driving skills vary; drivers often make turns or
stop to pick up pedestrians without warning. Roads outside the
towns are often unpaved, and are used by pedestrians, playing
children, animals and drivers alike.
AVIATION ISSUES: Flight schedules and routes are subject
to change and there may be little flexibility or alternatives
if flights are canceled or missed. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) has not assessed Micronesia’s Civil Aviation Authority for
compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight
of Micronesia’s air carrier operations. For further information,
travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within
the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet home page
at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some
foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of
air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific
carriers, travelers may contact DOD at 618-229-4801.
CHILDREN’S ISSUES: For information on international adoption
of children, international parental child abduction, and international
child support enforcement issues, please refer to our Internet
site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html
or telephone (202) 736-7000.
REGISTRATION AND EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens living
in or visiting the Federated States of Micronesia are encouraged
to register at the U.S. Embassy in Kolonia, where they may also
obtain updated information on travel and security within the country.
The U.S. Embassy in Kolonia is located on Kasalehlie Street (the
main downtown street). The mailing address is P.O. Box 1286, Pohnpei,
Federated States of Micronesia 96941. The telephone number is
(691) 320-2187. The fax number is (691) 320-2186.
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