Traveling Luck for Micronesia

Micronesia, Oceania

Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese flag

Federated States of Micronesia is located in Oceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia.

Land in Federated States of Micronesia is islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk.

Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese land covers an area of 702 square kilometers which is four times the size of Washington, DC (land area only)

As for the Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese climate; tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage.

Micronesian(s) speak English (official and common language), Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Kosrean, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi.

Places of note in Micronesia

Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese Clickable Map

Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese Map

Regions of Micronesia

In 1979 the Federated States of Micronesia, a UN Trust Territory under US administration, adopted a constitution. In 1986 independence was attained under a Compact of Free Association with the US, which was amended and renewed in 2004. Present concerns include large-scale unemployment, overfishing, and overdependence on US aid.

Micronesia Country Profile

Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remote location, a lack of adequate facilities, and limited air connections hinder development. The Amended Compact of Free Association with the US guarantees the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) millions of dollars in annual aid through 2023, and establishes a Trust Fund into which the US and the FSM make annual contributions in order to provide annual payouts to the FSM in perpetuity after 2023. The country's medium-term economic outlook appears fragile due not only to the reduction in US assistance but also to the slow growth of the private sector.

Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese natural resources include forests, marine products, deep-seabed minerals, phosphate

four major island groups totaling 607 islands

Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese religion is Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%, other 3%.

Natural hazards in Federated States of Micronesia include typhoons (June to December).

Travel Advice on Micronesia

Federated States of Micronesia

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

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. Please see the General section of this Travel Advice for contact 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 the past year.
The threat from terrorism in the Federated States of Micronesia is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
We strongly 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. Please see : Travel Insurance.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Terrorism

The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Please read: Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas further information and advice.

Sea Safety

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.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

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).

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

We strongly 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 the activities you want to undertake. Please see : Travel Insurance.

Medical facilities are adequate for uncomplicated treatment. For more serious or complicated problems, medical evacuation (to Guam or Australia) may be required.

There have been outbreaks of cholera on Pohnpei in the past.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at: www.dh.gov.uk

GENERAL

If things go wrong when overseas, please see: What We Can Do To Help.

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:

H & E Enterprises Building
Kolonia
POHNPEI
Federated States of Micronesia

Telephone: 691 320 5448

If you intend to stay for an extended period in the Federated States of Micronesia, you are strongly advised to register with the Australian High Commission on arrival. You should also inform the British Embassy in Manila of your arrival.

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.

OTHER

Micronesia Country Profile