Federated States of Micronesia

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 911 for police.
• Dial 911 for ambulance services.

Crime

Petty theft, physical and sexual assaults, and other violent crimes occur in the FSM. Outside of city limits, residents may carry various weapons as a form of intimidation.

• Crime rates are significantly higher in Chuuk. Incidents in Chuuk have included assaults on U.S. citizens. Stay on public roads and in public venues. Consider limiting travel at night.
• Crime increases at night, and alcohol often plays a role, especially in assaults.
• Local police do not have the resources to fully investigate crimes, particularly in cases involving burglary.

Safety tips:

• Do not attempt to intervene in disputes between local citizens.
• Do not step onto private property without permission from the landowners.
• Be extra vigilant in Chuuk.
• Be alert to any unusual activity around your home or business.
• Stay indoors after dark and avoid walking on the streets because there are few streetlights. 

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  
• Internet scams are common. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities abroad want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 911.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• Sexual assaults do occur in the FSM, usually by a perpetrator known to the victim. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
• Domestic violence does occur in the FSM. U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

State-specific laws

• Yap
  • Public drunkenness is a felony.
• Kosrae
  • Kosrae has strict codes of conduct on Sundays. Check with a local contact before doing any activity.
  • Selling and drinking alcohol on Sunday is forbidden by law.
  • Diving, fishing, and working are all strongly discouraged on Sundays.

Drug laws

• Penalties are in place for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs, including marijuana.
• Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.
• The FSM may detain or charge U.S. citizens arriving with products containing cannabidiol (CBD).

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy immediately. Officials may not automatically notify the U.S. embassy, especially for arrested or detained dual U.S.-FSM citizens. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). However, the gay and lesbian community remains very discreet.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

Legal protections for people with disabilities are limited.

• Expect accessibility to be limited, especially outside the main cities.
• Accessibility is more common in air transportation and hotels.
• Cultural norms encourage practical support for people in need of assistance. Requests for on-the-spot support are likely to be well received.
• Availability of disability equipment, devices, and service providers is limited to non-existent.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs. 

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad. 

Women travelers

Domestic violence is common throughout FSM. Women travelers may experience sexual harassment in some areas.

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Federated States of Micronesia Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 911 for emergency medical services. 

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is subsidized in the FSM, but you may incur expenses if you require medical attention even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available on the main islands of Pohnpei, Weno, Yap, and Kosrae. It is harder to find health care outside of these islands.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics may lack basic resources and supplies.
• Private clinics or doctors may require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff are available overnight. Consider having family or friends stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• FSM does not allow the importation of medical marijuana or cannabidiol. Do not carry products that contain these.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in FSM with no clear legal protection for foreign intended parents. 

Water quality and food safety

• In most areas, tap water is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Review the CDC’s Air Quality page for information about common air pollutants.
• Review the EPA’s AirNow for information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance
• Review the Medicine and Health page for general health information

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

The risk of car accidents is higher at night. Drivers are more likely to be operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or a traditional kava-based drink.

• Street lighting is poor or non-existent in many areas. Be extra vigilant driving at night.
• Traffic signage is unavailable in most places. Basic safety standards like vehicle maintenance and proper loading are not always followed.
• Roadside assistance is limited.
• Passersby are likely to help in the event of an accident or car trouble without expectation of payment.
• Road quality is poor in many areas. Carrying a spare tire is recommended.

Traffic laws

Valid U.S. driver’s licenses are recognized in FSM.

• In the event of a traffic accident, local drivers may prefer to settle damages privately rather than reporting the accident to police or insurance companies.
• Many local drivers do not have car insurance.
• Carrying a valid ID is recommended.
• Local drivers generally do not drive faster than 25 miles per hour.
• While vehicles drive on the right side of the road, right-hand-drive vehicles imported from Japan are also common.

Taxis and ride-shares

Ride shares are not available in FSM. Taxis are available in the largest cities.  

• Many taxis do not have seatbelts and may not operate outside business hours.
• Sharing taxis with strangers is common locally. As a result, embassy personnel are discouraged from using taxis.

Public and commercial transportation

• Public buses, trains, and metros are not available in FSM.
• Visit the website of FSM’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

•  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed FSM’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.  
• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program. 

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to the FSM should check the following:

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

The U.S. Coast Guard determined FSM ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures. Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from FSM ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry as described in the current Port Security Advisory, International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory.

Mariners and passengers in FSM ports should exercise caution and implement enhanced security measures.

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Storms

• Tropical storms, depressions, and typhoons regularly occur in the western part of FSM, though most do not hit land.
• Typhoon season is typically between May and November.
• Visit the National Weather Service’s Yap, Chuuk, and Pohnpei/Kosrae pages for current information.

Landslides

• Landslides periodically occur, especially in Kosrae and Pohnpei.

Droughts and fires

• Drought can cause water shortages during or after El Niño periods, with a higher risk of fire as well.
• Fires started by residents burning trash sometimes spread out of control.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates