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Micronesia

MicronesiaTravel guide

Explore Micronesia visa rules

The Federated States of Micronesia is a country of four major island groups in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, just north of the equator. It has remote islands, tropical scenery and strong traditional cultures.

Why go

  1. Explore the ruined city of Nan Madol on Pohnpei.

  2. See the jungle-covered ruins of Lelu on Kosrae.

  3. Visit Yap's stone money bank and traditional houses.

  4. Enjoy beaches, lush jungles and sea views.

  5. Dive to see colourful underwater life.

Getting there

By air

  • United Airlines runs an island hopper flight three times a week between Honolulu and Guam. It stops at Majuro, Kwajalein, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Chuuk.
  • The full island hopper journey takes fourteen and a half hours. Stops last about one hour on each island.
  • Honolulu is the most direct gateway from North America. Guam is the most direct gateway from most places in Asia and Australia.

By sea

  • The main international ports are Chuuk, Pohnpei and Yap.
  • Trading ships based at these ports visit the outlying islands.

Getting around

  • Plane

    The United Airlines island hopper connects Kosrae, Pohnpei and Chuuk.

  • Boat

    Inter-island trading ships sail from Chuuk, Pohnpei and Yap to outlying islands.

  • Bus

    There are no scheduled public bus services, but some buses can be hired or chartered. On Yap, a school bus runs twice daily between Colonia and the villages.

What to see and do

  • Nan Madol, Pohnpei

    This ruined city has 92 artificial islets linked by tidal canals. Its huge stone pillars and buildings were once part of a centre for royalty, politics and rituals.

  • Lelu ruins, Kosrae

    Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, Lelu was a centre of local royalty. Signs explain some of the ruins now covered by thick jungle.

  • Balabat stone money bank, Yap

    See the large stone coins that Yap still uses for ceremonial gifts or payments. Look for traditional houses in the village.

  • Bechiyal, Yap

    This village has Yap's oldest faluw, a traditional men's house.

  • Ethnic Art Village, Yap

    Visit to see the region's traditional arts.

  • Diving

    Explore colourful underwater life around the islands.

Food and drink

  • Kelaguen

    A traditional dish of grilled meat marinated in lemon juice, salt and hot peppers. It is topped with coconut and scallions after grilling.

Money

United States dollar (USD)

  • One dollar is divided into 100 cents.
  • Yap's traditional stone money is still used for ceremonial gifts or payments.
  • Exchange rates change.

Language

  • English — the official and common language
  • Trukese
  • Pohnpeian
  • Yapese
  • Kosrean
  • Ulithian
  • Woleaian
  • Nukuoro
  • Kapingamarangi

Staying safe

  • The country is generally very safe to visit.
  • Crime is a problem in Weno, the capital of Chuuk.
  • Typhoons are a natural hazard from June to December and can cause severe damage.

Local customs

Do

  • Respect local culture. Some islands are very traditional, especially in Yap state.

Staying healthy

  • Do not drink tap water.

Phone and internet

  • Mobile phone service is available with a locally bought or rented SIM card.

Outdoor adventures in Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia has beautiful beaches, lush jungles and colourful underwater life across four island groups. Diving and swimming are popular, while Nan Madol and the jungle-covered ruins of Lelu offer outdoor exploring. Rain falls heavily throughout the year, and typhoons can occur from June to December.

  • Diving in the Federated States of Micronesia

    Scuba diving

    The islands offer diving to see underwater life. Specific dive sites, operators and departure points are not listed.

    • Typhoons can occur from June to December.

  • Exploring Nan Madol

    More to doPohnpei

    Visit the ruins on Pohnpei. Transport and guide arrangements are not listed.

  • Exploring the Lelu ruins

    More to doKosrae

    Lelu is connected to Kosrae by a causeway. Signs at the ruins explain some of the remaining structures.

  • Swimming in the Federated States of Micronesia

    More to do

    Swimming is a popular activity, but specific swimming spots and access details are not listed.

    • Typhoons can occur from June to December.

Airports, metros and trains in Micronesia

Airports with scheduled flights

  • TKKChuuk International AirportWeno IslandMain international airport
  • KSAKosrae International AirportOkatMain international airport
  • YAPYap International AirportYap IslandMain international airport

People and safety in Micronesia

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian95%
  • Folk religions3%
  • No religion1%
  • Other<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #113 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

65% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 198 of 198 countries can visit Micronesia easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required197
  • Freedom of movement1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Africa54 of 54 countries
  • Asia50 of 50 countries
  • Europe46 of 46 countries
  • Americas35 of 35 countries
  • Oceania13 of 13 countries

Questions

What is the weather like?

The climate is tropical, with heavy rain throughout the year, especially in the eastern islands. Typhoons are a hazard from June to December.

How do I fly there?

Honolulu is the most direct gateway from North America, while Guam is the most direct gateway from most places in Asia and Australia. United Airlines runs an island hopper between Honolulu and Guam.

Are there public buses?

There are no scheduled public bus services, though some buses can be hired. On Yap, a school bus runs twice daily between Colonia and the villages.

What money is used?

The official currency is the United States dollar, divided into 100 cents.

Can I speak English there?

Yes. English is the official and common language.

Can I drink tap water?

No. Do not drink tap water.

Will I be able to use a mobile phone?

Mobile service is available with a locally bought or rented SIM card.

What local food can I try?

Try kelaguen, grilled meat marinated in lemon juice, salt and hot peppers, then topped with coconut and scallions.

Which side of the road do people drive on?

People drive on the right.

What electricity supply is used?

The electricity supply is 120 volts at 60 hertz. Plug types are NEMA 1-15 and NEMA 5-15, the two-pin and three-pin American styles.

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