- Local time
- 21:35 (capital)
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- Capital
- Palikir
- Calling code
- +691
- Drive on the
- right
Overview
The Federated States of Micronesia spreads 607 islands across the western Pacific: the stone ruins of Nan Madol on Pohnpei, Yap's stone money, Kosrae's jungle-covered Lelu and some of the region's best diving.
The Federated States of Micronesia is made up of four states, Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae, just north of the equator. Its 607 islands, from high volcanic islands to low coral atolls, add up to only about 700 km² of land, scattered over more than 2.6 million km² of ocean. Each state has its own culture and traditions, and traditional life remains strong, especially on Yap.
The islands are largely undeveloped, and their remoteness is part of the appeal: beaches, jungle and reefs for diving. The great sights are archaeological. Nan Madol on Pohnpei is a ruined city of 92 artificial islets linked by tidal canals, once the seat of the Saudeleur dynasty; Lelu on Kosrae is an overgrown royal centre from the 13th and 14th centuries; and on Yap huge stone discs are still used as ceremonial money.
- Nan Madol: Basalt ruins on 92 man-made islets off Pohnpei, called the Venice of the Pacific.
- Lelu ruins: A jungle-covered royal centre on Kosrae, with signs explaining the structures.
- Yap stone money: Giant stone discs, still used for ceremonial payments; see the stone money bank at Balabat.
- Diving: Colourful reefs and marine life around the islands.
- Traditional culture: Stick dancing, men's houses and village life, strongest on Yap.
Places to visit
- City
- Island
Cities
- Palikir: The national capital.
- Kolonia: Pohnpei's main town and port.
- Weno: Main island and town of Chuuk state, and its port.
- Colonia: The main town of Yap.
Beyond the cities
- Nan Madol (site): Ruined city of the Saudeleur dynasty on Pohnpei, covering 18 km² and partly reclaimed by nature.
- Lelu Island (island): Linked to Kosrae by a causeway, with overgrown ruins of the old royal centre.
- Pohnpei (island): An island with volcanic outcrops, home to Kolonia and Nan Madol.
- Kosrae (island): A volcanic island state, home of the Lelu ruins.
- Kapingamarangi (island): A remote atoll, the southernmost island group of the country.
Regions
- Yap
- Chuuk
- Pohnpei
- Kosrae
Things to do
See
- Explore Nan Madol Pohnpei: Basalt pillars and walls of temples, vaults and pools on islets linked by canals.
- Visit the Lelu ruins Kosrae: A medieval royal centre hidden in the jungle, with signs on site.
- See the stone money Yap: Walk to Balabat's stone money bank and look out for traditional houses.
- Yap's oldest men's house Yap: The faluw at Bechiyal village.
- Ethnic Art Village Yap: The best place to see the region's indigenous arts.
Do
- Dive the reefs: Underwater life is one of the islands' great draws; choose a reputable dive operator.
Holidays and events
- 1 January 2026 · New Year's Day
- 31 March 2026 · Culture Day
- 11 May 2026 · Constitution Day
- 23 October 2026 · United Nations Day
- 3 November 2026 · Independence Day
- 11 November 2026 · Veterans Day
- 23 November 2026 · Presidents Day
- 25 December 2026 · Christmas Day
Getting around
| International driving permit | Recommended |
|---|
There are no scheduled buses; some buses can be chartered, and on Yap a school bus runs twice a day from Colonia to the villages. Taxis are cheap and generally safe, but some drivers overcharge: use marked taxis or book through your hotel, and agree the fare first. Rental cars are available in the main towns; Canada advises carrying an International Driving Permit. Roads are poor, signs and street lights are rare, and driving after dark or in heavy rain is risky. Travel between islands is by boat or plane.
Entry requirements and visas
| Passport validity | At least 120 days after arrival, according to Canada and Wikivoyage |
|---|
| Passport | Entry | Max stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Visa free | 30 days | Fill in the Customs, Immigration & Quarantine form on arrival; longer stays need an entry permit. |
| Canada | Visa free | 30 days | Tourist stays up to 30 days; business and student visits need a visa. |
Other nationalities: check the official source below.
Tourists staying 30 days or less do not need an entry permit; longer stays need one, which tourists can get on arrival, while other purposes require applying in advance. Officers may ask for a return or onward ticket and proof of funds. US citizens can enter with a birth certificate in place of a passport, according to Wikivoyage. A departure tax of US$20 is charged when you leave. Rules depend on your passport and can change: check with the FSM immigration office before you book.
Money and payments
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
|---|---|
| Cards | Common |
Micronesia uses the US dollar. Most hotels and tourist businesses accept major credit cards, but ATMs are few, so carry some cash. Yap's stone money is still used for ceremonial gifts and payments, not as everyday currency.
Health
| Recommended vaccines | Routine vaccines, including measles (MMR), COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, only for some travellers: ask a travel clinic |
|---|---|
| Malaria | None |
| Tap water | Not safe |
Don't drink the tap water. The CDC lists dengue and Zika, both spread by mosquitoes, so protect yourself from bites; leptospirosis is a risk in fresh water and mud. Medical facilities are limited but adequate for simple problems; serious cases may need evacuation to Guam or Australia, so take insurance that covers air ambulance. In an emergency call 911 and ask for an ambulance.
This is general information, not medical advice: check with a travel health professional before you go.
Safety
- United States: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (2026-10-20)
- Canada: Take normal security precautions (2026-10-20)
- United Kingdom: No advice against travel (2026-10-20)
Crime is low, but petty theft and break-ins occur, more so in Chuuk and at night, especially where alcohol is involved. Women travelling alone may face harassment: avoid walking alone after dark or in remote places. Beaches have no lifeguards, tides create strong currents in the lagoons and several people drown each year: ask locals about safe places to swim. Unexploded ordnance from the Second World War remains in some areas: do not touch war remnants, and avoid diving or boating after dark. Typhoons usually come between June and December, and earthquakes and tsunamis can occur.
Customs and etiquette
Some islands are very traditional, especially Yap: dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect local customs. Being drunk or drinking in public is an offence, and drug penalties are severe. It is illegal to take anything from sunken Second World War ships or aircraft. Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely accepted, and public affection may draw negative attention.
Language
| Official languages | English |
|---|---|
| English | Common |
What to pack
- Some US dollars in cash: ATMs are few.
- International Driving Permit: Canada advises carrying one when you drive.
- Insect repellent: Dengue and Zika are spread by mosquitoes.
- Insurance covering medical evacuation: Serious cases are flown to Guam or Australia.
Quick reference
Country facts
| Capital | Palikir |
|---|---|
| Population | 113,683 (2025) |
| Area | 701 km² |
| Time zone | Pacific/Chuuk (UTC+10), Pacific/Pohnpei (UTC+11), Pacific/Kosrae (UTC+11) |
| Calling code | +691 |
| Driving side | right |
Staying connected
| SIM and eSIM | Buy or rent a local SIM card for mobile service. |
|---|---|
| Roaming | The UK says there is no international roaming, so UK phones will not work. |
Emergency numbers
| Emergency | 911 |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Micronesia?
Tourists from the UK and Canada can stay up to 30 days without a visa; longer stays need an entry permit. Check with FSM immigration before you book.
What currency is used?
The US dollar. Hotels usually accept cards, but ATMs are few.
How do I get there?
Fly via Guam or Honolulu, or take United's island hopper, which stops at Kosrae, Pohnpei and Chuuk.
Can I drink the tap water?
No, avoid tap water.
When is typhoon season?
Typhoons usually occur between June and December.
What is Nan Madol?
A ruined city of 92 artificial islets off Pohnpei, once the seat of the Saudeleur dynasty.
Sources This guide was last checked on · 15 sources
- Wikivoyage: Federated States of Micronesia · Overview, Places to visit, Things to do, Getting around, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Health, Safety, Customs and etiquette, Language, What to pack, Staying connected, Frequently asked questions
- Nager.Date: public holidays in Micronesia, 2026 · Holidays and events
- Government of Canada: Micronesia travel advice (updated 14 October 2026) · Getting around, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Safety, Customs and etiquette, What to pack, Frequently asked questions
- UK FCDO: Micronesia entry requirements · Getting around, Entry requirements and visas, Frequently asked questions
- Wikidata · Money and payments, Country facts
- ISO 4217 (SIX), published 2026-09-17 · Money and payments
- UK FCDO: Micronesia safety and security · Money and payments, Safety, Customs and etiquette, What to pack, Staying connected
- CDC Travelers' Health: Micronesia · Health, Frequently asked questions
- UK FCDO: Micronesia health · Health
- US Department of State: Micronesia travel advisory · Safety
- UK FCDO: Micronesia travel advice · Safety
- World Bank, SP.POP.TOTL · Country facts
- World Bank, AG.LND.TOTL.K2 · Country facts
- IANA Time Zone Database, zone.tab · Country facts
- UK FCDO: Micronesia getting help · Emergency numbers
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