Travel Guide
Select your passport to instantly check if you need a visa.

Discover
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Nan Madol is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising 92 artificial islands built from interlocking basalt columns in a lagoon off Pohnpei's eastern coast. Constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries as the ceremonial and political seat of the Saudeleur dynasty, its canals and towering stone walls are best explored by boat or kayak. The sheer scale of the construction, with individual basalt logs weighing up to 50 tonnes transported from distant quarries, continues to fascinate archaeologists.
Chuuk Lagoon is widely regarded as the world's premier wreck-diving destination, holding more than 60 Japanese warships, aircraft, and vehicles sunk during the Allied Operation Hailstone in February 1944. The wrecks now form artificial reefs covered in coral and teeming with marine life, providing an extraordinary combination of history and natural beauty beneath the surface. Divers encounter cargo holds still stocked with wartime equipment, zero fighter planes resting on the seabed, and abundant tropical fish at every depth.
Health & Safety
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation. This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 911 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for the Federated States of Micronesia see where to get vaccines and w
Full health advice (FCDO) →Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Drive on
right
Language
English, Chuukese, Kosraean, Pohnpeian, Yapese
Plug Types
Type A, B
Travel Guide
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Micronesia page at Yoogo.
The Federated States of Micronesia uses the US dollar (USD) as its official currency. Cash is by far the most widely accepted form of payment, as credit card facilities are limited outside major hotels and a handful of shops in the main towns.
The Federated States of Micronesia is generally considered a safe destination with low levels of violent crime. Petty theft can occur, particularly in and around Weno on Chuuk, so standard precautions with valuables are sensible.
Inter-island travel within the FSM relies almost entirely on small aircraft operated by carriers connecting the four state capitals of Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, and Kosrae. Within each island, taxis are the main form of transport and fares are typically fixed and inexpensive.
The dry season from December to April generally offers the most settled weather, with calmer seas, lower rainfall, and excellent visibility for diving and snorkelling. The wet season from May to November can still be rewarding, with fewer visitors and lush green scenery, though typhoons are possible between July and October.
English is the official national language and is widely spoken in government, schools, and most tourist-facing businesses. Each of the four states also has its own indigenous language, including Pohnpeian, Chuukese, Yapese, and Kosraean, which remain in everyday use alongside English.
Travellers are generally advised to ensure routine vaccinations are up to date and to consider hepatitis A, typhoid, and hepatitis B vaccinations before travel. Medical facilities across the islands are limited, so it is wise to carry a personal medical kit and any prescription medicines you may need.
Tipping is not a strong cultural expectation in the Federated States of Micronesia, where hospitality is traditionally considered a communal duty rather than a service transaction. A small tip for excellent service in hotel restaurants or for dive guides is appreciated but not obligatory.
FSM Telecommunications Corporation (FSMTC) is the sole mobile network provider, offering 4G/LTE coverage in the main towns of each state. Airalo and a small number of other eSIM providers offer Micronesia data packs that run on the FSMTC network, providing a convenient option for travellers who prefer to avoid roaming charges.
The waters around Yap support one of the world's most reliable year-round populations of oceanic and reef manta rays, which visit cleaning stations in Miil Channel daily. Divers can observe mantas at close range as small reef fish remove parasites from their skin, a behaviour that makes encounters predictably calm and extended. Beyond mantas, the same waters offer shark dives, encounters with mandarin fish, and sightings of green sea turtles.
Kosrae's historic village beside ancient basalt royal ruins
Dress codes are important on several islands, particularly Yap and Kosrae, where modest clothing covering the thighs is expected when visiting villages. Asking permission before photographing people or entering private land is considered respectful, and accepting food or drink when offered is an important gesture of goodwill.