Federated States Of Micronesia Travel Guide


The latest travel Information on Federated States Of Micronesia, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Consulate & Embassy Contact Addresses and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Federated States Of Micronesia Information

Overview

The Federated States of Micronesia boast some of the clearest-blue seas you’ll ever see, with white, crumbly sand shores. In islands like Chuuk are shallow and vast lagoons of monumental beauty, filled with shipwrecks and kaleidoscopic corals. The islands are a paradise for divers, and many argue that the area’s diving and snorkelling ranks among the best in the world.

The Micronesians combine a profusion of languages, customs and folklore. On the island of Yap, islanders still trade using the ancient stone currency. Micronesians may still be glimpsed in traditional garments. Throughout, you are likely to stumble across snatches of unique island music and witness zesty, time-honoured dances.

The area became a US-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in 1947. This followed colonisation by the Portuguese, Spanish, Germans and Japanese. In 1986, the Federated States signed a Compact of Free Association with the USA, allowing for near-independence with US defence support.

The islands suffer from remoteness and lack of industry and infrastructure. There is development potential, but as yet Micronesia remains dependent on US aid. Tourism is one industry that could potentially boost the island’s fiscal situation. However, even if tourism takes off, with over 600 islands to this country’s name, finding some desert island bliss of your own here shouldn’t be hard.


Top Things To See & Do

 See the states’ most important historical sites: The Spanish Wall; the Catholic Bell Tower in Pohnpei; the Japanese Wartime Communication Centre at Xavier High School in Chuuk; the ancient ruins of Nan Madol in Pohnpei; and the ruins of INSARU in Kosrae.

 Sample some cultural delights, such as the small but fascinating museums in Chuuk and Kosrae.

 Explore Pohnpei’s magnificent waterfalls, with pools ideal for bathing. Two of the most beautiful are Kepirohi and Sahwartik. A 20-minute ride out of Kolonia is the Nanpil River and a large natural pool. On the same river are the spectacular Liduduhniap Twin Waterfalls.

 Hit the beach. All states have beautiful white sandy beaches with relaxing, warm water.

 Enjoy spectacular underwater scenery and wildlife by diving and snorkelling. Kosrae has over 50 dive sites, with unspoiled coral reefs close to the shore.

 Also dive at the unspoiled Ant Atoll, Pakin Atoll and Black Coral in Pohmpei State. The state of Chuuk contains famous Truk Lagoon, where a whole Japanese fleet was sunk during WWII. More than 50 wrecks can be seen, some in shallower waters suitable for snorkellers. The island of Yap sees schools of manta rays year round.

 See for yourself the large eels that have become a prominent part in Pohnpei’s mythological stories at the Pwudoi Sanctuary, an eel pool, where locals handle these slippery creatures. The eels are portrayed as both benevolent and as terrifying monsters.

 Tackle the moderately difficult hike up Sokehs Mountain, which offers breathtaking views of Sokehs rock and Kolonia harbour, tropical vegetation and birds.

 Watch islanders dabble in a game of baseball, which is an island-wide passion - as is volleyball.

 Take a fishing or ocean-trolling tour. Tuna is abundant in waters off Kolonia and game fish, such as marlin and mahi-mahi, are also found.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.


Going Out

Food and Drink

Local specialities include breadfruit (Chuuk) and thin slices of raw fish dipped in a peppery sauce. Pohnpeians have over 100 words for yams and grow them to massive proportions (it may take several men to carry one); yams occupy a central position in local culture. Although some dining rooms serve buffet-style fare, table service is usual and operates at a leisurely pace.

Sakau, as it is known on Pohnpei, or kava, as it is known throughout the rest of Polynesia, is made from the root of a shrub which yields a mildly narcotic substance when squeezed through hibiscus bark. There are several sakau bars where visitors can sample it and watch it being made.

Things to know: Alcohol is prohibited on Chuuk (with the consequence that nearby islands are often used as picnic resorts).

National specialities:
• Sweet potatoes.
• Coconut.
• Fish (especially crabs and clams).
• Pork.

National drinks:
• Sakau (a traditional drink used in ceremonies).
• Fresh lime juice and water.

Tipping: Visitors to the country are seen as guests and hospitality is an honour in the culture. Therefore tips are neither encouraged nor expected.

Nightlife

There are good restaurants and a few cinemas in major island centres. Locals and visitors alike enjoy making their own entertainment. Video rentals are a main form of entertainment and a few well-stocked DVD and video rental stores are located in Kolonia. Sakau drinking is the most frequent evening activity on Pohnpei. Cultural dances can be arranged through tourist offices or hotels. Most hotels have music, dancing and discos. Bars and restaurants open untill 2200 every night.

Shopping

Favourite purchases on Chuuk include love sticks and war clubs. Yap people produce colourful grass skirts, lava-lavas woven from hibiscus bark, woven baby cradles, betel-nut pouches and stone money. On Pohnpei, there are elaborate, carefully scaled model canoes and woven items. Stores sell handicrafts, canoes, and shampoo, soap and lotion made from fresh coconut.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700. On weekends some shops open with limited hours; 0830-1330.


Climate

Tropical with year-round high humidity. The typhoon season is from June to December, therefore there is a threat to low-lying atolls. Rainfall is generally plentiful and Pohnpei is reputedly one of the wettest places on Earth, with up to 8,382mm (330 inches) of rain per year.

Required Clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens, with light rainwear advisable all year round.


Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
11 Jan* Kosrae Constitution Day.
18 Jan* Lelu Memorial Day (Kosrae).
1 Mar* Yap Day.
31 Mar* Pohnpei Culture Day. 
21 Mar Good Friday.
10 May Constitution (Federated States of Micronesia) Day.
1 Jun* Tree Planting Day (Yap).
6 Jun* Malem Memorial Day (Kosrae).
20 Jul* Utwe Memorial Day (Kosrae).
8 Sep* Kosrae Liberation Day.
11 Sep* Pohnpei Liberation Day.
23 Sep* Chuuk Liberation Day.
1 Oct* Chuuk Constitution Day.
24 Oct United Nations Day.
3 Nov Independence (Federated States of Micronesia) Day.
8 Nov* Pohnpei Constitution Day.
11 Nov Veterans of Foreign War Day (Pohnpei).
20 Nov* Kosrae State Fair.
27 Nov Thanksgiving (Kosrae and Chuuk).
24 Dec* Yap Constitution Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
11 Jan* Kosrae Constitution Day.
18 Jan* Lelu Memorial Day (Kosrae).
1 Mar* Yap Day.
31 Mar* Pohnpei Culture Day. 
10 Apr Good Friday.
10 May Constitution (Federated States of Micronesia) Day.
1 Jun* Tree Planting Day (Yap).
6 Jun* Malem Memorial Day (Kosrae).
20 Jul* Utwe Memorial Day (Kosrae).
8 Sep* Kosrae Liberation Day.
11 Sep* Pohnpei Liberation Day.
23 Sep* Chuuk Liberation Day.
1 Oct* Chuuk Constitution Day.
24 Oct United Nations Day.
3 Nov Independence (Federated States of Micronesia) Day.
8 Nov* Pohnpei Constitution Day.
11 Nov Veterans of Foreign War Day (Pohnpei).
Nov* ** Kosrae State Fair.
27 Nov Thanksgiving (Kosrae and Chuuk).
24 Dec* Yap Constitution Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

** Date to be confirmed.

Note

* Variations occur from island to island. Holidays unique to each state (Pohnpei, Kosrae, Yap, Chuuk) are indicated above.


Health

Health Care

All the Federated States have good government hospitals in the main cities. There are also dental services and private health clinics throughout the islands. Be aware that doctors and hospitals may ask for cash payment for health services. Scuba-divers are advised there are only three decompression chambers in the Federated States (Yap, Pohnpei and Chuuk). Their availability varies and there is very little experience in treating dive injuries. Health insurance is highly recommended. Certain emergency cases are referred to Hawaii and Guam.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

The US Dollar (USD; symbol US$) is the official currency. Giant stone money remains in use on Yap, but not for ordinary transactions or any that are likely to involve visitors. Dollar = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

There are several US FDIC insured banks operating (although there are no banks on Chuuk).

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

Most major credit cards are accepted at big visitor-orientated businesses.

Traveller's Cheques

Exchanged at the larger hotels and businesses.

Banking Hours

Mon-Thurs 1000-1500, Fri 1000-1800 and Sat 0900-1200.


Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: 1
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: 1
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: 1
Return Ticket Required: Yes

USA

Passport Required: No
Visa Required: 1
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Other EU

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: 1
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Passport Note

All visitors require proof of adequate funds and return or onward tickets.

Foreign-owned vessels or aircraft are required to have entry permits (visas) applied for and in their possession prior to entering Micronesia or to apply for one immediately on entry into Micronesia.

As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air to and from the USA are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

Passports

Passport valid for at least 120 days beyond the date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except nationals of the USA with acceptable documentation (birth certificate or entry permit issued by Micronesia), if no passport is available.

Visas

1. Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for visits of up to 30 days. For longer stays and for all visits other than touristic visits, an entry permit is required, and should be obtained prior to travel or arrival. Nationals of the USA may stay for one year without an entry permit, if visiting as tourists.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Entry Permit: cost on application.

Validity

Normally up to an additional 30 days. May be extended to 60 days, although nationals of the USA may apply for an extension of one year’s duration.

Applications to:

Chief of Immigration, Department of Justice, FSM Government Office, PO Box PS 105, Palikir, Pohnpei 96941, FSM (tel: 320 5844 or 2605).

Working Days Required

Must apply by post; applications are dealt with on receipt.


Contact Addresses

FSM Visitors Board

FSM National Government, PO Box PS-12, Palikir, Pohnpei 96941, FSM
Tel: 320 5133.
Website: www.visit-fsm.org

Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia in the USA

1725 N Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Tel: (202) 223 4383.
Website: www.fsmembassydc.org


Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits to Micronesia are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Typhoons constitute a threat from June to December annually. These usually affect the low lying atolls. However be aware that the islands are prone to floods during this period.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel




Disclaimer
We've tried to make the information on this page as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel.