All residents of the United States, the Marshall Islands, and Palau require valid birth certificates, passports, or Federation States of Micronesia entry permits to enter the islands. Passports are required for citizens of all other nations, but visas are not necessary for most visitors whose stay does not exceed 30 days. United States tourists can stay on the islands for up to a year before needing permits. Island-hoppers from all nations must enter customs and immigration lines whenever they enter a new island airport. Further visa and entry requirements are posted at the Federated States of Micronesia Visitors Center website (http://www.visit-fsm.org/visitors/entry.html).
Health and Safety
Chuuk’s capital city, Weno, is among the few places on the Pacific Islands of Micronesia where crime is a serious problem. Most other parts of the Federated States of Micronesia rank among the safest places on Earth to visit as long as visitors respect the conservative cultural values of the islands. Female travelers, in particular, should avoid venturing too far alone after dark.
Scuba divers should be aware that the Federated States of Micronesia contains only three decompression chambers, one each on the islands of Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap. Some emergency diving injuries and serious illnesses must be transported to Guam or Hawaii. Therefore, obtaining travel health insurance is strongly advised prior to coming to these islands, especially as many hospitals and doctors ask for advance cash payments.