Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Simplified Visa-Free Extensions
Travelers from visa-exempt countries can now easily extend their 30-day stay up to 60 days with a simple application at immigration offices in Pohnpei or other state capitals, costing around $50. This update facilitates longer dives and cultural immersions without leaving the islands.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Micronesia, with at least two blank pages for entry stamps and any onward travel documentation.
Ensure it's in good condition, as damaged passports may be rejected at entry points like Pohnpei International Airport.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, EU countries, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most Pacific nations can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or business.
Proof of onward or return travel and sufficient funds (about $100/day) may be requested upon arrival.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring visas, such as some Asian and African countries, apply in advance through the nearest US embassy or Micronesian consulate, with a fee of $50-100 and documents including invitation letters and financial proof.
Processing times vary from 10-30 days; e-visas are not yet available but expected in late 2026.
Border Crossings
Entry is primarily via airports in Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, or Kosrae; inter-island travel requires domestic flights or ferries with minimal checks.
Customs focus on prohibited items like certain fruits, weapons, and drugs; declare any valuables to avoid issues.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage is highly recommended, including medical evacuation (essential due to limited facilities), dive accident insurance, and trip delays from weather.
Policies from $10/day should cover activities like snorkeling; providers like World Nomads specialize in Pacific adventures.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended for up to 60 days total by applying at the FSM Division of Immigration in Kolonia, Pohnpei, with proof of funds and accommodation.
Fees are $50 per extension; apply at least one week before expiration to avoid overstay fines of $25/day.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Micronesia uses the US Dollar (USD). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Secure deals to Pohnpei or Guam by comparing on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 3-6 months ahead can cut costs by 40-60%, especially for remote routes via Honolulu or Manila.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for fresh fish markets and family-run sakau bars in Pohnpei for meals under $15, avoiding resort markups that can double prices.
Stock up on local breadfruit and taro at island markets for self-catering to save 30-50% on food expenses.
Public Transport Passes
Use affordable inter-island ferries and shared boats costing $10-30 per hop, or rent bikes on Yap for $5/day to minimize transport costs.
Domestic flight bundles from Caroline Islands Air can reduce multi-state travel by 20-30% when booked together.
Free Attractions
Explore Nan Madol ruins, Ant Atoll beaches, and Yap's stone money sites at no cost, providing authentic cultural and natural experiences.
Many lagoons offer free snorkeling; join community events for immersive, low-cost cultural exchanges.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted at resorts and larger shops, but cash is king for local vendors and outer islands with limited ATMs.
Withdraw USD from Bank of FSM ATMs for no-fee access; avoid airport exchanges for better rates.
Group Tours & Packages
Book multi-day dive or cultural packages for $200-300 covering gear and meals, which often include discounts for groups of 4+.
Homestays via local cooperatives provide room and board for $60/night, supporting communities while cutting solo costs.
Smart Packing for Micronesia
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothes like t-shirts, shorts, and sarongs for the tropical humidity; include modest cover-ups for village visits respecting local customs.
Swimwear, rash guards, and flip-flops are musts for daily beach and reef activities; avoid dark colors to blend with island vibes.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (US Type A/B plugs), waterproof phone case, solar charger for remote islands, and GoPro for underwater footage.
Download offline maps of the four states and language apps for Chuukese or Kosraean phrases beyond English.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), anti-malarial meds, and a basic first-aid kit with motion sickness remedies for boat trips.
Include water purification tablets, as tap water varies; pack DEET repellent for mosquitoes in wetter areas like Chuuk.
Travel Gear
Opt for a waterproof backpack for day trips, reusable reef-safe water bottle, snorkel mask/fins (rentals available but personal fit better), and dry bag for electronics.
Bring passport copies, dive logbook if certified, and a money belt; pack light to ease inter-island flights with 20kg limits.
Footwear Strategy
Choose water shoes or reef walkers for jagged coral protection during snorkeling, plus sturdy sandals for hiking ancient sites like Nan Madol.
A pair of lightweight hiking shoes suffices for Yap's trails; avoid heavy boots due to the heat and humidity.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized biodegradable soap, shampoo, and conditioner to protect marine life; include aloe vera for sunburn relief and lip balm with SPF.
Don't forget wet wipes, a compact towel, and earplugs for noisy guesthouses; limit liquids to comply with flight restrictions.
When to Visit Micronesia
Dry Season Start (November-February)
Perfect for calm seas and clear skies with temperatures 26-30°C, ideal for diving in Chuuk Lagoon's WWII wrecks without typhoon risks.
Fewer crowds mean better deals on resorts; enjoy cultural festivals like Yap's Day on May 1st if extending into early year.
Peak Dry Season (March-April)
Prime time for snorkeling and sailing with minimal rain and 28-32°C warmth; visibility exceeds 30m for world-class reefs around Kosrae.
Book early for Pohnpei's diving peaks; whale watching opportunities add to the marine adventure without summer humidity.
Wet Season Transition (May-July)
Budget-friendly with lush greenery and 27-31°C temps; shorter showers allow hiking and exploring Yap's traditional villages.
Lush landscapes enhance photography; fewer tourists mean exclusive access to outer atolls and local homestays.
Late Wet Season (August-October)
Affordable escapes with warm 26-30°C weather and vibrant marine life migrations; great for birdwatching on Kosrae despite occasional rains.
Lower prices on flights and stays; typhoon season peaks but insurance covers disruptions for adventurous travelers.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: US Dollar (USD). No exchange needed for US visitors. ATMs limited outside main islands; cards accepted at resorts.
- Language: English is official, alongside Chuukese, Kosraean, Pohnpeian, and Yapese. Basic English suffices in tourist areas.
- Time Zone: Varies: Yap and Chuuk UTC+10, Pohnpei and Kosrae UTC+11. No daylight saving.
- Electricity: 120V, 60Hz. Type A/B plugs (US standard two/three-pin).
- Emergency Number: 991 for police, 992 for fire, 993 for medical emergencies; 911 in some areas.
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated 5-10% at resorts for good service; cash tips help locals.
- Water: Tap water unsafe; use bottled or boiled. Resorts provide filtered options.
- Pharmacies: Limited; stock up in Guam or Hawaii. Look for clinics in Kolonia (Pohnpei).