The Federated States of Micronesia operates under a Compact of Free Association with the United States signed in 1986 and renewed in 2003. Citizens of the United States do not require a visa for stays up to one year. Citizens of most other countries receive a 30-day entry permit on arrival, extendable through the FSM Department of Justice. The official government portal for immigration regulations is fsmgov.org. The FSM does not maintain extensive consular representation abroad; the FSM Embassy in Washington DC at 1725 N Street NW serves as the primary diplomatic mission for visa inquiries.
The United States dollar is the official currency across all four states. ATMs exist in Kolonia on Pohnpei, Weno in Chuuk, Colonia in Yap, and Tofol in Kosrae, but machine availability varies and cash remains the primary transaction method outside these town centers. The Bank of the Federated States of Micronesia and Bank of Guam operate branches in state capitals. Credit cards see limited acceptance, primarily at hotels and dive operators with international clientele. Travelers should carry sufficient USD cash, as banking infrastructure on outer islands does not exist.
United Airlines operates the only commercial jet service to the FSM, flying twice weekly from Guam to Pohnpei, Chuuk, and continuing to Kosrae, then reversing the route. This "island hopper" flight makes the same stops in both directions, requiring careful schedule coordination. Pohnpei International Airport serves as the de facto hub. Caroline Islands Air provides propeller service between states and to some outer islands, though schedules change based on passenger demand and aircraft availability. Yap receives one United flight weekly via Palau. No direct flights connect the FSM to any location other than Guam and Palau.
Inter-island travel within each state relies on government field trip ships that operate on irregular schedules lasting weeks or months. These vessels carry cargo and passengers to outer atolls including Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi, Ant Atoll, and dozens of smaller islands. Passage costs vary but remain low, typically under 50 USD for multi-day journeys. Private boats can be chartered in state capitals for day trips or longer expeditions, with costs negotiated directly with boat owners. No ferry system operates between the four states; inter-state travel requires flying.
Accommodation options concentrate in state capitals. Pohnpei offers roughly a dozen small hotels and guesthouses in Kolonia, with rates ranging from 60 to 150 USD per night. The Village Hotel and Mangrove Bay Hotel represent the higher end. Chuuk's Weno hosts several hotels catering primarily to wreck divers, with the Blue Lagoon Resort and Truk Stop Hotel charging 80 to 200 USD. Yap has five small properties including Manta Ray Bay Resort and O'Keefe's Waterfront Inn, with diving packages driving rates from 100 to 250 USD. Kosrae maintains three small hotels including the Kosrae Nautilus Resort, with similar pricing. Guesthouses and homestays exist in some outer island communities but require advance local contact.
Cellular coverage exists in Kolonia, Weno, Colonia, and Tofol through FSM Telecommunications Corporation. Data speeds remain slow by international standards, with 3G service available in towns. Outer islands have no cellular service. Internet access is available at hotels and some businesses in state capitals, but bandwidth constraints make video streaming unreliable. The FSM has no postal code system; mail addressed to state capitals uses the format "Town Name, State Name, FM 96941" with the specific ZIP+4 code varying by state: Pohnpei 96941, Chuuk 96942, Yap 96943, Kosrae 96944.
Medical facilities exist in each state capital but capacity is limited. Pohnpei State Hospital in Kolonia is the largest, with approximately 60 beds and basic surgical capability. Chuuk State Hospital, Yap Memorial Hospital, and Kosrae Community Health Center provide primary care and emergency stabilization. Serious medical conditions require evacuation to Guam or Hawaii. No hyperbaric chamber operates in the FSM despite significant diving activity; decompression incidents require air evacuation. Medications beyond basic supplies are often unavailable. Travelers should carry prescription medications in original containers with sufficient quantity for the entire stay plus delays.
Dengue fever occurs throughout the FSM with periodic outbreaks. The last major dengue outbreak occurred in 2012-2013. Zika virus was confirmed in 2016. No yellow fever risk exists and no vaccinations are required for entry unless arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Malaria was eliminated from the FSM, with the last indigenous case reported in the 1970s. Tap water in state capitals comes from treated sources but quality varies; most residents and hotels use rainwater catchment. Bottled water is available in town stores. Outer islands rely entirely on rainwater and groundwater wells.