Published: March 5, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Federated States of Micronesia Travel Advisory and Federated States of Micronesia Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Kolonia
1286 U.S. Embassy Place, Pohnpei (near the movie theater)
Tel: 691-320-2187 ext.2134 or 691-920-2369 for emergencies
Hours: Mon-Fri, 0800-1700 (except local and U.S. holidays)
OSAC Country Chapters
There is no active OSAC Country Chapter in Micronesia.
Contact OSAC’s Asia team with any questions.
Federated States of Micronesia Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kolonia as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Micronesia.
The crime emergency line in Micronesia is 911.
Petty theft, physical and sexual assaults, and other violent crimes occur in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Many Micronesians do not formally report crimes such as rape or domestic violence due to cultural stigmas. Non-confrontational property crimes (home break-ins) are the type of crimes most likely to affect those residing in or traveling to Micronesia.
Handguns are illegal throughout the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), but local residents may wield guns as a form of intimidation outside of city limits. Rifles are legal in Ponhpei and Kosrae with hunting permits.
Crime rates are significantly higher in Chuuk than in the other three states. Recent incidents in Chuuk have included assaults on U.S. citizens. Crime increases at night and alcohol usually plays a role, especially in assaults. Maintain situational awareness and avoid individuals who appear to be intoxicated. Do not attempt to intervene in disputes between local citizens.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Micronesia.
There is minimal risk for kidnapping in FSM.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kolonia as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Micronesia.
The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any specific or credible terrorist threats specifically directed against FSM. However, considering worldwide security concerns, always remain vigilant while traveling overseas.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kolonia as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Micronesia. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
FSM has elections every two years for senatorial seats. Presidential terms are four years and the president is a senator chosen by his fellow legislators. There has not been widespread election fraud, political instability, or violence related to such.
Protests & Demonstrations
Generally, protests and demonstrations in the FSM are rare, but peaceful when they do occur.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
FSM is in a Compact of Free Association with the United States, and many people support the United States.
Law Enforcement
The national police are responsible for enforcing national laws, and the Department of Justice oversees them. State police forces are responsible for law enforcement in their respective states and are under the jurisdiction of each state’s director of public safety. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over national and state police forces. Members of the security forces are not reported to have committed abuses.
Report all incidents of crime to the local police authorities. It is important that foreigners remain calm and polite when interacting with the police to avoid misunderstandings. The ability of local police to respond to traffic accidents and to assist victims of crime is limited due to a lack of response vehicles, radios, and other essential equipment. Compared to norms in the United States, local police are less responsive to victim concerns, particularly in cases involving burglary. Local police do not possess the resources to fully investigate crimes.
There is no coroner, and police perform only limited investigations into crimes. Authorities have limited ability to take or electronically compare fingerprints.
Those arrested or detained should ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. The justice system is extremely slow and may not apply western legal standards. Some members of law enforcement are poorly trained. Court-appointed attorneys, as well as judges, may not have legal training comparable to that found in the United States.
Police Response
There is often a significant delay before police and firefighters respond to calls, and they may not be able to respond at all. Sometimes no one picks up at emergency numbers, especially after normal business hours.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in the Federated States of Micronesia, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the Federated States of Micronesia.
FSM, especially Pohnpei, relies on a traditional system of justice as opposed to police or Department of Justice laws. The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government generally implements the law effectively, but some officials reportedly engage in corrupt practices with impunity. There have been anecdotal reports of corruption.
Cybersecurity
There are no cybersecurity concerns unique to private-sector operations in Micronesia. In September 2021, the government established the Cyber Security and Intelligence Bureau, a new division in the Department of Justice.
Import/Export Restrictions
It is illegal to import or export soil, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
There are no restrictions on the import of satellite phones.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
