Federated States of Micronesia green trees and mountains

Federated States of Micronesia Travel Guide: Islands, Heritage & Ocean Depths

Intro to Federated States of Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a Pacific nation of scattered islands stretching across turquoise waters and coral atolls. Composed of four states — Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae — it offers world-class diving, ancient ruins, traditional cultures, and untouched natural beauty.

This is a place where manta rays glide through lagoons, stone money marks village paths, and mangrove forests hide forgotten temples. FSM rewards travelers with both raw adventure and cultural depth, far from the beaten tourist trails. Start planning your journey with our complete Federated States of Micronesia Travel Guide — and discover islands where heritage and nature remain closely intertwined.

Where to Go in Federated States of Micronesia

Chuuk | Kosrae | Pohnpei | Yap

💡Quick Facts:
Destination: Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)
Continent: Oceania (Micronesia region of the Pacific)
Country: Federated States of Micronesia (sovereign, in free association with the U.S.)
Administrative Division: 4 states – Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae
Area: 702 km² (spread across 600+ islands)
Population: ~115,000
Density: ~160/km²
Capital: Palikir (on Pohnpei)
Regions/Subregions:
Yap State: Colonia, Yap Islands, outer atolls
Chuuk State: Weno (capital of Chuuk), Chuuk Lagoon, outer islands
Pohnpei State: Palikir (national capital), Kolonia, outer atolls
Kosrae State: Tofol, Lelu, isolated single island state
Official Languages: English (official nationwide); local languages include Yapese, Chuukese, Pohnpeian, Kosraean
Currency: United States Dollar (USD, $)
Time Zones: UTC+10 (Chuuk, Yap); UTC+11 (Pohnpei, Kosrae)
Airports: Pohnpei International (PNI), Chuuk International (TKK), Yap International (YAP), Kosrae International (KSA)
Climate: Tropical marine; hot and humid year-round with seasonal rainfall
Known For: World War II wreck diving (Chuuk Lagoon), stone money of Yap, Nan Madol ruins on Pohnpei, pristine coral reefs, remote island culture

🛂Arrival Info:
Visa-free entry: 30 days for U.S. citizens (renewable up to 1 year).
Most other nationals receive entry permits valid for 30 days (extendable up to 90).
Passport must be valid for 6+ months beyond stay.
Departure tax may apply at some airports.
Official info: FSM Immigration

🏥Health Info:
No mandatory vaccines; recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine immunizations.
Malaria not present, but mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and Zika occur.
Hospitals: located in each state capital, but facilities limited.
Serious cases often evacuated to Guam or Hawaii.
Travel insurance with evacuation coverage strongly recommended.
🚑 Check travel insurance options for travel emergencies, delays, and medical needs abroad — Get coverage here
💉 Stay Informed with Official Updates: WHO – International Travel & Health | CDC – Travel health updates

🚨Travel Advisory:
FSM is considered generally safe with very low crime.
Petty theft can occur, especially in Chuuk.
Local inter-island travel can be disrupted by weather.
Cyclone season: October–April.
🌍Track Real-Time Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice | Government of Canada

🥳Holidays:
FSM Independence Day (3 November): Marks independence from U.S.-administered UN trusteeship (1986).
Constitution Day (10 May): Celebrates adoption of national constitution.
United Nations Day (24 October).
Christmas Day (25 December).

💰Visitor Info:
Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD).
ATMs and banking limited outside major centers (Kolonia, Weno, Colonia, Tofol).
Credit cards not widely accepted; cash preferred.
Tipping not customary.
Daily budget:
Budget: $70–120
Midrange: $150–250
Luxury: $300+

🛫Airports:
Pohnpei (PNI): Main international entry point, flights from Guam, Honolulu.
Chuuk (TKK): Gateway to wreck diving, flights from Guam/Honolulu.
Yap (YAP): Flights from Guam, Palau.
Kosrae (KSA): Remote, flights from Guam, Honolulu (via Pohnpei).
United Airlines “island hopper” connects Guam–Chuuk–Pohnpei–Kosrae–Honolulu.
🧳 Delayed or canceled flight? Check if you’re eligible for compensation

🚍Transport:
Inter-island: Air travel via United Airlines; some local boats/ferries.
Roads: limited, mostly around main towns.
Taxis and small buses available in Weno, Kolonia, Colonia, Tofol.
Rental cars available in Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap.
Driving: right-hand traffic.
🚗 Book reliable airport transfers and in-city rides in advance. Reserve your ride here

🛰️Connectivity:
SIM providers: FSM Telecom.
Mobile coverage available in state capitals, limited in outer islands.
Internet: slow and expensive compared to global standards.
Wi-Fi in some hotels, government buildings, cafes in larger towns.
🛜 Stay connected abroad with affordable eSIM data packs. Get your eSIM here

📜Laws & Etiquette:
Legal drinking age: 21.
Alcohol banned in some outer islands.
Dress modestly outside resorts (especially in villages and churches).
Respect chiefs and local traditions.
Photography of people and sacred sites should be with permission.

👮Emergency Info:
Emergency number: 911 (availability varies by island).
Pohnpei State Hospital: +691 320 2212.
Chuuk State Hospital: +691 330 2446.
Yap State Hospital: +691 350 2110.
Kosrae State Hospital: +691 370 3199.
U.S. Embassy Kolonia (Pohnpei): +691 320 2187.
🏛️ Use embassy locator tools: Embassies Worldwide

🌞Weather:
Average temps: 26–30°C year-round.
Rainfall: heavy, especially in Pohnpei and Kosrae.
Dry season: Jan–Apr (less humid).
Wet season: May–Dec, with typhoon risk Oct–Apr.
Best time: Jan–Apr for diving and island-hopping.
🌦️ Stay prepared—check the weather forecast for your destination — Weather Forecast

Federated States of Micronesia by Region – Where to Go

Each of FSM’s four states has distinct traditions and landscapes.

Yap

Colonia. The small capital town, gateway to dive sites and cultural experiences.
Stone Money Banks. Giant limestone disks used as traditional currency, lining village paths.
Manta Ray Bay. World-renowned dive site where rays gather year-round.

Chuuk (Truk)

Chuuk Lagoon. Famous for WWII shipwrecks and one of the world’s greatest wreck diving destinations.
Weno Island. Administrative hub with markets and dive operators.
Tonoas Island. Once a Japanese WWII stronghold, now filled with war relics.

Pohnpei

Palikir. FSM’s national capital, surrounded by lush rainforest.
Nan Madol. A UNESCO World Heritage site of stone ruins built on artificial islets.
Sokehs Rock. A towering basalt cliff popular for hikes and panoramic views.

Kosrae

Tofol. The quiet capital village, blending modern life and island traditions.
Lelu Ruins. Ancient coral stone city, older than Nan Madol.
Utwe Biosphere Reserve. A mangrove and lagoon sanctuary ideal for kayaking.

Top Places to Visit in the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM is rich with cultural and natural wonders.

Nan Madol (Pohnpei). A mysterious stone city built on canals, often called the “Venice of the Pacific.”
Chuuk Lagoon. Dive among WWII shipwrecks, planes, and coral-encrusted war relics.
Yap Stone Money. Walk through villages lined with massive stone disks that still hold cultural value.
Kosrae’s Lelu Ruins. Explore coral-built temples and royal tombs from Micronesia’s ancient civilizations.
Manta Ray Diving (Yap). Swim with gentle rays gliding gracefully through channels.
Utwe Biosphere Reserve (Kosrae). Paddle through mangroves and bird sanctuaries.
Sokehs Rock (Pohnpei). Climb for breathtaking island views.
Japanese Caves & Relics (Chuuk). WWII tunnels, guns, and bunkers hidden in the jungle.
Pohnpei Waterfalls. Cascades like Kepirohi and Liduduhniap offer jungle swimming spots.
Local Village Experiences (All States). Join feasts, dance, and learn crafts from traditional communities.

Discover must-try FSM tours that bring these places to life — from guided Nan Madol explorations and Chuuk wreck dives to manta ray encounters, mangrove kayaking, and rainforest hikes.

How to Choose Where to Go in FSM

Your choice depends on your passions. Divers will find Chuuk Lagoon and Yap’s manta rays irresistible. Culture seekers should prioritize Pohnpei’s Nan Madol and Yap’s stone money villages. Eco-travelers will love Kosrae’s mangroves and reef snorkeling.

Efficient pairings include Chuuk + Yap for a dive-focused trip, or Pohnpei + Kosrae for ancient ruins and lush landscapes. Those with two weeks can visit all four states, combining history, culture, and world-class underwater adventures.

How to Get Around FSM

FSM covers vast ocean distances, so domestic travel is unique.

Flights. United Airlines’ “Island Hopper” connects FSM states with Guam and Hawaii. Small local airlines provide inter-island services.
Ferries. Limited and infrequent; not reliable for tourism.
Cars & Scooters. Available in main towns like Colonia, Weno, and Palikir.
Taxis. Affordable in larger towns.
Boats. Local transport between nearby islands is arranged via guesthouses.

Flying remains the main way to get between states, with Pohnpei as the central hub.

Travel Budget and Costs in FSM

Costs vary widely due to isolation.

Budget: USD 50–70 per day with guesthouses and market food.
Mid-range: USD 120–200 with hotels and occasional tours.
Luxury: USD 250–400+ with full-service dive resorts.

Sample costs:

Local meal: USD 5–10
Taxi ride: USD 5–12
Guided dive (1 tank): USD 60–100
Entry fee to ruins: USD 2–5

To lower the cost to travel in FSM, book accommodation with meals included, share dive trips, and stock up on essentials in larger towns.

Best Time to Visit FSM

FSM’s tropical climate means warm weather year-round.

Dry Season (Dec–April). Best time to visit FSM for diving visibility, calmer seas, and cultural festivals.
Wet Season (May–Nov). Lusher landscapes but heavier rains and storms possible.
Whale Shark Season (Jan–March, Yap). Rays and sharks converge in channels.

Events include:

Yap Day (March). Cultural dances, canoe racing, and stone money ceremonies.
Liberation Day (Sept, Chuuk). Parades and remembrance of WWII history.

Must-See Experiences in FSM

FSM offers adventures rooted in both land and sea.

Dive WWII shipwrecks in Chuuk Lagoon.
Walk among Nan Madol’s canals.
Snorkel with manta rays in Yap.
Kayak through Kosrae’s mangroves.
Hike to Sokehs Rock at sunset.
Swim beneath Pohnpei waterfalls.
Learn about stone money traditions in Yap villages.
Explore Japanese bunkers and caves in Chuuk.
Visit Kosrae’s coral ruins of Lelu.
Join a traditional feast with music and dance.

Best Travel Itineraries in FSM

3-Day Pohnpei & Nan Madol

Day 1: Palikir + markets.
Day 2: Guided Nan Madol + Sokehs Rock hike.
Day 3: Waterfall day trip.

5-Day Dive & Culture Combo

Day 1: Arrive in Yap.
Day 2: Manta ray diving.
Day 3: Stone money village visit.
Day 4: Fly to Chuuk, explore relics.
Day 5: Wreck dive in Chuuk Lagoon.

7-Day Classic FSM

Days 1–2: Pohnpei ruins + waterfalls.
Days 3–4: Yap manta dives + villages.
Days 5–6: Chuuk Lagoon diving.
Day 7: Kosrae kayaking.

10-Day Full Exploration

All four states, with multi-day diving in Chuuk, ruins in Kosrae and Pohnpei, plus cultural festivals in Yap.

Local Cuisine and Culinary Experiences

Food is fresh and rooted in tradition.

Taro & Breadfruit. Staples often baked or boiled.
Coconut dishes. Present in nearly every meal.
Fresh seafood. Tuna, reef fish, and crab served daily.
Banana & Yam dishes. Local starches used in stews.
Kava & Sakau (Pohnpei). Mildly intoxicating ceremonial drinks.
Lukewarm coconut sashimi. Fresh raw tuna with lime and coconut.

Look for village feasts, homestays, or night markets for authentic tastes.

Travel Safety and Cultural Etiquette in FSM

FSM is safe but deeply traditional.

Safety. Low crime but limited healthcare in remote areas.
Weather. Typhoon risk July–November.
Etiquette. Dress modestly; seek permission before entering ruins or villages.
Alcohol. Restricted in some communities.
Sundays. Often reserved for church and rest, especially in Yap.

Where to Go Next

FSM pairs well with nearby destinations in the Pacific.

Guam. Main entry hub with shopping and modern resorts.
Palau. Famous for rock islands and marine sanctuaries.
Marshall Islands. Neighboring atolls with WWII history.
Philippines. Accessible flights and cultural diversity.

Guam Travel Guide | Palau Travel Guide | Marshall Islands Travel Guide | Philippines Travel Guide

Final Planning Checklist for FSM

Reserve dives and guides early, especially in Chuuk.
Book flights with buffer days due to weather delays.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and modest clothing.
Download offline maps for Pohnpei and Yap.
Carry cash; ATMs are limited.
Check typhoon forecasts if visiting July–Nov.
Arrange local SIM or eSIM for connectivity.
Respect village customs when entering sacred sites.

The Federated States of Micronesia is one of the Pacific’s last true frontiers. Use this guide to plan responsibly and dive deeply into both its waters and its living traditions. Visit our site for more Pacific guides to shape your adventure.