Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia scatter 607 islands across the western Pacific in four very different states. Dive the Japanese fleet sunk in Chuuk Lagoon, explore the basalt city of Nan Madol on Pohnpei, see Yap's giant stone money and resident manta rays, and wander Kosrae's quiet reefs and ruins. Getting there takes effort; crowds are almost non-existent.
Overview
Micronesia's four states (Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae) stretch about 2,700 km from west to east, each with its own language and customs, and most travellers choose one or two rather than all four. Route logic is set by United Airlines' Island Hopper, which runs between Guam and Honolulu via Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae and the Marshall Islands, while Yap is reached from Guam. Divers head for Chuuk's wrecks and Yap's mantas; history lovers for Nan Madol and Kosrae's Lelu ruins; hikers for Pohnpei's waterfalls and rainforest.
Travel here runs on island time. Flights are infrequent and expensive, accommodation is mostly small hotels and dive resorts, and restaurants are limited outside Kolonia and Weno. Diving packages account for much of the cost, but village life, evening sakau sessions and empty roads come free. Visitors are often surprised by how traditional Yap remains, with chiefs, village paths and dress codes still observed, and by Pohnpei's rainfall, among the highest on Earth. It suits divers, history enthusiasts and patient travellers who want genuine remoteness.
Map of Micronesia
Top 5 highlights
- 1Adventure
Chuuk Lagoon wrecks
Dozens of Japanese ships and hundreds of aircraft sunk by American air raids in February 1944 rest in clear water around Tonoas and Fefan. The Fujikawa Maru and Shinkoku Maru, encrusted with coral, rank among the world's great wreck dives.
- 2History
Nan Madol
Nearly 100 artificial islets built from stacked basalt columns off Pohnpei's east coast, once the ceremonial centre of the Saudeleur dynasty. Visit by boat at high tide to reach Nandauwas, the great walled royal mortuary.
- 3Culture
Yap's stone money
Giant limestone discs called rai, quarried in Palau and carried home by canoe, still change ownership in Yapese villages without ever moving. See 'stone money banks' lining village paths, such as Balabat in Colonia.
- 4Wildlife
Yap's manta rays
Yap's resident reef mantas visit cleaning stations in the Mi'l and Goofnuw channels year-round, giving some of the most reliable manta encounters anywhere. Courtship 'trains' are often seen from December to April.
- 5History
Lelu Ruins, Kosrae
The basalt-walled remains of Kosrae's royal capital on Lelu Island, with high walls, canals and tombs swallowed by jungle. Kosrae itself is quiet and mountainous, with excellent reef snorkelling and very few visitors.
Biggest cities
Weno
Chuuk's state capital and commercial hub, with the airport and most hotels. It is a practical base rather than an attraction: the reason to come is the lagoon and its wrecks, reached by dive boat.
Kolonia
Pohnpei's main town and the country's most comfortable base, with guesthouses, restaurants and sakau bars, and easy day trips to Nan Madol, Kepirohi Falls and Sokehs Rock.
Palikir
The purpose-built federal capital, a quiet government complex in the hills about 8 km south-west of Kolonia. There is little to see beyond the national government buildings.
Micronesia has no cities in the usual sense: these are its three largest towns, using 2010 census figures (Palikir's is for the town rather than the wider Sokehs municipality). Yap's Colonia and Kosrae's Tofol are smaller still.
When to go to Micronesia
Best time: Dec–Apr.
Average climate in Kolonia (Pohnpei)
Festivals & events
- Feb–MarYap Day
Yap's cultural festival, culminating on 1 March, showcases traditional dances in grass skirts, stone-money presentations, canoe-building and village crafts, with remarkably few outside visitors.
- NovFSM Independence Day
On 3 November, each state marks the 1986 start of self-government in free association with the United States with parades, sports contests, traditional dancing and food stalls.
How much does Micronesia cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Breadfruit with coconut
Breadfruit, the islands' staple, roasted or boiled and served with fresh coconut milk or cream; Pohnpei alone grows dozens of varieties.
Sakau
Pohnpei's kava, pounded from pepper-plant roots on a basalt stone and wrung through hibiscus bark. Sakau bars open in the evening; expect numb lips and slow conversation.
Tuna sashimi
A legacy of Japanese rule: plates of freshly caught yellowfin or skipjack served raw with soy sauce and wasabi are cheap and on most menus.
Getting around
United Airlines' Island Hopper links Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae with Guam and Honolulu a few times a week, and Yap is reached via Guam; every sector is costly, so plan the route carefully. On the islands, shared taxis charge low flat fares, Pohnpei and Kosrae have car hire, and boats to outer islands and dive sites are arranged through hotels.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- AB120V — bring a UK-to-A/B adapter
- Emergency numbers
- Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +691
- Time zones
- UTC+10, UTC+11 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Tipping is not traditional, though around 10% is appreciated in hotel restaurants, and dive guides and boat crews welcome a tip at the end of a trip.
- Etiquette
- Dress modestly: women should keep thighs covered, especially in Yap. Ask before entering a village or photographing people or stone money, and remember that land, beaches and reefs all have owners.
- Main airports
- Pohnpei International Airport (PNI), Kolonia; Chuuk International Airport (TKK), Weno; Yap International Airport (YAP), Colonia
Visas & entry for Micronesia
Shown for a British passport.
Check the entry requirements
A visa is not required for visits of 30 days or less. If you do not hold a valid entry permit you must complete “Customs, Immigration & Quarantine Form (CIQ Form)” on arrival. If you are visiting for a period exceeding 30 days you must apply for an entry permit. See Entry requirements and contact the Federated States of Micronesia Immigration Office.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- DengueHepatitis BBat LyssavirusTuberculosis
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Micronesia
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Fri 23 Oct 2026 | United Nations Day (observed) |
| Sat 24 Oct 2026 | United Nations Day |
| Tue 3 Nov 2026 | Independence Day |
| Wed 11 Nov 2026 | FSM Veterans of Foreign Wars Day |
| Mon 23 Nov 2026 | Presidents Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Wed 31 Mar 2027 | Micronesian Culture and Tradition Day |
| Mon 10 May 2027 | Federated States of Micronesia Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- Bring US dollars in cash: there are ATMs in the main towns, but cards are accepted mainly at larger hotels and dive shops, and outages happen.
- Book dives and hotels before you fly, and allow a spare day either side of Island Hopper flights, which are infrequent and occasionally delayed or cancelled.
- Chuuk's wrecks are war graves and protected by law: never remove artefacts, dive with a licensed local operator, and note that the deeper wrecks need advanced training.
Micronesia travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Micronesia?
The best time to visit Micronesia is generally Dec–Apr. Peak months are January, February and March. Average highs in Kolonia (Pohnpei) range from 31°C to 31°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Micronesia cost per day?
Roughly £80 a day on a tight budget, £170 mid-range and £330+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Micronesia?
US dollar (USD).
What plug type does Micronesia use?
Type A and B sockets at 120V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Micronesia?
Traffic drives on the right in Micronesia, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Micronesia?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Micronesia?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: A visa is not required for visits of 30 days or less. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Micronesia before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/federated-states-of-micronesia/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Micronesia?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Dengue, Hepatitis B, Bat Lyssavirus and Tuberculosis sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
