Micronesia Travel Safety
Travel Safety in Micronesia
General travel safety in Micronesia on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Micronesia
Updates
Updated: 24 Sep 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024
Status
LEVEL 1 - Exercise normal safety precautions
Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour. Monitor the media and other sources for changes to local travelling conditions, safety and security concerns. Laws and social customs could differ significantly. You could face terrorist attacks, civil unrest, violent crime, or unique health threats - but overall, the risks are not great.
Safety and Security Tips
Road safety
Most roads are in poor condition. Roads outside towns are often unpaved and become hazardous after heavy rain. Roads are shared by cars, pedestrians and livestock. Driving in Micronesia can be hazardous. Street lights are rare. Many drivers do not follow safe driving practices.
Adventure tourism
Tour operators do not always have reliable safety standards. Regardless of the type of activity, ensure that you are using a reputable and well-established company. Make sure your travel insurance covers your planned activity. Exercise caution when swimming offshore due to dangerous currents.
Taxis
Rental cars are available. Shared taxis are available, however, most cars are poorly maintained. Do not hail taxis on the street. To ensure you are dealing with a reputable taxi company, book taxis through your hotel or tour operator.
Public transportation
There is a public bus system on the island of Yap. Travel between islands is done by boat.
Women's safety
Based on the crime situation of the Micronesia, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.
Crime
Petty crime and house break-ins occur, particularly in Chuuk. Ensure that doors are always locked and that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Police capacity to respond to crime and other incidents is very limited.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police911
- Fire911
- Ambulance911
Embassy of us
American Embassy in Palikir
Address1286 U.S. Embassy Pl.
Local Law and Culture
LGBT
Homosexuality is not widely accepted in the Federated States of Micronesia. Open displays of affection between same-sex partners may offend.
Illegal or restricted activities
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. It is illegal (and dangerous) to remove anything from sunken WWII vessels or aircraft. Drinking in public places is illegal.
Driving
An International Driving Permit is recommended. Motorcyclists must wear a helmet.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Micronesia.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.
The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
