Embassy/Consulate Addresses | Foreign Relations | Travel Advisories | Travel Tips | Customs/Duties



EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in US:
Ambassador: Yosiwo George
Embassy: 1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: [1] (202) 223-4383
FAX: [1] (202) 223-4391

Consulate(s) General are in:
Tamuning
Guam Int'nl Trading Center, 973 S. Marine Dr., Suite 201,
Tamuning, Guam 96911.
(671) 646-9154

Honolulu
3049 Ualena St., Suite 408,
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819.
(808) 836-4775, FAX (808) 836-6869

US Diplomatic Representation:
Ambassador: Miriam K. HUGHES
Embassy: address NA, Kolonia
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 1286, Pohnpei, Federated States
of Micronesia 96941
Telephone: [691] 320-2187
Fax: [691] 320-2186


Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for
Permanent Mission of the Federated States of Micronesia to the UN - New York,
Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia in Washington USA
U.S Embassy Web Site in the Federated States of Micronesia


FOREIGN RELATIONS

The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia conducts its own foreign relations. Since independence, the FSM has established diplomatic relations with a number of nations, including most of its Pacific neighbors. Regional cooperation through various multilateral organizations is a key element in its foreign policy. The FSM became a member of the United Nations in 1991.

U.S.-MICRONESIAN RELATIONS
The Governments of the FSM and the U.S. maintain deep ties and a cooperative relationship. Reflecting a strong legacy of Trusteeship cooperation, over 25 U.S. federal agencies continue to maintain programs in the FSM. Under the Amended Compact, the U.S. has full authority and responsibility for the defense of the FSM. This security relationship can be changed or terminated by mutual agreement. Also under the Compact, Micronesians can live, work, and study in the United States without a visa. Micronesians volunteer to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces at approximately double the per capita rate as Americans. Americans can live and work freely in the FSM without the need for a visa.

The United States will provide about $100 million annually in assistance to the FSM over the next 14 years. A Joint Economic Management Committee (JEMCO), consisting of representatives of both nations, is responsible for ensuring that assistance funds are spent effectively, with the aim of fostering good governance and economic self-reliance. The basic relationship of free association continues indefinitely.

Principal U.S. Officials
Ambassador--Peter A. Prahar
Deputy Chief of Mission--William Douglass
Management Officer--JoEllen Gorg
Economic/Consular Officer--Jason Wemhoener-Cuite

The mailing address for the U.S. Embassy is P.O. Box 1286, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941. Telephone: 691-320-2187. Fax: 691-320-2186. Email: USEmbassy@mail.fm.


TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Micronesia check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving TBA
Currency (USD) U.S Dollar
Electrical 120 Volts
Telephones Country Code 691, City Code, Pohnpei 320+4D, Chuuk 330+4D, Yap 350+4D



Time: Owing to the vast area covered by the islands, Micronesia spans two time zones:

Chuuk and Yap: GMT + 10.

Kosrae and Pohnpei: GMT + 11.

Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 691. Outgoing international code: 00.

Climate: Tropical with year-round high humidity.

Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens, with light rainwear advisable all year round.

Food & Drink: Local specialities include breadfruit (Chuuk) and thin slices of raw fish dipped in a peppery sauce. Pohnpeians have over 100 words for yams and grow them to massive proportions (it may take several men to carry one); yams occupy a central position in local culture. Although some dining rooms serve buffet-style fare, table service is usual and operates at a leisurely pace.
Sakau, as it is known on Pohnpei, or kava, as it is known throughout the rest of Polynesia, is made from the root of a shrub which yields a mildly narcotic substance when squeezed through hibiscus bark. There are several sakau bars where visitors can sample it and watch it being made. Alcohol is prohibited on Chuuk (with the consequence that nearby islands are often used as picnic resorts).

Shopping: Favourite purchases on Chuuk include love sticks and war clubs. Yap people produce colourful grass skirts, lava-lavas woven from hibiscus bark, woven baby cradles, betel-nut pouches and stone money. On Pohnpei, there are elaborate, carefully scaled model canoes and woven items. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700. Some stores open Sun 1200-1700.

Photography: Permission should always be sought. Though people are friendly, and usually accommodating, not to seek prior permission before taking pictures is considered an insult, especially on some of the more remote islands.

Tipping: Tips are neither encouraged nor expected.

Currency: Giant stone money remains in use on Yap, but not for ordinary transactions or any that are likely to involve visitors. For information on convertible currency, see Money in the Pacific Islands of Micronesia section. The US Dollar is the official currency. There are several US FDIC insured banks operating (although there are no banks on Chuuk) and most major credit cards are welcome at major businesses.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco...................600 cigarettes or 454 grams of cigars or tobacco

Liquor......................2 litres of alcoholic beverages

Perfume...................Reasonable amount for personal use

Agricultural items....Refer to Embassy of FSM

Currency..................U.S. dollars no restrictions

Prohibited items: Firearms and ammunition. Plants and animals must be declared and will be subject to restrictions.



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