See our Current Issues page for information on typhoons and monsoons.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict.  Homosexuality is illegal.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

There is no resident Canadian government office in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Canadians in FSM can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Australian Embassy in Pohnpei (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement) at the following address:

Federated States of Micronesia - POHNPEI, Australian Embassy
Address: H & E Enterprises Building, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
Postal Address: P.O. Box S, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
Tel.: 691 320-5448
Fax: 691 320-5449

The High Commission of Canada in Canberra, Australia, has consular responsibility for FSM. The address is as follows:

Australia - CANBERRA, High Commission of Canada
Address: Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
Tel.: 61 (2) 6270-4000
Fax: 61 (2) 6270-4081
E-mail: cnbra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/australia

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Canberra, Australia, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of the Federated States of Micronesia and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on March 24, 2006.  However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

For further information, contact the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia, 1725 N Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20036, U.S.A. (tel.: 202-223-4383/ fax: 202-223-4391/ e-mail: admin@fsmembassydc.org/ Web site: www.fsmembassydc.org).

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit FSM. The passport should be valid for at least four months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a return or onward airline ticket. Entry permits are issued upon arrival.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays less than 30 days)
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Not required

There is a departure fee of US$10 from Pohnpei and Kosrae, and US$15 from Chuuk.

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Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the U.S. dollar (USD). Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels and tourist facilities. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Federated States of Micronesia (capital: Palikir) are located in the north Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and Indonesia. The official language is English. They are composed of four states named after their main islands, and dozens of atolls extending over a large area of the north central Pacific. Tourist facilities and services are limited.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

All public medical services are provided from the local hospital. There are few medical clinics. Services are limited and should be used only in an emergency. Specialist services are extremely limited. Medical evacuation to Guam, Hawaii, or Australia is necessary for cases of serious illness.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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