What You Need to Know When You’re Moving to Micronesia

Relocating to Micronesia

The Land and Its People

The four unique islands of Micronesia each have their own rich culture, history and stunning landscapes. Chuuk is the most popular of these idyllic enclaves and is well known for being one of the best scuba diving spots in the Pacific Ocean. Keen divers come from far and wide to explore the Japanese WWII wreckage and exotic marine wildlife beneath the surface.

Yap is the most traditional island; much of this tropical district has remained unchanged for centuries. The isle of Kosrae is renowned for some of the most breathtaking scenery in the islands. Pohnpei is home to a wealth of architectural ruins, including the ancient ruins of Nan Madol.

The growing expatriate population in Micronesia consists of mainly American, Australian, European and Chinese nationals. English is the most commonly spoken and official language of the country, with traditional tribal languages spoken in more rural areas.

Visas for Micronesia

Citizens of the US, other Micronesian and some Polynesian countries, such as Fiji and Tonga, do not need a visa to travel to Micronesia. However, people coming from other countries will need a visa to stay longer than 60 days. For stays over 30 days, entry permit is required.

Business visas and permanent residence permits can be obtained by getting in touch with the relevant Micronesian embassies. More information for residency visas, as well as further details about what documents and evidence you will be required to provide, can be found on the Micronesian Embassy  website.

Getting to Micronesia

The country can be easily reached by air or by sea. Each of Micronesia’s four islands is home to a modern, well-equipped airport. Guam and Honolulu both serve as the main gateways to these four airports. The flight times range from 14 to 24 hours, and United Airlines is the most prominent airline servicing the country.

Chuuk, Yap, Pohnpei and Kosrae are also all homes to major international seaports. These busy harbors make inter-island boat journeys a fast, affordable and easy way to travel to Micronesia from neighboring Polynesian, Micronesian and Melanesian islands as well as a host of south Asian countries.