FSM Visa Requirements 2026: US Citizens Visa-Free Indefinitely

(FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA) In 2026, most travelers can enter the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) without getting a visa in advance, but the length of stay and extension rules depend on your passport. U.S. citizens keep open-ended visa-free entry under the Compact of Free Association (COFA), while many other visitors start with 30 days and must deal with FSM Immigration if they want more time.

FSM is an archipelago of more than 600 islands spread across four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. The entry rules look simple on paper, yet travelers still get refused boarding or delayed at arrival for one common reason: passport validity. The baseline rule is a passport valid at least 120 days beyond arrival, and U.S. guidance commonly advises carrying six months of validity to avoid problems with airlines and onward routing. The U.S. government posts current practical advice on documents, health, and local conditions on its Micronesia country information page.

Where you fit: the three main visa-free tracks

FSM largely runs on visa-free entry, but the permission you receive at the border is not the same for everyone. Below is a concise breakdown of the main tracks:

• Separate Pacific arrangements exist: nationals of Palau and the Marshall Islands may receive longer permissions, including stays up to 365 days with an entry permit handled at the border.

Before you fly: the document check that prevents most problems

Airlines act as the first screen. If your papers don’t match the entry rules, you can be denied boarding before reaching immigration.

Plan around these basics:

• Passport validity: Meet the 120-day rule at minimum. If your passport expires soon, renew before booking nonrefundable flights.
• Onward travel: Bring a return or onward ticket that matches your planned stay.
• Proof of funds: Be ready to show bank statements or other evidence you can pay for accommodation, food, and domestic travel.
• Cash declaration: If you carry large sums, declare them as required. The guide flags $10,000+ USD as a key threshold to treat carefully.

For an extra official cross-check before departure, the Federated States of Micronesia Embassy site posts contacts and updates that many visitors use to confirm the basics.

Important: Airlines will often refuse boarding if your passport or onward ticket does not meet FSM’s entry requirements. Do the document check before you travel.

What happens at arrival: entry permission is issued at the border

FSM generally does not require pre-trip visa applications for short stays. Instead, an entry permit on arrival is stamped into your passport by an immigration officer.

Expect this sequence at the airport:

1. Complete arrival paperwork provided by the airline (FSM Immigration Arrival/Departure record and Customs form). Keep a pen in your carry-on.
2. Present your passport and travel plan to the immigration officer, including your onward ticket and proof of funds if requested.
3. Receive a stamp showing your permitted stay — e.g., 30 days, 90 days in 180 for eligible European travelers, or open-ended permission for U.S. citizens under COFA.
4. Check the stamp before leaving the counter. If dates or conditions are wrong, have the officer correct them immediately.

• Departure tax: FSM commonly charges a departure tax, varying by island, typically $10–$50 USD. Budget for it in cash on your last day.

Staying past 30 days: how FSM Immigration extensions work in real life

For many visitors, the biggest trip risk is misreading the exit date and overstaying. If you are not on the COFA track, treat your stamp as a hard deadline.

U.S. citizens do not need extensions because COFA permits an indefinite stay. For most other nationalities, extensions are available when handled early.

A clean extension request requires four parts:

1. Apply before your permission expires at an FSM Immigration office in Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, or Kosrae — don’t wait until the final day.
2. Give a clear reason for extra time (tourism, business, medical reasons).
3. Show financial support, such as bank statements or a sponsor letter.
4. Prove your exit plan with an onward ticket or rebooking confirmation.

• Typical extension fees: $25–$50 USD.
• Typical processing time: 1–7 days.
• Plan for possible delays: inter-island flights are limited and seats sell out; build extension processing time into your itinerary.

Warning: Overstays can be costly. The guide warns of fines of $50+ per day, possible deportation, and future entry bans. If plans change due to weather or medical needs, file the extension first.

Work, study, and longer residence: what “COFA privilege” does and doesn’t cover

The Compact of Free Association (COFA) is the reason U.S. citizens have the simplest pathway. Under COFA, Americans can enter and remain without a visa and live in FSM without repeated renewals.

Key practical points:

• COFA allows entry and residence, but local administrative or employment rules still apply.
• If you plan to take formal employment, expect local employer requirements and possibly additional paperwork for regulated positions (schools, public services, health sectors).
• For non-U.S. travelers seeking longer stays outside short tourist windows, pre-approval via embassies/consulates can apply in rare cases. Processing may take days to weeks — start 4–6 weeks ahead to avoid missed flights and wasted hotel costs.

Note: VisaVerge.com reports that island logistics (limited flights, tight schedules) often turn small paperwork delays into major itinerary problems.

Health and arrival screening: the part many travelers skip until it hurts

FSM does not list mandatory routine vaccines in the guide, but it strongly encourages preparation. The guide specifically flags these vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Tetanus-Diphtheria

Consider vaccines for Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis for rural or extended stays.

Practical health rules:

• Drink bottled or boiled water and avoid ice — linked to ongoing cholera risk.
• Medical evacuation is expensive and there is no reciprocal healthcare arrangement with the United States. Travel insurance that covers evacuation is strongly recommended.
• Arrival forms now pay added attention to symptoms linked to vector-borne diseases. If you feel sick, be honest on the form — later medical issues can affect immigration and extension decisions.

Managing expectations in 2026: stable rules, busier offices

As of early 2026, there are no major entry-rule shifts since the COFA renewal covering 2024–2044. The larger effect is system pressure: preliminary FSM statistics show visitor numbers up 15% in 2025, which can slow extension handling at busy times.

Practical compliance checklist:

• Carry printed copies of your onward ticket and hotel details.
• Keep a photo of your passport bio page and entry stamp.
• Set two calendar alerts for your exit date — one a week early.
• If you need extra time, visit FSM Immigration while you still have flexible options.

Key takeaway: Meeting the 120-day passport validity minimum, carrying proof of onward travel and funds, and applying for extensions early are the most effective ways to avoid denial of boarding, fines, or deportation.