Visiting the Federated States of Micronesia

Section 102 of the Immigration Act requires noncitizens to hold an appropriate entry permit, and section 103(1) then exempts any visit of 30 days or less. The FSM Embassy in Washington repeats the same rule: no permit for 30 days or less, a permit for anything longer. Carriers must make sure passengers hold proper documents, and passengers who do not are refused entry.

For a visit of more than 30 days, an entry permit may be issued for an additional period of no more than 60 days. Citizens and nationals of the United States, the Marshall Islands and Palau can be allowed visits of up to 365 days under the Compact arrangements. Section 103(2) also provides a visitor's permit for any lawful purpose, including short-term contract services, for the time needed to complete that purpose.

Under the regulations, a visitor who wants to stay beyond the first 30 days appears in person at the nearest immigration office with a written request giving the reasons, and may get 60 more days. A visitor entry permit for a stay beyond 90 days can be granted for a total stay of up to one year. Every visitor must show proof of onward travel, usually a ticket to a destination beyond the FSM, and may not sell or exchange that ticket without the Chief's written permission; the passport must be valid for 120 days beyond the authorised stay.

The Division of Immigration's form, completed in block letters or typed, asks for personal and passport details, the employer or sponsor in the FSM, accompanying family members, previous FSM permits, the purpose of entry with details of any business, places to be visited, length of visit and expected date and carrier. The checklist on the back lists a copy of the passport data page, one signed passport photo, a police clearance from the country of citizenship or residence issued within the last six months, a medical clearance (obtainable in the FSM), a notarised affidavit of support or dependency where relevant, and change-of-status documents where applicable.

Section 112 of the Act requires a fee with every entry permit application or renewal. The Immigration Regulations of 2005, published by the FSM Embassy in Washington, charge no fee for a short-term visit of 90 days or less and 25 US dollars for a long-term visitor permit; 5 dollars of every fee is non-refundable and the balance is refunded if the permit is denied.

A visitor cannot change status during the stay. Any change requires written authorisation from the President or his designee, departure from the FSM, and a new application on re-entry; marriage to an FSM citizen does not waive this. A permit can be denied or revoked for false information, certain criminal convictions or health grounds, among others. Entering or remaining unlawfully carries up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 dollars, or both.

Division of Immigration, Office of the Attorney General, P.O. Box PS-105, Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941, telephone (691) 320-5844. Outside the FSM, the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia in Washington publishes the entry permit form.