Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Public drunkeness is a felony in Yap. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs, including marijuana, in the FSM are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

FSM customs authorities charge import taxes on cigarettes, tobacco, alcohol, gasoline, and other personal items that exceed the amounts allowed. All imports can be physically inspected by customs officials. Strict quarantine regulations restrict entry of plant and animal products. You should contact the Embassy of the FSM in Washington, D.C., or one of the FSM consulates in Honolulu or Guam for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Women Travelers: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBT events in the FSM, however Micronesian society is still very conservative and the LGBT community remains very discreet in general. For more detailed information about LGBT rights in the FSM, you may review the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. For further information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel, please read our LGBT Travel Information page.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report.

Persons with Mobility Issues: While in the FSM, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation vastly different from what you find in the U.S. Neither laws nor regulations mandate accessibility to public facilities, services, or accomodations for persons with disabilities. There are few sidewalks in the FSM. There is no public transportation. Taxis are run by independent operators that make no provision for people with disabilities. The national Department of Health and Social Services is responsible for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities; however, action is rarely taken to enforce these measures.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.