Safety and Security

Always maintain a high level of caution, be alert to any unusual activity around your home or business, and report any suspicious incidents to local police.

CRIME: Most crime in the FSM is petty theft motivated by opportunity and impulse. Sexual assaults do occur, but your risk can be reduced if you take basic security precautions. Do not attempt to intervene in disputes between local citizens. Some U.S. citizens report that local police appear to be less responsive to victim concerns compared to norms in the United States, particularly in cases involving burglaries.

Crime rates are significantly higher in Chuuk than in the other states; you should exercise extreme caution at all times, stay off the streets after dark. Drive with the car windows closed and doors locked. Ensure that the hotel where you stay is prepared to assist you in an emergency.

Dress conservatively. Modern swimwear may be considered immodest by local standards. Additionally, we suggest women travel in groups and walk in well-lit areas.

Unexploded ordnance from World War II remains in some areas. Exercise caution when diving in Yap harbor or Chuuk lagoon. It is illegal, as well as dangerous, to remove “souvenirs” from sunken WWII vessels and aircraft.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: Report crimes to the local police at 320-2221 for Pohnpei and 911 on all other islands. The numbers for fire assistance are 330-2222 (Chuuk), 370-3333 (Kosrae), 320-2223 (Pohnpei), and 350-3333 (Yap). Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

Keep in mind that the capacity of local police and fire departments throughout the FSM is extremely limited. There is often a significant delay for police and firefighters to respond to calls, and they may not be able to respond at all. Often, no one picks up when dialing emergency numbers, especially after normal business hours.

The capacity to investigate crimes is extremely limited and victims may wait months for an arrest, if ever. The justice system of the FSM is extremely slow and customary legal standards may not be applied. Court-appointed attorneys, as well as judges presiding over cases, may not have legal training comparable to that found in the U.S.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical
• support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts.
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
• See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.