Transportation

ROAD CONDITIONS AND SAFETY: While in the FSM, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Most roads in the FSM are in very poor condition. When traffic accidents happen, they often result in fatalities or serious injuries. The information below concerning the FSM is provided for general reference only, and may not be accurate in all locations and circumstances.

Traffic Laws: Speed limits throughout the FSM are very low: 20-25 miles per hour (mph) in most places; 15 mph in school zones when children are present. The actual driving speed may be even lower; it is not uncommon for drivers to drive at 5 to 10 mph, even when there is no traffic. Drivers may stop in the roadway without warning to talk to someone on the side of the road.

Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, as in the United States. However, the majority of vehicles in FSM are right-hand drive vehicles imported from Japan. Drivers in these vehicles do not have an optimum field of vision, which can interfere with driving maneuvers and drivers’ ability to establish visual contact with other road users.

If you intend to reside in the FSM, you should acquire a local driver’s license with the State Police. In most cases, the police will issue a local license to anyone who presents a U.S. driver’s license. If you will be in the FSM temporarily, a U.S. driver’s license itself is sufficient to rent a car and drive for the duration of your visit.

Road Conditions and Safety: Most roads are narrow and without sidewalks, creating hazards for both drivers and the FSM’s numerous pedestrians. There are very few street lights, so road visibility is difficult for night driving, and pedestrians may dress in dark clothing, making them especially hard to see at night. Most roads are in very poor condition, with potholes and little or no shoulder to pull to the side. Roads outside towns are mostly unpaved. All roads are used simultaneously by pedestrians, children playing, animals, and vehicles. Road conditions can worsen significantly after heavy rains, which occur frequently. Travel by bicycle is hampered by the lack of shoulders on the roads and the presence of many dogs on the island.

There is no formal training in road safety or driving, so many drivers are unaware of road safety rules. Drivers often make sudden turns or stop without warning to chat with or pick up pedestrians. Motorcyclists are required by law to wear helmets, though this is rarely enforced.

Public Transportation: Taxis are available in state capitals, but you should always be careful since many taxi drivers are reckless.

United Airlines is the primary commercial carrier connecting the FSM to the United States. Flight schedules and routes are limited and subject to change. There is only one alternative carrier, Air Nauru, limited to Pohnpei and Kosrae if flights are canceled or missed. Flights are often fully booked and aircraft weight is an issue due to short runways and the type of aircraft used. Because of these limitations and the numerous transit stops (typical routing to Kolonia, for instance, is via Honolulu with stops in Majuro, Kwajalein, and Kosrae; or via Guam with a stop in Chuuk), with passengers disembarking and embarking at each stop, baggage sometimes may not be loaded or may be off-loaded by mistake and left behind at an intermediate stop. You should keep these logistical challenges in mind when traveling in the region. Missing baggage should be reported immediately to United Airlines ground personnel before onward flight departure.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Micronesia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of the FSM’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.