Report on our FSM clearance experience at each of the four states of the FSM. You must clear in and out of each one as though they were separate countries. The main island of each state, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Yap are the only place you may check in/out. To make it somewhat more confusing a Cruising Permit aka Vessel Entry Permit is required and issued for the entire FSM. You must have this before arriving at the first port of entry. The Vessel Entry Permit is only issued in Pohnpei at the main immigration office, in person or via email and valid for 30 days. Renewals are free. When you reapply, send ALL the documents you supplied for the original application before your current Permit expires. You need only update the dates. Renewals can be made via email or at the local Immigration office of each island. If you are going to be delayed in arriving in the FSM after your permit has expired, reapply before arrival and keep your emails and docs.

As we previously commented, Kosrae in and out clearance could not have been easier, a grand total of $50US. The $25 quarantine fee was waived. Kosrae is working hard to make stopping there attractive to cruisers. In the past a corrupt official caused a lot of concern. He is long gone and a group of young, visitor-oriented officials are in place now. I can say I actually enjoyed checking in and out here. 24hr notice to depart.

Pohnpei clearance was also very easy. Contact port control BEFORE entering the port channel. You will need permission to pass the end of the airport runway, low flying aircraft and masts are not compatible.
Proceed to the dock as directed, all formalities are done there. No charge for using this dock for clearance in or out. Port Fees were $100US. No other fees, including departure. Like all the FSM states, they will want to see your entry permit and take copies of all your documents. 24hour departure notification required. This is also the port you can get your permit renewed in person, after a long taxi ride to the capital.

Chuuk clearance only required a bit of patience, the port control office does NOT monitor VHF, so its best to send emails or call immigration prior to arrival. We had several phone numbers for port control but they were never answered. (try Saileen Fango at 691-330-2242 or 691-930-4431 she was great on our check out) Tie along side the inside dock and wait for the officials, during working hours it will be a quick check in. Port fees were $25US, do NOT pay a dock use fee for check in/out. Anchorage fees are $25 for first 48 hours, then $10/day for the days you stay in Chuuk Lagoon. These two fees are paid on exit. The quarantine fee at check in was $25. No other fees for in/out clearance. 24 hr notice to depart.

Yap entry was very efficient. Send an email to YAP Port Control (Tino Sugwemal at pfsoyap@gmail.com or 350-2403 or cell 950-2283) at least 24hrs prior to your ETA. On arrival, on VHF 16, contact port control 8:30 to 17:00 prior to entering the channel. Tino will notify all the clearance officials of your arrival and direct you to the anchorage. You will be asked to come ashore for the formalities. Port fees were $50 paid on arrival. No other fees for departure. You may be asked to pay a quarantine fee of $25 if this is your first port of call in the FSM.

There are many atolls in between the state capitals, they welcome visitors like few other places we have been. Only Ant Atoll near Pohnpei required permission (and a fee) of it’s Paramount Chief, who lives in Pohnpei, to visit. With your valid Cruising Permit you are allowed to visit all the atolls along the way. Keep your Permit renewed, but be advised very few atolls have any internet, so you will have to use your SSB or Sat-phone to keep them current. Hopefully with the new president taking office, a longer duration permit will become available.