Kolonia, Micronesia - Embassy of the United States

Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Zika Virus Present in Kosrae

The U.S. Embassy in the Federated States of Micronesia informs U.S. citizens that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel notice for Kosrae regarding the Zika virus.

There is growing evidence that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is linked to a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other birth defects in fetuses and babies born to infected mothers. Zika may also be linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome, which can affect individuals of any age or sex.  Zika virus is typically a mosquito-borne illness, but there have been confirmed cases of transmission through sexual contact and blood transfusion. CDC recommends that women who are pregnant should not travel to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission. For general information about Zika, please visit the CDC website.

Monitor the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution on State Department's website.  Read the Country Specific Information for Micronesia. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist.”

Contact the U.S. embassy in Micronesia for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.

The U.S. Embassy in Kolonia is located at 1286 U.S. Embassy Place (near the movie theater), and is open 8:00AM to 5:00PM, or phone +(691) 320-2187.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance outside of business hours, the emergency after-hours number for the American Citizens Services (ACS) unit of the U.S. Embassy in Kolonia is (691) 920-2369.

Consular Services in Chuuk and Yap in April

Consular officer Bill Cook will be traveling to Chuuk and Yap to provide limited American Citizens Services such as passport applications, renewals, and birth certificates.  For Chuuk, these services will be offered in the Truk Stop restaurant on Thursday afternoon March 31 at 5pm.  There will be a meeting following this for those interested or who have consular questions at 6 pm.

In Yap, Bill will be at the Manta Ray Bay Hotel in the second floor conference room on Monday April 4 at 5pm for consular services. There will be a meeting following at 6pm for those with questions.

If you have any questions or are unable to come at the scheduled time, please contact the U.S. Embassy in advance at 320-2187 or by email at KoloniaACS@state.gov to make other arrangements.

Travel Warning: Worldwide

The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats.  Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions.  These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests.  This Travel Alert expires on February 24, 2016.

Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq.  Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis.  Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services.  In the past year, there have been multiple attacks in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey, and Mali.  ISIL/Da’esh has claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Russian airliner in Egypt. 

U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation.  Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowed places.  Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events.  U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.  Persons with specific safety concerns should contact local law enforcement authorities who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country.  U.S. citizens should:

• Follow the instructions of local authorities.  Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.

• Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.

• Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.

• Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Foreign governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions.  Authorities continue to conduct raids and disrupt terror plots.  We continue to work closely with our allies on the threat from international terrorism.  Information is routinely shared between the United States and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.

For further information:

• See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

• Call 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).

• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Elimination of Visa Page Inserts for U.S. Passports

The U.S. Department of State will no longer add visa pages to U.S. passports beginning January 1, 2016. Previously, U.S. passport holders had the option to pay for the insertion of additional 24-page visa inserts when valid passports lacked adequate space for entry or exit visa stamps. The decision to discontinue this service was made to enhance the security of the passport and to abide by international passport standards.

The Department began issuing 52-page passports to all applicants outside the United States on October 1, 2014 for no additional cost. Requests for additional 24-page visa inserts will only be accepted until December 31, 2015.  Beginning January 1, 2016, applicants in need of additional pages in their valid passports must obtain a new passport.