Do I need international driving permit in Micronesia?

Although not required, if you are a tourist from another foreign country or a U.S. citizen, who intends to explore the city using a motor vehicle you rented from a local car rental company, you will need to have an IDP or International Driver’s Permit. The IDP is a document that translates your valid driver’s license into 12 of the widely spoken languages worldwide.

It is a document that the United Nations have agreed to as per the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic indicating the eligibility for the usage of every tourist’s valid driving license as a form of identification to drive in another foreign country. However, remember that only foreign drivers with valid driver’s licenses that still have remaining validity issuance of six months or more are allowed to drive.

Our IDP is even recognized in countries in the Oceania continent such as Palau, Marshall Islands, etc.

How to get international driving permit (IDP) for Micronesia?

The process of getting an IDP from us is straightforward. All you need to do is to follow these steps:

1. Click the blue Apply for IDP button which you may find on any part of the page.
2. Read each step written on the page before starting the entire process.
3. Prepare the following items: your valid driving license, credit card, and passport-size photo.
4. Fill out all the information that’s being indicated with the details that are written on your driver’s license. Always double-check as only your driver’s license is the identification card that’s needed here.
5. Indicate the type of license class that your valid driver’s license is allowed.
6. Upload a copy of your valid driver’s license, passport-size photo.
7. Then pay for your IDP fee by inputting the details of your credit card.
8. Once you’re done, you can wait 30 days for your IDP to get shipped.

Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae are the four states of The Federated States of Micronesia. These states are spread across the Western Pacific Ocean, the reason why the country is very rich in oceanic ventures—because of that, driving in one of the states could be your option.

Waterfalls at Pohnpei

Aside from having a majestic ocean, this country has also been blessed with numerous caves and waterfalls. You can hike to various caves and waterfalls in Micronesia, whether you are looking for a fall that is more than 100 meters in height, twin falls, falls you’ll discover through a challenging trail, or even those that are just 5 minutes walk from the roadside.

Some waterfalls in Pohnpei are, namely, PahnTakai Cave and Falls, Kepirohi Waterfall, and Liduduhniap Waterfall. There are other caves and falls that can be found depending on the location you wanted to go to and the type of activity you want to do.

Waterfalls of Kosrae

Another island you would probably love to visit and has nature’s exquisite gifts is the waterfalls, is Kosrae. Splash around the Waterfalls in Kosrae and take lots of pictures to bring home with you because the sight in this location is truly breathtaking! The two falls you can visit in Kosrae are the Sipyen Waterfall which is located in Utwe, and Saolung Waterfall, which just a few miles past Sipyen Waterfall.

There is also a cave in Kosrae, named Wiya Bird Cave, where thousands of Resident Island swiftlet birds reside. This type of bird only lives in this place. You will also find a pool of guano at the base of the cave, which locals use as a fertilizer.

Marine Parks in Walung

There are two Marine Parks in Walung that you’ll surely enjoy in this state, the James Palsis Marine Park and Utwe-Walung Marine Park. James Palsis Marine Park is located between the villages of Tafunsak and Walung in the state of Kosrae. This is a go-to destination for people who want to relax and see the clear marine life and the diverse ecosystems it can provide.

You’ll see unspoiled forests, mangroves, lagoons, and seagrass meadow ecosystems in this park. You can also unwind on the beaches near the park, which is accessible through boats. For those who are seeking an adventurous activity, move along the jungle trails by foot guided by the wild boar hunters! Utwe-Walung Marine Park is a protected biosphere in which the locals help preserve.

Both visitors and locals are educated about the mangrove and reef ecosystems in this park. This became the Pacific region’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2005.

Mt.Tonaachaw in Chuuk

Mt. Tonaachaw is located in the state of Chuuk, which is very near the airport. This mountain is a relevant place for the Chuukese culture and their history. Several archeological and prehistoric middens and forts were found on its summit, which was believed to be dated during 4,000 BC. It was also listed as one of the United States National

Traveling to another country, like Micronesia, is thrilling! However, it's crucial to understand the Micronesian driving rules. For instance, you need an international driver's license to drive in Micronesia. Remember, Micronesia has four states: Yap, Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Kosrae. Each state might have its own driving rules, so always check them before you hit the road.

Don’t Drink and Drive

Roads in the Federated States of Micronesia are not as large as the other countries, the reason why driving on its roads requires you to be very precautious. Drunk driving is very much illegal in this country. You must understand that the legal blood alcohol level in Micronesia is only 0.05%. If you exceeded this amount, you could get a fine under the category one misdemeanor.

Wearing Helmets are Required for Motorcyclists While Riding

If you plan to drive a motorcycle for going around the Federated States of Micronesia, remember to wear your helmet all the time while the motorcycle is in motion. Helmets will be for your own safety and to avoid causing major injuries, especially to your head, if ever an accident happens. Failure to obey this law will get you a fine under the category one misdemeanor.

Always Follow The Speed Limits

Each country has its own set of speed limits, and it will always depend on what kind of area you’re driving. In Micronesia states, the speed limit is only 40 km/h (25 mph) for all the roads since Micronesia has unpaved roads and 24 km/h (15 mph) when driving in school zones.

These speed limits must be observed anywhere you are in Micronesia to avoid violations. Following this will also save you from any unnecessary inconveniences.

Drive on the Correct Side of the Road

Always remember that on Micronesia, driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Please note that being a tourist who drives in another country does not excuse you from the road traffic rules in the country. Therefore, before you begin traveling around the country, check out the driving guide of Micronesia.

For Long Term Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Micronesia for longer than three months, an international driver’s license in Micronesia extension is not allowed. You have to understand that applying for a Micronesian driver’s license is already required as a replacement of the international driver’s license in Micronesia for your extension in the country.

Applying for your local driver’s license in Micronesia will require you to have a driving test, unlike in an international driver’s license in Micronesia. Just go to the nearest application center in one of the states of Micronesia and apply for the local driver’s license. This way, you’ll get to enjoy the beauty of the Federated States of Micronesia as long as you want.