Micronesia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Micronesia enforces strict biosecurity: all food, plants, and animal products must be declared or face fines up to USD 500. The country also bans single-use plastic bags and Styrofoam containers. These rules apply to all arriving international travelers.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare if over USD 10,000 (local currency is USD). Use Customs Declaration Form (CDF) upon arrival.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods up to USD 800. Above that, duty is 10% flat rate.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs
  • Single-use plastic bags and Styrofoam containers
  • Firearms and ammunition without a permit
  • Explosives and fireworks
  • Pornographic materials
  • Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, turtle shells)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require prior approval)
  • Plants and seeds (require phytosanitary certificate)
  • Animals and animal products (require veterinary permit)
  • Drones (require prior approval from the FSM Department of Transportation)
  • Satellite phones (require a license from the FSM Telecommunications Division)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After landing, proceed to Customs. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare; use the red channel if you have goods over the allowance, cash over USD 10,000, or restricted items. Complete a Customs Declaration Form (CDF) regardless.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days allowed with a prescription. Controlled substances (e.g., codeine, diazepam) require prior approval from the FSM Department of Health.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Banned items include fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy from outside Micronesia. Processed and commercially sealed foods are allowed but must be declared.

Rules worth knowing

Plastic Bag Ban

Micronesia bans the importation of single-use plastic bags and Styrofoam containers. Avoid packing these items.

Biosecurity Declaration

All food, plants, and animal products must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in fines up to USD 500.

Duty-Free for Residents vs Non-Residents

Non-residents have a USD 800 duty-free allowance; residents have USD 400. The allowance is per person.

Alcohol and Tobacco Age Limit

You must be 18 or older to bring in alcohol and tobacco. Minors cannot claim these allowances.

Frequently asked questions

No, fresh fruits and vegetables are banned due to biosecurity risks. Only processed, commercially sealed foods are allowed, and they must be declared.
Personal electronics like laptops and cameras are generally allowed duty-free as personal effects. However, if you have multiple units (e.g., 3+ laptops), Customs may consider them commercial and assess duty.
Undeclared cash over USD 10,000 can be seized, and you may face a fine of up to USD 5,000 or criminal charges.
Yes, but you need an import permit from the FSM Department of Agriculture, a valid rabies vaccination certificate, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Quarantine may apply.
Kava (Piper methysticum) is allowed for personal use, but must be declared. Commercial quantities require a permit from the FSM Department of Agriculture.
Yes, gifts up to USD 800 total value are duty-free. If the value exceeds USD 800, duty is charged on the full amount above the allowance.
No, Micronesia does not have a VAT or tourist tax refund scheme.

Official source

Federated States of Micronesia Customs Service

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Federated States of Micronesia Customs Service before travelling.