The new visa waiver regime applies as of 20 September and provides for visa-free travel for EU citizens when travelling to the territory of the Federated States of Micronesia and for citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia when travelling to the EU for a period of stay of 90 days in any 180-day period.

The Agreement will encourage people-to-people contacts, boost tourism, and invigorate business between the EU and the Federated States of Micronesia.

In order to benefit from visa-free travel, citizens from the EU and the Federated States of Micronesia must be in possession of a valid ordinary, diplomatic, service/official or special passport.

The visa-free travel applies to all categories of persons and for any kind of purposes of travel (for instance tourism, cultural visits, scientific activities, family visits, business etc.), except to persons travelling for the purpose of carrying out a paid activity.

The Federated States of Micronesia joins the Republic of Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, Palau, Kiribati and Tuvalu for the visa-free travel to the EU.

Ireland and the United Kingdom will not be subject to the application of the Agreement, in accordance with the protocols annexed to the EU treaties. The visa regime to these member states remains subject to their national legislation.

(ENDS)

For further information, contact Mohammed Nazeem KASIM, EU Press Officer Suva, Fiji  Tel: +679 3313-633 Email: Mohammed-Nazeem.KASIM@eeas.europa.eu or delegation-fiji@eeas.europa.eu