Truk International Airport (TKK)
Truk airport is basic with few facilities. Check-in can be lengthy and your bags are likely to be searched due to the lack of x-ray scanners. There are big fines (minimum US$10,000) for anyone found removing any artifacts from the wrecks.
Visas and travel
For most visitors, a free 30-day tourist visa is granted on arrival in Truk, which can be extended for up to 90 days.
US citizens can stay for one year.
Passports should be valid for 6 months prior to the departure date and guests must have proof of onward travel out of the Federated States of Micronesia before they arrive. There is a departure tax of US$30, paid in cash, when leaving Truk.
You can fly to Truk Lagoon from either Guam or Hawaii depending on where you are in the world. It’s important that you have the necessary arrangements sorted out before you travel as you will need an ESTA or a US Visa if you are not American and transiting through Guam and Hawaii because they are both part of the US.
Flights to Guam depart from Manila, Tokyo, and Incheon.
The time zone in Truk Lagoon is GMT+10. Truk does not observe daylight savings.
Airlines to use
United Airlines — www.united.com
United flies their famous island hopper from Guam to Hawaii and Truk is one of the stops. Even though you are only transiting in Guam or Hawaii, you need permission to enter the US int he form of a visa or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
The Award Miles needed to travel to Truk Lagoon from United from the US usually sit around 70.000 return.
The offers from United Credit Cards are up to 70.000 miles. By paying your for trip with their card, you can effectively get a US$1500-$2500 return flight as low as US$22 in taxes.
Baggage Allowance
United allows up to three 32 kg bags when traveling to Truk Lagoon, depending on your status within Star Alliance and your departure city. If you are not a member of Star Alliance, look at your reservation for terms and conditions regarding your luggage.
Personal safety and health
There is a recompression chamber available in Truk which is manned by volunteers. The chamber is located on private land away from the hospital and has no supporting medical facility. The facility is basic and the availability of the chamber cannot be guaranteed. Serious DCI cases may therefore involve Medivac to Guam or elsewhere. Diving conservatively and having dive accident insurance which includes the cost of medical evacuation is mandatory.
There is a hospital available locally but it is basic. Ensure you bring any medication you need as there is a strong possibility that it will not be available locally.
C19-UPDATE 29 July 2023 : Palikir, Pohnpei (July 29, 2023) -- As its title suggests, this act removes the COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate that prevailed during the COVID-19 pandemic by virtue of Public Law No. 22-134. This amendment lifts the COVID-19 vaccine as a mandatory requirement for travelers entering into the FSM. The lifting of the vaccination mandate applies to everyone, whether FSM citizens, nationals, non-citizens, nonresident workers, diplomats, crew of vessels or aircraft, and contractual personnel of foreign governments and international organizations.
Truk is a malaria free zone and mosquitoes are not a problem on the boat but they can be annoying on shore, so consider bringing insect repellent.
Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika virus have all been reported in the FSM and are spread by mosquitoes.
It is recommended that your tetanus immunizations are up to date before traveling to Truk.
Resort contact information
Blue Lagoon Resort
+(691) 330 2439
bldiveshop@mail.fm
blresort@mail.fm
www.bluelagoondiveresort.com
Truk Stop
+691-330-4232
reservations@trukstop.com
www.trukstop.com
L5 Hotel
+(691) 330-7048/7049
admin@l5hotel.fm
www.l5hotel.fm
There are a number of hotels that can provide accommodation both pre- and post-cruise, two of which have their own dive centers should you wish to do any additional diving while in Truk. These are the Blue Lagoon Resort and the Truk Stop Hotel.
Cash is king in Truk, bring plenty of American dollars as the banks here rarely work. Bigger hotels will accept credit card payments and our expedition vessel does too.
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