Before you go to U.S. Outlying Islands: what to know
Must know
- This is a group of separate restricted islands, not a conventional tourist destination.
- Midway and Navassa are closed to ordinary public visits; Palmyra requires prior approval.
- The driving-side field refers specifically to Wake Island; follow each site manager’s instructions elsewhere.
Entry and visas
Check the exact island and administering authority before making plans. General visitation is not offered at Midway; Navassa is closed to the public. Private vessels may visit Palmyra only with prior USFWS approval, subject to operating dates and permit conditions. A passport or US visa alone does not establish permission to enter a refuge.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: fws.gov ↗, fws.gov ↗, papahanaumokuakea.gov ↗, fws.gov ↗
Money
Cash and cards are both common. Cards are rarely accepted.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- US dollars are the US legal tender. Arrange all charges and payment methods with the administering authority before departure.
- No visitor services are provided on Navassa. Do not assume retail, ATM or card facilities at remote refuges.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: federalreserve.gov ↗, fws.gov ↗, fws.gov ↗
Rules and bans
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Do not enter closed refuges or restricted areas without the required authorisation.
- Palmyra permits impose vessel inspection, waste retention and other biosecurity conditions; pets are not allowed.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: fws.gov ↗, fws.gov ↗, papahanaumokuakea.gov ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Follow the site manager’s instructions and respect cultural and historic sites.
Clothing: Pack clothing and protective equipment specified by your authorised operator.
Etiquette
- Do not disturb wildlife or remove historic objects.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: fws.gov ↗
Climate
These islands require island-specific planning. Palmyra has hot, humid conditions and abundant rainfall. Do not apply one Caribbean season or a single best travel month to the whole group; obtain local forecasts and approved access dates.
Month by month
- January: Jan: check island-specific forecasts and authorised access dates
- February: Feb: check island-specific forecasts and authorised access dates
- March: Mar: check island-specific forecasts and authorised access dates
- April: Apr: check island-specific forecasts and authorised access dates
- May: May: check island-specific forecasts and authorised access dates
- June: Jun: check island-specific forecasts and authorised access dates
- July: Jul: check island-specific forecasts and authorised access dates
- August: Aug: check island-specific forecasts and authorised access dates
- September: Sep: check island-specific forecasts and authorised access dates
- October: Oct: check island-specific forecasts and authorised access dates
- November: Nov: check island-specific forecasts and authorised access dates
- December: Dec: check island-specific forecasts and authorised access dates
Best season: Travel only within approved access dates and the site manager’s weather guidance.
What to pack
- Written access authorisation and operator instructions
- Medicines, emergency communications and evacuation arrangements
- Supplies specified by the site manager
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Arriving without prior authorisation
- Pets on Palmyra
- Removing wildlife or historic objects
Practical
Plugs: Confirm power supply and socket compatibility with the authorised site operator.
Water: Arrange safe drinking water and supplies with your authorised operator.
Traffic: drives on the right
Health: The driving-side field applies to Wake Island under 32 CFR 935.131; it is not a statement that all islands offer public road travel.
Insurance: Arrange cover for the exact island, authorised activities and remote evacuation.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: ecfr.gov ↗, fws.gov ↗, fws.gov ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.