Marshall Islands

The U.S. Embassy in Majuro
Located on the ocean-side of the island's major road, approximately two miles east of the airport (There is no street address).
P.O. Box 1379
Majuro, MH 96960-1379
Telephone: (692) 247-4011
Emergency after-hours: (692)-455 8213
Fax: (692) 247-4012
Email: MAJConsular@state.gov

Under the Compact of Free Association, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter the Marshall Islands. For international flights departing Amata Kabua International Airport in Majuro, there is a departure fee of $20 for individuals aged 13 through 59. For domestic flights within the Marshall Islands departing Amata Kabua International Airport in Majuro, there is a departure fee of $2 for individuals aged 13 through 59. Diplomats are exempt from departure fees. Visit the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ website for the most current visa information.

Visitors to the Marshall Islands between six months of age and 62 years (adults born in or after 1957) are required to provide proof of measles vaccination to vessel operators before travel or documentation of contraindication signed by a doctor. Failure to produce such proof will result in either denial of boarding or refusal of entry upon arrival to the Marshall Islands.

Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of the Marshall Islands. HIV testing is required for residence and work permits. Foreign test results are accepted under certain conditions

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Crime: The Marshall Islands has a low crime rate.

• The most common crimes are break-ins and thefts from homes, hotel rooms, and vehicles, as well as occasional random acts of vandalism. Keep your hotel room or residence locked at all times.
• The number of violent assaults has increased over the past few years, however, including three homicides.
• Occasionally, fights and assaults occur at nightclubs and bars. If you visit those establishments, especially late in the evening, be extra vigilant to ensure your personal security.
• Use caution when driving or walking on the roads late at night as drunk driving is prevalent and there are no sidewalks and little to no room on the sides of roads for pedestrians to walk. All taxis in Majuro are shared taxis that stop to pick up and drop off passengers frequently.
• There have been reports of taxi drivers and/or passengers sexually harassing women in shared taxis. Women and girls should avoid riding shared taxis, particularly after dark, and avoid walking around alone after dark.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at 625 8666 or 625-3233 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (692)-247-4011.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide information on assistance programs such as Women United Together Marshall Islands (WUTMI) ‘s Weto in Mour support service for women and girls who have experienced gender-based violence.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Advisories, and Alerts.
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
• See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Unexploded Ordnance: Unexploded ordnance (UXO) from World War II remains a problem in the Marshall Islands. Underwater UXO may also present a threat. Tourists are advised to heed all warnings on areas that might be affected. Travelers are advised to use extreme caution when hiking or scuba diving.

Storms and Disaster Preparedness: The Marshall Islands is in a region prone to storm surges. You should prepare for an emergency before you travel and monitor meteorological websites such as the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. For general information about storm seasons and disaster preparedness, visit the State Department’s website, as well as the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website. Travelers are advised to use these sites for reference.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the Marshall Islands.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance. While in RMI, individuals with disabilities might find accessibility and accommodation very different from that in the United States. There are no mandated rules for special support for persons with disabilities. There are few ramps, almost no sidewalks, and few operational elevators in the Marshall Islands. Medical facilities have generally limited and inadequate accessibility.                                                                                                                         

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: The RMI does not practice forced marriage or female genital mutilation. Domestic violence is an endemic problem in the country. Women and girls should avoid riding shared taxis, particularly after dark, and avoid going out alone at night. Women travelers should be aware of local modesty customs and dress conservatively while in public, with special care to cover shoulders and knees.

See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

For emergency services in the Marshall Islands dial 625-8666 or 625-2333

Ambulance services are:

• not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment
• not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment
• injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Medical evacuations from the Marshall Islands frequently exceed $100,000 and are subject to the availability of properly equipped aircraft.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Ministry of Health & Human Services at secchs.rmi@gmail.com to ensure the medication is legal in the Marshall Islands.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Proof of measles vaccination or signed documentation of contraindication by a doctor is a requirement for entry for travelers over the age six months and born after 1957.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

OPTIONAL stock language for Health section on special circumstances:

Health facilities in general:

• Public medical clinics are only available in Majuro and Ebeye but frequently lack basic resources and supplies. There are generally no healthcare facilities in other areas.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available.
• Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in the Marshall Islands.

Pharmaceuticals:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Water Quality:

• Tap water in the Marshall Islands is not potable and it should not be used even to brush your teeth. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Majuro lagoon has tested positive for E. coli bacteria. Use extra caution to avoid ingesting water when swimming in the lagoon.

General Health Language:

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Dengue
• Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Tuberculosis
• Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.
• There are shortages of medicine and medical supplies throughout the Marshall Islands.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in the Marshall Islands.

Road Conditions and Safety:

• There is one paved road on Majuro Island, but there are few traffic signs and no traffic lights.
• While driving, you should be alert for animals roaming the street and children and adults darting into the road without looking for cars, especially after dark.
• Drinking and driving is common, with increased incidences occurring on holidays and weekends.
• Walking beside the street can be dangerous due to poor lighting, the absence of sidewalks, and drivers who may have been drinking.
• Roads experience temporary flooding after heavy rains and during high tides.
• Because there are few streetlights, visibility is poor, and night driving requires special caution.

Traffic Laws:

• Vehicle traffic proceeds on the right side.
• The speed limit is 25 mph throughout the island, and there are multiple speed bumps so caution is necessary particularly while driving at night.
• For specific information concerning drivers’ permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, please contact the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Public Transportation: There is no public transportation system in the Marshall Islands. Shared public taxis are available in Majuro and stop to pick up and drop off passengers frequently. Travel between Majuro and the outer islands is by local air transport that is unreliable or by boat, which can be particularly hazardous from December to April due to strong currents and potential storm surges.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the Marshall Islands should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.