Marshall Islands

Petty crime

The crime rate in the Marshall Islands is low.

Petty crime such as house break-ins, theft and assaults occur. Alcohol plays a role in most crimes, especially assaults.

Your risk of being affected by crime increases:

• at night
• early in the morning
• at isolated locations, such as beaches

Pay attention to your personal security.

Demonstrations and protests

Civil unrest is uncommon in the Marshall Islands. 

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Avoid protests and demonstrations.

Monitor the news and other sources for advice of possible unrest. Avoid affected areas.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This applies to adventure sports, such as diving and yachting.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Typhoons and severe weather

The Marshall Islands experiences severe weather, including tropical storms and typhoons, which can cause:

• localised flooding
• disruptions to services

The low-lying islands and atolls are less than 2m above sea level.  Urban centres are susceptible to flooding from waves and king tides.

The direction and strength of typhoons can change suddenly.

Typhoon season is from July to November, with peaks in August and September. However, typhoons can occur at any time.

To reduce your risks during typhoon season:

• know your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans
• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• contact your tour operator to check affected services

If the area is affected by a typhoon:

• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• access to ports could be affected
• adequate shelter may not be available

Contact your airline for flight updates.

To protect yourself during a typhoon:

• identify your local shelter
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor local media and the World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre
• keep in contact with your friends and family

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• Joint Typhoon Warning Center

Tsunamis

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis. However, the Pacific Ocean has a higher risk of large, destructive tsunamis.

*This advice pre-dates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in the Marshall Islands. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Measles

Due to the measles outbreak in the Pacific, to enter Marshall Islands you will need to present either a measles vaccination certificate or a letter from your doctor. This applies for travellers born after 1957 or those who are older than 6 months old. Ensure your vaccination is up to date. 

Insect-borne diseases

Outbreaks of dengue and Zika virus can occur. Some outbreaks can be serious.

If you're pregnant:

• talk to your doctor
• defer non-essential travel to affected areas
• monitor local media for health announcements

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Hepatitis A

Cases of hepatitis A have occurred since January 2017. It's a viral liver disease that can cause serious illness.

You can catch hepatitis A by:

• eating contaminated food
• drinking contaminated water
• having contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person

Get vaccinated against hepatitis A at least 4 weeks before you go.

If you're not vaccinated, handwashing is important to prevent hepatitis A. Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 10 seconds:

• after going to the toilet
• before eating
• before preparing food or drink
• after touching objects like nappies and condoms

Dry your hands on a clean towel.

STIs are common in the Marshall Islands. During sex, use condoms or other barrier protection.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is endemic in the Marshall Islands. You should seek medical advice on vaccination if your lifestyle places you at risk of infection.

Mumps

Outbreaks of mumps occurred in 2017.

Get vaccinated against mumps with the measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine (2 doses) before you go.

Other health risks

Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases are a risk.

To reduce your risk of illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads

Get urgent medical attention if you have a fever or diarrhoea or if you suspect food poisoning.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Hospital facilities and medical supplies are limited.

Medical evacuation:

• may be required if you're seriously ill or injured
• may be delayed due to infrequent flights
• can be very expensive

Bring enough medication for your entire visit.

You may need to pay up-front for medical services.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug-related offences, including marijuana use, are severe. You could get a long jail term or heavy fine.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

LGBTI information

Same-sex relationships are legal, but cultural attitudes can be conservative. Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI people

Dress standards

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative. Take care not to offend.

If you're a woman, wear clothing to covers your knees outside of resorts.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

The Republic of Marshall Islands recognises dual nationals.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can’t help you.

The following information will only apply once COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted.

Visitor visa for short stays

You'll get a 30-day visitor visa on arrival. You can pay to extend your visa at the Division of Immigration.

If you want to travel to Kwajalein, you must have an Entry Authorisation from the US Military.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the Division of Immigration for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Division of Immigration

Phone: (+692) 625 8633 or (+692) 625 4572

Facebook: www.facebook.com/repmarimmigration

Email: rmi_majuro@rmi-immigration.com

Travel via the United States

If you're travelling through the US, you must meet US entry or transit requirements. Check with your nearest US embassy or consulate.

More information:

• Travel advice for the US

Travel with children

If you're travelling with a child who isn't your own, carry a notarised letter of consent from their legal guardian.

COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Marshall Islands has announced the immediate closure of its border to all incoming passengers. This covers arrival by air and cruise ship. Departures are not restricted, though travel options are likely to be limited. Contact your airline and travel agent for information on travel disruptions.

For further information see the RMI Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the US Dollar (USD).

Driving permit

You can drive for up to 30 days with either:

• an Australian driver's licence, or
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

After 30 days, you must get a local licence.

You must carry your licence when you drive.

If you don't have a licence, your insurance may not cover you.

Road travel

Drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Driving can be hazardous due to:

• poorly maintained roads
• poor driving standards
• lack of streetlights

Road conditions can deteriorate after heavy rain.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check the Marshall Islands' air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Police

Call 625 8666 or 625 2333.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in the Marshall Islands. You can get consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in the Federated States of Micronesia.

Australian Embassy, Pohnpei

H & E Enterprises Building

Kolonia

Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Phone: (+691) 320 5448

Fax: (+691) 320 5449

Email phpi.mail@dfat.gov.au

Website: fsm.embassy.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in Micronesia

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia