Marshall Islands

The crime rate 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. Avoid walking alone at night.

Use caution when driving or walking on roads at night as drink-driving is common and there are very few footpaths, even in urban areas. 

All taxis in Majuro are shared taxis. There have been reports of taxi drivers and/or passengers sexually harassing women in shared taxis. Avoid riding in taxis after dark. 

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security 

Demonstrations and protests

Civil unrest is uncommon. However, public protests that draw large groups of people have a risk of turning 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. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This applies to adventure sports, such as diving and yachting. The public hospitals in Majuro and Ebeye do not have working hyperbaric chambers. 

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 or otherwise, don’t undertake the activity.

Typhoons and severe weather

Marshall Islands experiences severe weather, including tropical storms and occasionally 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
• RMI National Disaster Management Office

Tsunamis

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

Measles

Due to measles outbreaks in several regions, the Marshall Islands currently requires all children under 5 years of age to have their vaccinations for MMR (Measles and Rubella) up-to-date. This includes immunization for infants aged between 6 months and 11 months. Proof of vaccination must be presented on arrival or entry will be refused. Ensure your vaccinations are up to date.

Insect-borne diseases

Outbreaks of dengue can occur. Some outbreaks can be serious.

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. 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 Marshall Islands. Take safety precautions.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is endemic. Seek medical advice on vaccination if your lifestyle places you at risk of infection.

Mumps

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

The Marshall Islands is a remote destination. The availability of medicines and medical supplies can be disrupted. Ensure you bring a supply of all medications and medical supplies you require for the duration of your stay. 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 due to the Marshall Islands’ remote location.

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

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

LGBTQIA+ Travellers

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

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

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 and shoulders.

The Republic of Marshall Islands recognises dual nationals.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Visas

You'll get a 30-day visitor visa on arrival if you can provide evidence of an outbound ticket. You can apply and pay to extend your visa at the Division of Immigration.

In other situations, you'll need an entry permit to:

• work
• study
• stay for more than 30 days

Rules affecting your visit can change at short notice.

Fines and deportation may apply to those who arrive without evidence of a return ticket.

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
Email: majuro.doi@gmail.com

Border measures

Check with your airline or tour operator to confirm you meet all entry requirements.

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

Travel via the United States

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

More information:

• Travel advice for the US

Travelling with children

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

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

The local currency is the US Dollar (USD). While many business in Majuro and Ebeye take credit cards, others do not. There are only a few ATMs in the Marshall Islands. Carry cash with you. The airport departure fee must be paid in USD cash.

Driving permit

You can drive for up to 30 days with either:

• an Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted), 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

More information:

• Driving or riding

Sea travel

Sea travel is common in the Marshall Islands. But travelling by boat, especially on open waters between atolls, can be hazardous. Vessels and their operators often do not meet Australian safety standards. Vessels may not have enough life jackets for all passengers, may not carry emergency equipment and beacons, and may not be suitable for the proposed travel. 

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual maritime providers or sea routes.

To reduce your risk on boats, take appropriate precautions:

• check with your tour operator/crew to determine safety standards, provision of safety equipment and whether the vessel and the conditions are appropriate for the proposed travel, especially on open waters between atolls
• wear your own life jacket during travel and carry an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or personal locator beacon (PLB)
• avoid single-engine vessels and those with insufficient horsepower for the proposed travel
• avoid travelling at night unless the vessel is appropriately equipped, and the conditions are appropriate for the proposed travel
• monitor weather advisories, including for maritime craft advisories
• tell someone you trust about your plans, including when you expect to reach your destination or return.

Air travel

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 +692 625 8666 or +692 625 2333 for the Marshall Islands Police Department.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

You can get consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in the Marshall Islands.

Australian Embassy, Majuro

Office Suite 1, 4th Floor, NAPA Building
Uliga, Majuro
Republic of the Marshall Islands

Phone: +692 625 2285
Email: majuro.embassy@dfat.gov.au
Website: majuro.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Embassy Marshall Islands

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