23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Do not travel to Marshall Islands.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
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:
Pay attention to your personal security.
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:
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:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
The Marshall Islands experiences severe weather, including tropical storms and typhoons, which can cause:
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:
If the area is affected by a typhoon:
Contact your airline for flight updates.
To protect yourself during a typhoon:
More information:
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:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
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:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Marshall Islands.
More information:
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.
Outbreaks of dengue and Zika virus can occur. Some outbreaks can be serious.
If you're pregnant:
To protect yourself from disease:
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:
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:
Dry your hands on a clean towel.
STIs are common in the Marshall Islands. During sex, use condoms or other barrier protection.
Hepatitis B is endemic in the Marshall Islands. You should seek medical advice on vaccination if your lifestyle places you at risk of infection.
Outbreaks of mumps occurred in 2017.
Get vaccinated against mumps with the measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine (2 doses) before you go.
Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases are a risk.
To reduce your risk of illness:
Get urgent medical attention if you have a fever or diarrhoea or if you suspect food poisoning.
More information:
Hospital facilities and medical supplies are limited.
Medical evacuation:
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.
Penalties for drug-related offences, including marijuana use, are severe. You could get a long jail term or heavy fine.
More information:
Same-sex relationships are legal, but cultural attitudes can be conservative. Avoid public displays of affection.
More information:
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:
The Republic of Marshall Islands recognises dual nationals.
More information:
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
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:
If you're travelling with a child who isn't your own, carry a notarised letter of consent from their legal guardian.
Due to COVID-19, 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.
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.
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:
The local currency is the US Dollar (USD).
You can drive for up to 30 days with either:
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.
Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Driving can be hazardous due to:
Road conditions can deteriorate after heavy rain.
More information:
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:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
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.
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.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.
