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

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. If you feel any symptoms, tell your friends immediately. Ask someone you trust and know well to take you to a safe place. If a friend shows any of these symptoms, don't leave them alone. You may need to seek medical care.

Methanol poisoning

Locals and foreigners, including Australians, have died or become seriously ill from poisoned drinks overseas. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Methanol can be added or accidentally created during poor quality alcohol distillation and production. Protect yourself by making smart drink choices. Choose branded beers, ciders, wines and premixed cocktails in sealed bottles and cans. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been poisoned.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

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. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

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.

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 thousands 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

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

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

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

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

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.

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

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.

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

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

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. You may 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, waterproof place.

Due to the remoteness and limited transport to and within the Marshall Islands, a replacement passport may take longer to reach the Marshall Islands.

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.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information: 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

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

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 +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.

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