Marshall Islands

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 625 8666 or 625-3233 for police. 
• Dial 625-4144 for an ambulance in Majuro, the capital.

Unexploded Ordnance and landmines 

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.

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 always locked.
• Fights and assaults occur sometimes at nightclubs and bars. If you visit those establishments, especially late in the evening, stay aware of your surroundings.
• Use caution when driving or walking on the roads late at night as drunk driving is common. 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 or passengers sexually harassing women in shared taxis. Women and girls should avoid riding shared taxis, particularly after dark. Avoid walking around alone after dark.

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 625-8666 or 625-3233. 

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.  Local prosecutions can take a long time, even years.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. Local prosecutions can take a long time, even years.

Feral Dogs

• There is a high number of roaming dogs in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Few private properties have fences, so dogs chase cars or follow walkers when passing by. There is no rabies in the Marshall Islands; however, dog bites have been reported.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Drone use is restricted near the airport in Majuro and all of Kwajalein Atoll.

GPS

GPS coverage and mapping detail in the Republic of Marshall Islands may be limited, especially outside of Majuro an Ebeye.  

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe. 
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs. 
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel 

Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and island hopping are popular activities.

• Infrastructure for adventure tourism is limited compared to more developed destinations.
• Medical facilities are basic. Majuro does not have a decompression  or hyperbaric chamber.
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Republic of Marshall Islands, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.
  

Arrest notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in the Marshall Islands.

• Social acceptance may be limited.  Use discretion and respect local customs. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in the Marshall Islands does not prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities.

• There are all types of accessibility issues from accessible facilities, information, and communication, access to services, or ease of movement. 
• Expect accessibility to be limited in transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure.
• General public sentiment around disability is disabled people exist, but little special accommodation is possible due to lack of resources.
• There are no mandated rules for special support for people with disabilities.
• There are few ramps, almost no sidewalks, and few operational elevators in the Marshall Islands.
• Medical facilities are generally limited and inadequate accessibility. 
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

The Marshall Islands does not practice forced marriage or female genital mutilation. 

• Domestic violence is a common problem in the country.
• Women and girls should avoid riding shared taxis, particularly after dark. Avoid going out alone at night.
• Be aware of local modesty customs. Dress conservatively while in public, with special care to cover shoulders and knees.
• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Marshall Islands Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

Dial 625-4543 or 625-4144 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor. 

• Ambulances have little or no advanced medical equipment.
• They are not staffed with trained paramedics.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Medical evacuations from the Marshall Islands frequently exceed $100,000 and are subject to the availability of properly equipped aircraft.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in the Marshall Islands. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Vaccinations

• Measles: Cases are rising in many countries around the world. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
• Yellow fever: You do not need a vaccine to enter Marshall Islands if you are traveling directly from the United States.  If you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic, you may be asked to show proof of vaccination. 

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities 

Health facilities are available in Majuro and Ebeye, but do not meet Western standards. Basic diagnostic tools including CT scans are sometimes available. In more rural areas, access to health care is even more restricted.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic diagnostic and treatment resources for any conditions beyond the most common ones.
• When seeking medical care, especially via the emergency room or for hospital admissions, payment is expected upfront prior to services.
• Hospital resource-restrictions result in staffing shortages, especially overnight. Having a family member meet basic needs for those who are hospitalized is a cultural expectation.
• Hospitalizations for children require a family member attendant.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited.

Prescription medications 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Check with the Ministry of Health and Human Services at HR-Majuro@rmihealth.org to ensure the medication is legal in the Marshall Islands. 
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

Surrogacy is not regulated under Marshallese law. 

• If you are considering traveling to the Marshall Islands to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in the Marshall Islands with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.  Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Marshall Island courts.

Water quality and food safety 

• Tap water is generally not safe to drink or use in cooking.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Majuro lagoon has tested positive for E. coli bacteria.
• Use extra caution to avoid ingesting water when swimming in the lagoon.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

There is 1 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 and increases during holidays and weekends.
• Walking beside the street can be dangerous due to poor lighting, no 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. Night driving requires special caution.

Traffic laws  

• The speed limit is 25 mph throughout the island. 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.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Shared public taxis are available in Majuro to pick up and drop off passengers frequently.

Public and commercial transportation 

There is no public transportation in the Marshall Islands

• Travel between Majuro and the outer islands is by local air transport that is unreliable. 
• Travel is also available by boat, but this can be particularly dangerous from December to April due to strong currents and potential storm surges.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight 

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Marshall Island’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.
• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to the Republic of the Marshalls Islands should check the following:  

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather Conditions

The Republic of the Marshall Islands is vulnerable to several types of weather events and natural disasters.

• Typhoons or tropical cyclones: The likelihood of occurring is moderate. Marshall Islands is on the edge of the main typhoon belt, so direct hits are less frequent than in some Pacific neighbors. But the risk remains, particularly from May to November.  
• Flooding: The likelihood is high, especially in low-lying atolls and during periods of high king tides. 
• Drought: It can occur at any time but is more likely during El Nino events. The RMI Weather Service issues drought advisories. The government may coordinate water rationing and distribution of emergency water supplies.

Storms and disaster preparedness

The Marshall Islands is in a region where storm surges are common.

• Prepare for an emergency before you travel.  
• 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.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates