Country guides
Australasia
Electricity
Standard voltage is 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.
Language
The two official languages are Marshallese, which is a member of the Malayo-Polynesian languages, and English.
Money
The country uses the United States dollar as its currency. ATMs are available at Majuro and Kwaj, but it is best to take US dollars, as many places don't have ATMs or don't accept credit cards.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in the Marshall Islands, but a 10 percent tip for good service is welcomed.
Health
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria and rabies vaccinations are advised for travellers. Travellers' diarrhea is the most common travel-related ailment. The cornerstone of prevention is food and water precautions, including not eating street food and not drinking tap water. Cases of dengue fever have been reported; insect repellents and precautions are recommended. Medical facilities are adequate for routine procedures, though more serious complications may require evacuation to Honolulu. Travellers should have adequate travel health insurance.
Safety
The crime rate in the Marshall Islands is low, but there have been reported incidents of petty crimes such as break-ins and non-violent theft. Visitors should take precautions to protect their belongings.
Local customs
Respect for elders and deference to their authority are very important codes of social behaviour in the Marshall Islands. Locals don't walk in front or upwind of their seniors and avoid elevating their heads above them. Visitors should ensure that they dress modestly, and behave less brashly than perhaps they are used to doing in their countries of origin. They should also check with the tourism office before visiting remote or outlying beaches, as locals might not appreciate the presence of tourists in these areas.
Doing business
The Marshall Islands' economy faces many of the same challenges as other small, remote island states of the Pacific, with aid subventions from the United States remaining essential. Attempts to widen the economy have had mixed results.
Industry is limited to handicrafts, tuna processing and copra, and agricultural production, primarily subsistence, is concentrated on small farms, with cocunuts, tomatoes, melons and breadfruit being the main products.
Duty free
Travellers to the Marshall Islands may import 600 cigarettes or 454g of tobacco tax-free. Visitors over 21 may bring in two litres of liquor.
Communications
The intenational dialling code is +692. Travellers can purchase local prepaid for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks. WiFi is available at hotels.
Passport & Visa
All foreign passengers to the Marshall Islands must hold return or onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Passengers should note that to enter Kwajalein, they must hold an Entry Authorisation issued by the US Military. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in the Marshall Islands. A 30-day visit visa is available on arrival at the airport.
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in the Marshall Islands. A 30-day visit visa is available on arrival at the airport.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in the Marshall Islands. A 30-day visit visa is available on arrival at the airport.
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in the Marshall Islands. A 30-day visit visa is available on arrival at the airport.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in the Marshall Islands. A 30-day visit visa is available on arrival at the airport.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in the Marshall Islands. A 30-day visit visa is available on arrival at the airport.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in the Marshall Islands. A 30-day visit visa is available on arrival at the airport.