Entry Requirements and Visas
All visitors must possess a valid passport. Passport validity requirements vary depending on your citizenship and length of stay.
Citizens of the United States and its territories, the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, Schengen area countries, and Pacific Islands Forum countries (including Australia and New Zealand) can enter without a visa.
Citizens of Japan, Korea, Taiwan (ROC), the Philippines, and certain other countries may receive a visa upon arrival, provided your intended stay does not exceed 30 days, you hold a round-trip or transit ticket, and your passport is valid for at least six months.
Citizens of other countries must obtain a visa before traveling. A tourist visa costs $25 and lasts three months, while business visas cost $50. Visas are valid for 30 days but can be extended up to 90 days once in the Marshall Islands. To obtain a visa upon arrival, email the Immigration Director at agoffice@ntamar.net with a copy of your passport, visa application, itinerary, and proof of onward travel. You will receive email confirmation of approval.
All visitors must demonstrate they can afford their entire stay and possess a departure ticket. There is a $20 departure tax, though visitors over 60 are exempt.
If you are arriving from a cholera-affected country, present an immunization certificate. If you plan to work, live in the Marshall Islands, or stay longer than 30 days, you must provide evidence of a negative HIV test.
Money, Currency, and Costs
The Marshall Islands uses the United States Dollar (USD) as its currency.
Visitor costs will vary based on accommodation and dining choices. Budget airlines and guesthouses offer more economical options, while international hotels and restaurants command higher prices.
Staying Safe and Emergency Contacts
Be aware of storm surges and high tides, as flooding is common due to rising sea levels.
For emergencies, contact the United States Embassy at +692-247-4011 or email MAJConsular@state.gov. There is also an Honorary Philippine Consulate available at +1 602 9-3490.
Health
Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
Staying Connected
Mobile phone service is provided by the National Telecommunications Authority (NTA). Visitors with a foreign SIM card may receive an SMS offering a local number. Simply top up your account according to the instructions to activate service. This may require multiple attempts.
Internet access is available through NTA's wifi hotspot network. You have three options:
- Purchase a time-limited connection card for $5 (50 minutes)
- Buy a fixed data amount online for $10 (100MB), activated when connecting to NTA-UniFi hotspots. Credit cards and PayPal are accepted.
- Register for monthly access at the NTA office for $35 per month plus a $5 setup charge, which programs your device's MAC address for access
Internet speeds can be good, though the system is not entirely reliable. Postal service is provided by the United States Postal Service.
The international dialing code for the Marshall Islands is +692.
Local Customs and Etiquette
The Marshall Islands has a rich cultural heritage rooted in Austronesian traditions. The two official languages are Marshallese and English. The majority of the population practices Christianity, with most followers belonging to either the United Church of Christ – Congregational in the Marshall Islands or the Assemblies of God. Respectful behavior toward local religious practices is appreciated.
As an island nation with limited resources, the Marshall Islands has a service-based economy. Being considerate of local environmental concerns, particularly regarding ocean and lagoon conservation, reflects respect for the community's way of life.