Before you go to Marshall Islands: what to know
Must know
- Check the Immigration Division’s current nationality rules before travel: exemption, visa waiver/on-arrival and advance visas are separate routes.
- Carry physical onward/return-ticket evidence and enough USD cash; ATMs are few and not available at the airport.
- Dress conservatively and avoid touching war remnants on land or underwater.
Entry and visas
Entry route depends on nationality. US, Palau and FSM citizens have Compact-related exemptions; other visitors should confirm visa-on-arrival/waiver or advance approval with Immigration. Carry sufficient funds, onward travel and any onward-country visas. Do not assume one short-stay period applies to every passport.
Passport validity: Current Immigration VOA guidance: passport valid at least 6 months beyond intended departure.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: rmiimmigration.org ↗, rmiembassyus.org ↗, gov.uk ↗
Money
Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- Some hotels and businesses in Majuro/Ebeye accept cards; many others require cash. Bring enough cash rather than relying on ATMs.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: smartraveller.gov.au ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, visitmarshallislands.mh ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Do not use or carry illegal drugs; penalties can be severe.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: smartraveller.gov.au ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Respect local religious and community practices; cultural attitudes are conservative.
Clothing: Cover knees and shoulders outside appropriate resort settings.
Etiquette
- Ask before photographing people or cultural sites.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: smartraveller.gov.au ↗, visitmarshallislands.mh ↗
Climate
Hot, humid tropical climate. The main wet season is May–November; islands border the typhoon belt, and serious weather and drought can disrupt travel.
Month by month
- January: Jan: relatively drier; check island forecasts
- February: Feb: relatively drier; check island forecasts
- March: Mar: relatively drier; check island forecasts
- April: Apr: relatively drier; check island forecasts
- May: May: main wet season; monitor warnings
- June: Jun: main wet season; monitor warnings
- July: Jul: main wet season; monitor warnings
- August: Aug: main wet season; monitor warnings
- September: Sep: main wet season; monitor warnings
- October: Oct: main wet season; monitor warnings
- November: Nov: main wet season; monitor warnings
- December: Dec: relatively drier; check island forecasts
Best season: Plan around local forecasts and transport; allow flexibility for weather disruption.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: cia.gov ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
What to pack
- Clothing suited to the local climate
- Personal medication and copies of travel documents
- A cash reserve kept separately from cards
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Depending on a single payment method
Practical
Plugs: 120 V, 60 Hz; Type A/B sockets.
Water: Tap water is not always potable; use bottled or properly treated water.
Traffic: drives on the right
Insurance: Include medical evacuation and the specific remote-island activities you plan.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: cia.gov ↗, visitmarshallislands.mh ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.