marshallislands

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• British Nationals now require a visa to visit the Marshall Islands. A 30-day visit visa on arrival is available on entry at the airport.
  
  
• There is no British consular representation in the Marshall Islands.  Consular matters are covered by the British Embassy in Manila, the Philippines. See General - Consular Representation.
  
  
• Only a handful of British tourists visit the Marshall Islands every year.  Most visits to the Marshall Islands are trouble-free. 
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism in the Marshall Islands.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• The Marshall Islands are vulnerable to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, cyclones, floods and severe droughts. See Natural Disasters.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.

Safety and Security - Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime
There is a relatively low incidence of crime in the Marshall Islands. However, there have been reported incidents of petty crimes, including break-ins and non-violent theft. You are advised to take the necessary precautions to protect your belongings.


Safety and Security - Sea Safety
You should wear the appropriate safety equipment before engaging in water sports and take local advice on safety at all times when engaging in diving, snorkelling or other adventure sports. See our River and Sea Safety page.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Marshall Islands Country Profile

There are heavy penalties for all drug offences. Homosexuality is technically illegal in many Pacific countries, and the laws are occasionally enforced. Open displays of affection between same-sex partners may offend local inhabitants. See our Your Trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas
A departure tax amounting to $20 is payable at the airport. British Nationals transiting a US territory require an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). British Nationals require a visa to visit the Marshall Islands. A 30-day visit visa on arrival is available on entry at the airport. Those arriving by boat must also obtain a visa. 30-day visit visas may be extended twice, for a maximum stay of 90 days and each extension costs approximately US$10. You should consult the Marshall Islands Visitors Authority (MIVA) in advance of travel if you are likely to seek an extension of stay. Contact details are: MIVA, PO Box 5, MH96960; telephone number: +692 625 6482; fax number: +692 625 6771; e-mail address: 
tourism@ntamar.com.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Marshall Islands. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period ofsix months from the date of entry into Marshall Islands.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For more information contact the Marshall Islands Visitors Authority (MIVA), PO Box 5, MH96960; telephone number: +692 625 6482; fax number: +692 625 6771; E-mail address: tourism@ntamar.com.

Medical facilities are generally adequate for routine medical procedures in the Marshall Islands. For more serious or complicated problems, medical evacuation to Honolulu may be required.

Dengue occurs in the Marshall Islands and is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccination against dengue but there are preventative measures that you can take, as advised on the National Travel Health and Centre (NaTHNaC) website.

TB occurs in the Marshall Islands.  There are also reports of multi-drug resistant TB.  You should ensure vaccinations against TB are up to date.

You should exercise precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to the Marshall Islands and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See our Travel Health and Eat and drink safely pages and the UK Department of Health. and Eat and drink safely.

The Marshall Islands are vulnerable to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, cyclones, floods and severe droughts. Although these are rare occurrences, you should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) carefully and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities. You can also access the US National Hurricane Centre for updates.

See our “Tropical Cyclones” page for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a tropical cyclone.

General - Insurance
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake, including cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance, particularly if you plan to engage in adventure sports. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas, see our when things go wrong page.

General - Mobile Phones
International roaming is not currently available in the Marshall Islands. This means that your UK mobile phone will not be usable.

General - Consular Representation
There is no British consular representation in the Marshall Islands. Consular matters are covered by the British Embassy in Manila, the Philippines (please see Contact Details on the top right of this page).  If you intend to stay in the Marshall Islands for an extended period, you should register with the British Embassy in Manila upon arrival. 

General - Replacing your passport
If you require a new passport, application forms can be downloaded from the Internet. You should send your completed passport application form by courier to the British Consulate in Hong Kong. For more information, visit their website. Where possible, you are advised to apply at least two months before your passport is due to expire. You will be allowed to retain your old passport whilst waiting for the replacement to be issued and returned.

General  - Emergency assistance
In an emergency, please contact the British Embassy in Manila.


General - Consular Section - British Embassy, Manila

Consular section public hours and contact details
Submissions: Monday - Friday, 08.30 - 10.30
Includes: First time passport applications, Certificates of Non-Impediment (CNI), birth registrations and general consular assistance

Collections: Monday - Friday, 14.30 - 15.30
Includes: Certificates of Non-Impediment (CNI) and birth registrations

Emergency Consular Assistance: 08.30 - 16.00

Note: Passports application forms are available with the guards at the gate but completed forms should not be deposited with the guards.