Asia and Oceania

Marshall Islands
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 04 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary (natural disasters) the addition of a Natural Disaster section, the Health section (Swine Flu) and the Contact Details. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Travel Summary

There is no British consular representation in the Marshall Islands. Consular matters are covered by the British Embassy in Manila, the Philippines.
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. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) carefully and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities. See the Natural Disasters section of this travel advice for more information.
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your travel policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

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. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Political Situation

Marshall Islands Country Profile

Sea Safety

You are advised to 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.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Local laws and customs

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.

For more general advice for different types of travellers see Your Trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

Visas are not required for British nationals visiting for periods up to 30 days. These may be extended twice, for a maximum stay of 90 days and each extension costs approximately US$10. But they do take time to arrange and you are advised to 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; tel: +692 625 6482; fax: +692 625 6771; E-mail: tourism@ntamar.com.

Passport validity

Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months on arrival.

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 further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact MIVA, PO Box 5, MH96960; tel: +692 625 6482; fax: +692 625 6771; E-mail: tourism@ntamar.com.

Health

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.

You should exercise precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see the HIV and AIDS.

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.

For more general health information see the Travel Health and the UK Department of Health. For food/drink hygiene see East and drink safely. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.

NATURAL DISASTERS

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 National Hurricane Centre for updates.

Please also see the “Tropical Cyclones” page of the FCO website for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a tropical cyclone.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain 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 Travel Insurance for more details.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.

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). However, Mr Ian Pickering is the interim Honorary Consular Agent and can be contacted on 692-625-7093/7092. Home phone is 692-247-4041 (692) 625 3828. If you intend to stay in the Marshall Islands for an extended period, you should register with the British Embassy in Manila upon arrival.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE.

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 Embassy in Manila. You should ensure that payment is made by remittance in Philippine Pesos via Western Union to the British Embassy (please contact the British Embassy for exact details before submitting your application). 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.

We advise you to keep a photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport, to avoid any complications.

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Contacts

Philippines, Manila, British Embassy

Address:

120 Upper McKinley Road
McKinley Hill
Taguig City 1634

Telephone:

(63) (2) 858 2200

Fax:

(+63) (2) 858 2237

Office hours:

Office hours (Local time):
Monday-Thursday: 08:00-16:45
Friday: 08:00-13:00

Office hours (GMT):
Monday-Thursday: 00:00-08:45
Friday: 00:00-05:00

Public opening hours ›

Website: http://ukinthephilippines.fco.gov.uk

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Marshall Islands