This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, which covers U.S. Embassy Majuro as a constituent post. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in the Marshall Islands. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Marshall Islands page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Majuro as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The most common crimes are break-ins and thefts from homes, hotel rooms, and vehicles, as well as occasional random acts of vandalism. Keep your hotel room or residence locked at all times. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.

Although the Marshall Islands has a relatively low rate of crime, the number of violent assaults has increased over the past couple of years, including three homicides. Domestic violence and sexual harassment are common, and there have been periods of increased reporting of domestic violence and sexual assaults connected to awareness-raising efforts among human rights advocates in civil society. 

Occasionally, fights and assaults occur at nightclubs and bars. Travelers who visit those establishments, especially late in the evening, should be extra vigilant regarding their personal security.  Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Other Areas of Concern

Wear the appropriate safety equipment before engaging in water sports. Take local advice on safety at all times when diving, snorkeling, or participating in other adventure sports. Beaches tend to be rocky and have a lot of sharp coral. Only swim on the lagoon side of the island; avoid swimming on the ocean side due to strong waves and rocky beaches. Wear water shoes while swimming to avoid lacerations, which can become infected. If you are renting recreational equipment, ensure that it is sound.  While the surf is lower on the lagoon side of RMI atolls, currents can still be strong and water can be choppy, especially between the months of December and April.   

On outer atolls, there is no transportation for evacuation to the rudimentary medical facilities on the two atolls with hospitals, Majuro and Kwajalein. 

Cybersecurity Issues

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

There is one paved road on Majuro Island, but there are few traffic signs and no traffic lights. Signage or warnings of ongoing roadwork are rare. While driving, be alert for animals roaming the street and children and adults darting into the road without looking for cars, especially after dark. Remain especially cognizant of other drivers, who may not obey traffic signals/signs or stay in their respective lanes. Because there are few streetlights, visibility is poor, and night driving requires special caution. Roads experience temporary flooding after heavy rains and during especially high tides. Drinking and driving is common, especially on the weekends.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’swebpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation

There is no public transportation system in the Marshall Islands. All taxis in Majuro are shared taxis that stop to pick up and drop off passengers frequently. There have been reports of taxi drivers and/or passengers sexually harassing women in shared taxis. Women and girls should avoid riding shared taxis, particularly after dark, and avoid walking alone after dark.

Driving or walking on the road late at night can be dangerous due to poor lighting, the absence of sidewalks, and drivers who may have been drinking. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Republic of the Marshall Islands’ Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.

Travel between Majuro and the outer islands is by local air transport, which is unreliable, or by boat, which can be particularly hazardous from December to April. Flights and boats to and from outer islands are often canceled, sometimes leaving visitors stranded for one or more weeks.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Majuro as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting offcial U.S. government interests. The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any specific or credible terrorist threats specifically directed against the Republic of the Marshall Islands; however, in light of worldwide security concerns, always remain vigilant while traveling overseas.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Majuro as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

The Marshall Islands faces an array of potential natural disasters, such as tsunamis, typhoons, tropical storms, coastal flooding, and droughts. A slight rise in sea level can flood many of the islands and atolls. Typhoons that impact the Western Pacific region regularly begin as tropical storms in the Marshall Islands region. Although the typical typhoon season occurs from May through November, the Marshall Islands can experience damaging storms year-round. Monitor the weather closely during typhoon season, and depart if a strong storm is likely to affect the island.   

Mariners planning travel to the Marshall Islands should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be available on the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”). Avoid traveling to outer islands by small boats from December to March.

Economic Concerns

The Marshall Islands uses the U.S. dollar as its currency. Some businesses or hotels will not accept credit cards; internet connectivity problems are common and can prevent credit card transactions even when businesses are willing to accept them. ATMs are available but not always in service. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Personal Identity Concerns

Visitors should dress conservatively; Marshallese citizens typically dress very modestly, with tops that cover their shoulders, and pants, dresses, or shorts that fall below their knees. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

The Marshall Islands does not recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions. Same-sex couples lack legal recognition. The country possesses no laws protecting LGBT individuals from discrimination. Despite a lack of protections, there are no known reports of LGBT discrimination. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

While in RMI, individuals with disabilities might find accessibility and accommodation very different from that in the United States. There are no mandated rules for special support for persons with disabilities. There are few ramps, almost no sidewalks, and few operational elevators in the Marshall Islands. Medical facilities have generally limited and inadequate accessibility. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.                                                     

Drug-related Crimes

Alcohol abuse is common and can lead to assault, domestic violence, and vandalism.

Kidnapping Threat

There is minimal risk from kidnapping in the Marshall Islands.

Police Response

The capacity of local police to respond to and assist victims of crime and traffic accidents is limited due to a lack of response vehicles, radios and other essential equipment, and training. Remain calm and polite when interacting with the police to avoid misunderstandings. Report crimes to local police at 625-8666 / 3233

Medical Emergencies

Health facilities in Majuro and Ebeye are adequate for routine medical problems. There are extremely limited health facilities available elsewhere in the Marshall Islands. Most outer islands have medical dispensaries. Serious medical problems may require medical evacuation (medevac) to the United States. Serious medical problems requiring medical evacuation to the U.S. usually exceeds $100,000. Doctors and hospitals generally expect immediate cash payment for health services. However, the local cost for service is minimal. Overseas travel may exacerbate health problems, which may require a level of medical care that is not available in the Marshall Islands. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas. Find contact information for available medical services and air ambulance services on the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicine may not be available. Bring a sufficient supply of any needed medications as they will be difficult, if not impossible, to acquire locally.

Ambulance services are not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics, and often have little or no medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

Tap water is not safe to drink, and should not be used when brushing teeth. Safe bottled water is available in stores.

Majuro Lagoon has tested positive for E. coli bacteria. Take extra caution to avoid ingesting water when swimming in the lagoon.

Ensure that your Tetanus/Diphtheria (TD), Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR), typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and polio vaccinations are up to date prior to travel to the Marshall Islands.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for the Marshall Islands.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is no active OSAC Country Council in the Marshall Islands. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s East Asia & Pacific team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy and Contact Information

Mejen Weto, Ocean Side, Majuro

Hours of Operation: 0800 to 1730 Monday-Thursday; 0800-1500 Friday (except U.S. and local holidays)

Website: https://mh.usembassy.gov/embassy/majuro/

Embassy Operator: +692-247-4011

Emergency calls after normal business hours: +692 455-8213

Consular Coverage for multi-post countries

The Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines covers U.S. Embassy Majuro as a constituent post.

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix
• OSAC Travelers Toolkit
• State Department Traveler’s Checklist
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)