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

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Embassy in Majuro does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizen Services (ACS) unit cannot recommend a particular individual or location and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

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.

Crime Threats

There is minimal risk from crime in Majuro. 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.

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. There have also been an increasing number of reports of domestic violence and sexual harassment of women and girls. 

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.  For more information, review OSAC’s Report: Shaken: The Don'ts of Alcohol Abroad.

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. It is recommended to swim on the lagoon side of the island and to avoid swimming on the ocean side due to strong waves and rocky beaches. Wear water shoes while swimming to avoid getting lacerations, which can become infected. 

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

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.

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 around 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.

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

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is minimal risk from terrorism in Majuro. 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

There is minimal risk from civil unrest in Majuro.

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 the island is likely to be affected by a strong storm.   

Mariners planning travel to the Marshall Islands should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at www.marad.dot.gov/msci. Information may also be posted to 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 U.S. dollars 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.

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.

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.

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.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

Arrested or detained U.S. citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy at +692-247-4011. In the event of emergency situations after hours and on holidays, dial +692-455-8213to be transferred to an emergency duty officer.

Remain calm and polite when interacting with the police to avoid misunderstandings.

Crime Victim Assistance

Report all incidents of crime to the local police authorities at 625-6911. U.S. citizens can also contact the U.S. Embassy at (692) 455-8213.

Medical Emergencies

Health facilities in Majuro and Ebeye are adequate for routine medical problems. There are few/no 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. Consider purchasing supplemental medevac insurance prior to travel.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicine may not be available. Travelers are advised to bring a sufficient supply of any needed medications as they will be difficult, if not impossible, to acquire locally. For more information, refer to OSAC’s Report, Traveling with Medications.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Available Air Ambulance Services

Angel MedFlight Worldwide Air Ambulance: 17851 N. 85th Street, Suite 350, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255, Phone: International: (480) 634-8017; toll-free in the U.S.: 877-264-3570

Insurance Guidance

Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the U.S. can cost several thousands of dollars.

Doctors and hospitals generally expect immediate cash payment for health services. However, the local cost for service is quite minimal. Overseas travel may exacerbate health problems, which may require a level of medical care that is not available in the Marshall Islands.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

Tap water is not safe to drink, and should not be used when brushing one’s teeth. Safe bottled water is available in stores. For more information, refer to OSAC’s Report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?.

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 and the Pacific team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

U.S. Embassy Majuro, Mejen Weto, Ocean Side, Majuro

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

Embassy Contact Numbers

Phone: +692-247-4011 (business hours); +692 455-8213 (weekends, after-hours, and holidays)

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

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.

Embassy Guidance

The State Department encourages U.S. citizens traveling to the Marshall Islands to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices.

Additional Resources

Republic of the Marshall Islands Country Information Sheet