Marshall Islands Travel Information

The Basics


UTC +12




The two official languages are Marshallese, which is a member of the Malayo-Polynesian languages, and English.

Travel Health

Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria and rabies vaccinations are advised for travellers. Travellers' diarrhea is the most common travel-related ailment. The cornerstone of prevention is food and water precautions, including not eating street food and not drinking tap water.

An outbreak of dengue fever, a flu-like illness sometimes complicated by haemorrhage or shock, was reported from the Marshall Islands in October 2011. The cases have been seen almost exclusively in the capital, Majuro. Insect repellents and precautions are the best way to avoid such diseases.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection is reported, but travellers are not at risk unless they have unprotected sexual contacts or receive injections or blood transfusions.


Tipping is not customary in the Marshall Islands, but a 10 percent tip for good service is welcomed.

Local Customs

In the Marshall Islands, respect for one's elders and deference to their authority are considered to be very important codes of social behaviour. Locals are conditioned not to walk in front or upwind of their seniors, nor to elevate their heads above them. Visitors to the Marshall Islands should ensure that they dress modestly, and behave less brashly than (perhaps) they are used to doing in their countries of origin. To avoid causing a stir, foreigners should check with the tourism office before visiting remote beaches or outlying areas, as the locals might not appreciate the presence of tourists in these areas.

Duty Free

Travellers to the Marshall Islands may import the following goods tax-free: 300 cigarettes/75 cigars/225g of tobacco. Visitors over 21 may bring two litres liquor. Prohibited imports include guns and ammunition, drugs and pornographic materials.

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