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Republic of the Marshall Islands - Consular Information Sheet
September 8, 2000
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Republic of the Marshall Islands
consists of two chains of coral atolls in the Central Pacific
with a total area of approximately 705 square miles. The Republic
of the Marshall Islands is a parliamentary democracy, constitutionally
in free association with the United States of America. It has
a developing agrarian and service-oriented economy. Tourist facilities
are not widely available, but they are adequate. Hotels exist
in the capital of Majuro and on Ebeye, the country's second most
populous island. Water shortages are common.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Visas are not required for U.S. citizens.
A valid passport, sufficient funds for a stay, and an onward/return
ticket are required for stays up to 30 days (and may be extended
for up to 90 days from the date of entry). A departure fee is
required. A health certificate is required if arriving from infected
areas. An AIDS test may be required for visits over 30 days. (U.S.
test are accepted.) For further information on entry requirements
for the Marshall Islands, please contact the Embassy of the Republic
of the Marshall Islands, 2433 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20008. The telephone number is (202) 234-5414. Also, please
see the home page for the
Embassy of the Marshall Islands at http://www.rmiembassyus.org/.
DUAL NATIONALITY: U.S. citizens may obtain dual nationality
at the discretion of the Cabinet of the Republic of the Marshall
Islands. For more information, please contact the Embassy of the
Republic of the Marshall Islands. In addition to being subject
to all Republic of the Marshall Islands' laws affecting U.S. citizens,
dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special
obligations on Marshall Islands citizens. For additional information,
please see the
Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http//travel.state.gov
for our Dual Nationality flyer.
CRIME INFORMATION: The Republic of the Marshall Islands
has a relatively low, but increasing crime rate. Most common crimes
are break-ins and thefts from homes, hotel rooms and vehicles.
Random acts of vandalism are also on the rise. The loss or theft
of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to the
local police and to the U.S. Embassy in Majuro. U.S. citizens
may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A
Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a more trouble-free
journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402 or via the Internet at http://www.access.gop.gov/su_docs,
or via the
Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Health facilities in the Republic
of the Marshall Islands are adequate for routine medical problems,
but they are available only on Majuro and Ebeye. Majuro has a
private clinic and a public hospital. Ebeye has a public hospital.
Most outer islands have medical dispensaries. Serious medical
problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to
the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors
and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always
valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs
do not provide payment for medical services outside the United
States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment
for health services. Uninsured travelers who require medical care
overseas may face extreme difficulties.
Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether
your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical
evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage. Serious medical problems
requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United
States can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Please ascertain
whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor
or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you
incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric
treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including
overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of
State's bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical
Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via
the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations
and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international
travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX
(1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign
country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ
significantly from those in the United States. The information
below concerning the Republic of the Marshall Islands is provided
for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate
in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor
Majuro atoll has a paved road, but there are few traffic signs
and lights. Drivers should be alert for animals roaming the streets
and children darting onto the roads. After heavy rains, some roads
experience temporary flooding. Vehicle traffic proceeds at a slow
rate, rarely over 25 miles per hour. Since visibility is poor
with few streetlights, night driving requires special caution.
Drinking and driving is a common practice, especially on the weekends,
so drivers should use caution.
For specific information concerning Republic of the Marshall
Islands driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory
insurance, please contact the National Tourist Organization offices
in New York.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has assessed the Republic of the Marshall
Islands' civil Aviation Authority as Category 1, in compliance
with international aviation safety standards for oversight of
the Marshall Islands' air carrier operations.
For further information, travelers may contact the Department
of Transportation within the U.S. at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit
the FAA's
Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/. The U.S.
Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air
carriers for suitability as official providers of air services.
For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers,
travelers may contact the DOD at tel. (618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: The Republic of the Marshall Islands
customs authorities strictly prohibit the importation of firearms,
ammunition, explosives and indecent publications. Certification
from the Quarantine Division is required for importing birds,
plants and fruits. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of the
Republic of the Marshall Islands in Washington, D.C. or one of
the Republic of the Marshall Islands' consulates in the United
States for specific information regarding customs requirements.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S.
citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which
sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States
and may not afford the protections available to the individual
under the U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more
severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons
violating Marshall Islands' laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled,
arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking
in illegal drugs in the Marshall Islands are strict, and convicted
offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The Republic of the Marshall Islands
uses U.S. currency. Most hotels and a few restaurants accept VISA
and MasterCard.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information
on international adoption of children and international parental
child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html,
or send a 9 x 12-inch self addressed envelope to the Office of
Children's Issues, U.S. Department of State, Suite L-127, SA-1,
2401 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, or telephone (202) 736-7000.
At present, there is a moratorium on child adoptions in the Republic
of the Marshall Islands lasting through January 2001 for non-residents.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or
visiting the Marshall Islands are encouraged to register at the
Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Majuro. The U.S. Embassy
does not have a street address in Majuro. The Embassy is located
on the ocean-side of the island's road, near the Church of the
Latter-Day Saints and Gibson's Express, "Long Island." The U.S.
Embassy's mailing address is P.O. Box 1379, Majuro, MH 96960-1379.
The telephone number is (692) 247-4011. The fax number is (692)
247-4012. The
U.S. Embassy home page on the Internet is http://usembassy.state.gov/majuro/.
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