Marshall Islands Matkaopas
Olennaiset matkatiedot — hätänumerot, turvallisuus, valuutta, viisumit, tavat ja liikkuminen.
The Marshall Islands is a peaceful, low-crime nation, but its remoteness and limited infrastructure warrant a step above the very safest destinations. Most travel advisories urge a degree of extra caution rather than 'normal precautions only.' Medical facilities are extremely basic — Majuro Hospital on Majuro and the hospital on Ebeye handle routine care, but serious cases require costly medevac to Honolulu or Guam, so comprehensive insurance covering aeromedical evacuation is essential. Petty theft, break-ins, and occasional alcohol-fueled assaults occur, mainly at night. Packs of feral dogs roam some areas and can be aggressive. Inter-atoll boat travel and small inter-island flights operate to lower safety standards than Western travelers may expect.
United States dollar (USD)
Types A and B, 120 V, 60 Hz (same as the United States)
Tipping is not a traditional part of Marshallese culture and is not expected in most settings. A small tip for excellent service at a tourist-oriented hotel, restaurant, or dive shop is appreciated but never obligatory; rounding up is plenty.
The national carrier is the National Telecommunications Authority (NTA), which sells prepaid SIM cards and limited mobile data in Majuro and Ebeye; coverage and speeds are slow and patchy, and most outer atolls have little or no signal. Buy a SIM at the NTA office in Majuro on arrival, bring an unlocked phone, and don't count on reliable mobile data once you leave the main atolls. Many hotels offer Wi-Fi, but it is often slow and expensive.
Most visitors, including US, EU, UK, Australian, and Canadian citizens, can enter visa-free for tourism, typically for stays of up to 30 or 90 days depending on nationality (a visa-on-arrival/entry permit framework applies for some). A passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of sufficient funds are required. US citizens enjoy special status under the Compact of Free Association and may enter, live, and work without a visa, though work permits/eligibility rules still apply. Always confirm current rules with the RMI authorities or your nearest embassy before travel.
Right
There is no formal public bus network. On Majuro, transport is dominated by shared taxis — cheap sedans that follow the single main road and pick up multiple passengers along the way for a small flat fare; just flag one down. On crowded Ebeye, walking and shared taxis cover the tiny island. Renting a car or bicycle is possible on Majuro for more independence.
No ride-hailing apps operate; use the abundant shared/street taxis instead (flag them down or call a local taxi company)
The Marshall Islands sprawl across vast ocean distances, so outer atolls are reached by air or sea. Air Marshall Islands operates small domestic flights from Majuro's Amata Kabua International Airport to outer atolls, but schedules are limited and prone to weather delays and cancellations. Government and private supply ships (field-trip vessels) serve remote atolls infrequently and slowly. International access is mainly via United Airlines' 'Island Hopper' route linking Majuro and Kwajalein with Honolulu and Guam.
- • Marshallese society is built on extended family (bwij) and clan ties traced through the mother's line; land and identity pass matrilineally, and senior women and traditional chiefs (irooj) command deep respect.
- • Modesty is valued, especially for women — when away from resort beaches and in villages, keep shoulders and thighs covered, and women commonly swim in shorts and a T-shirt rather than a bikini.
- • Sharing is a core value: food, resources, and hospitality are freely given, and refusing an offer of food or a gift outright can cause offense — accept graciously, even just a little.
- • Take off your shoes before entering a home, and lower your head or stoop slightly when passing in front of seated elders or chiefs as a sign of respect.
- • Sundays are widely observed for church and rest in this strongly Christian (largely Protestant) nation; many businesses close, and loud or boisterous behaviour is frowned upon.
- • Ask permission before photographing people, homes, or village ceremonies, and always ask a local landowner before walking onto or across private or outer-island land.
Lightweight, breathable clothing suits the hot, humid tropical climate year-round. Beachwear is fine at resorts and dive sites, but cover up in town, villages, and especially churches — modest dress (covered shoulders and knees) is expected, and women often wear long skirts or shorts over swimwear. Smart-casual is more than enough for restaurants and government offices.
The Marshall Islands is overwhelmingly Christian, mostly Protestant (with strong United Church of Christ and Assemblies of God communities) plus Catholic and other denominations. Faith is central to daily life: Sunday is for worship and rest, dress modestly if attending a service, and visitors are usually warmly welcomed at church — singing is a highlight. Avoid scheduling demanding activities or loud entertainment on Sundays, and treat conversations about religion with respect.
Basketball and outrigger canoe sailing — Basketball and volleyball are hugely popular casual sports, played on courts across Majuro and Ebeye, and the islands field teams at Micronesian and Pacific Games. But the deepest sporting heritage is on the water: Marshallese are legendary navigators and canoe sailors, and the traditional outrigger canoe (walap and smaller proa) remains a point of cultural pride, celebrated in races and revival programs. Game fishing is a major draw — the Marshalls Billfish Club hosts tournaments in world-class waters — and the surrounding lagoons and reefs offer outstanding scuba diving, including famous WWII and nuclear-era wrecks in Bikini and Kwajalein lagoons.
May 1
Constitution Day
The Marshall Islands' biggest national celebration, marking the 1979 signing of the constitution. Majuro fills with parades, marching bands, wreath-laying, cultural performances, and inter-school field-day competitions, capping a week of festivities.
First Friday in July
Fishermen's Day
A national holiday honoring the islands' fishing heritage, anchored by the Marshalls Billfish Club tournament: boats head out at dawn for marlin, tuna, and sailfish and return at dusk to weigh their catches, with prizes and celebration on the docks.
Last Friday in September
Manit Day (Custom Day)
A celebration of traditional Marshallese culture (manit), featuring canoe building and sailing, weaving, coconut-husking and other contests, traditional food, dance, song, and demonstrations of customary skills passed down through generations.
First Friday in December
Gospel Day (Kurijmoj season)
Commemorates the arrival of Christianity to the islands, marked with church services and joyful singing. It opens the beloved Kurijmoj (Christmas) season, when communities form 'jepta' choir groups that compete in spirited gospel song-and-dance celebrations through December.