Marshall Islands
Phone Code
+692
Capital
Majuro
Population
60,000
Native Name
M̧ajeļ
Region
Oceania
Micronesia
Timezones
Marshall Islands Time
UTC+12:00
+1 more
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The Marshall Islands is a remote Pacific nation of 29 atolls and 1,156 islands scattered across nearly 2 million square kilometers of pristine ocean. This Micronesian republic offers travelers a rare glimpse into an isolated corner of the world where traditional navigation by stars and waves still thrives, where World War II wrecks rest in crystalline lagoons, and where the haunting legacy of nuclear testing meets resilient island culture.
Marshall Islands Visa & Immigration System
The Marshall Islands operates a straightforward visa-free entry system for most nationalities. The UK Foreign Office confirms that visitors from most countries receive visa-free entry on arrival for up to 90 days, provided passports are valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended departure date. According to the US State Department, travelers must hold confirmed onward tickets and proof of sufficient funds for their stay. The Australian government notes that extensions beyond 90 days require application to the Marshall Islands Immigration Division in Majuro. Entry is gained exclusively through Majuro's Amata Kabua International Airport or by yacht, with all visitors completing arrival cards and immigration processing.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry (90 days)
Tourism, business visits, family visits
Extension Permit
Stays beyond 90 days
Work Permit
Employment in Marshall Islands
Essential Information for Marshall Islands Travelers
The Marshall Islands represents one of the Pacific's least-visited yet most fascinating destinations. This nation exists at the intersection of ancient Polynesian heritage, devastating nuclear history, and urgent climate reality. The two parallel island chains—Ratak (sunrise) and Ralik (sunset)—comprise low-lying coral atolls averaging just 2 meters above sea level, making them among the world's most vulnerable nations to rising seas. Despite modern challenges, Marshallese culture remains vibrant, with traditional stick chart navigation, intricate shell jewelry craftsmanship, and outrigger canoe racing still practiced. Tourism infrastructure is minimal and prices high due to extreme remoteness, but adventurous travelers are rewarded with extraordinary diving among WWII wrecks, pristine outer atolls accessible only by irregular cargo ships, and authentic cultural encounters far from typical tourist trails.
Discover Marshall Islands
Ways to Experience This Destination
Liveaboard dive trips to Bikini Atoll's USS Saratoga aircraft carrier, battleship wrecks, and lagoon fleet. Requires advanced certification, significant budget, and flexible schedule. Combine nuclear test site history with world-class technical diving.
Visit battlefields, aircraft wrecks, bunkers, and gun emplacements across Mili, Wotje, Taroa, and Jaluit Atolls. Requires chartered transport, local guides, and historical knowledge. Offers unparalleled access to Pacific War sites.
Travel by cargo ship to remote atolls like Arno, Jaluit, or Likiep for homestays with Marshallese families. Experience traditional fishing, navigation, copra production, and village life. Requires patience, flexibility, and comfort with basic conditions.
Participate in reef monitoring, shark research, or climate adaptation projects through NGOs operating in the Marshall Islands. Combines scientific contribution with adventure travel in remote Pacific setting.
Money & Currency
United States dollar (USD, $)
Currency code: USD
Practical Money Tips
US Dollar (USD) is the only currency — Marshall Islands has no currency of its own; all transactions conducted in USD; bring sufficient USD cash from home as banking infrastructure is minimal outside Majuro atoll
The Marshall Islands uses the US Dollar exclusively — there is no Marshallese currency. This simplifies exchange for US travellers, but European visitors must obtain USD before departure. Exchange EUR or other currencies for USD at home, at an international airport, or via Wise/Revolut before arriving. There are no currency exchange facilities in the Marshall Islands outside of Majuro's two main bank branches. The country consists of 29 atolls and 5 islands spread across 1.9 million square kilometres of the Pacific — banking and ATM infrastructure exists only on Majuro and partially on Ebeye (Kwajalein Atoll). Carry enough USD for your entire visit, especially if travelling to outer atolls where there are no banking facilities whatsoever. Approximate exchange rate: 1 EUR ≈ USD 1.05–1.12.
ATMs only on Majuro atoll — Bank of Marshall Islands (BOMI) and Bank of Guam have branches in Majuro; no ATMs on outer islands or Ebeye; Visa and Mastercard accepted at ATMs; withdraw all needed cash before leaving Majuro
Bank of Marshall Islands (BOMI) and Bank of Guam have ATM-equipped branches in Majuro, the capital. Bank of FSM also has a limited presence. ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard. There are no reliable ATMs anywhere else in the Marshall Islands — Ebeye (second-largest population centre) has limited banking. Outer atolls (Arno, Jaluit, Mili, Maloelap, Wotje) have no banking infrastructure at all. Strategy: withdraw all the cash you need for your entire trip before leaving Majuro. Factor in costs for inter-island air travel (Air Marshall Islands), accommodation on outer atolls, boat charter fees, and meals. Card connectivity on outer atolls: zero.
Cards accepted at Majuro hotels, larger restaurants, and government offices — no Apple Pay or Google Pay; outer atolls and Ebeye are cash-only; most small shops, local markets, and boat operators accept USD cash only
Card acceptance in the Marshall Islands is limited to Majuro's main hotels (Marshall Islands Resort, Robert Reimers Hotel), larger restaurants, and some government offices. Visa and Mastercard are the standard. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not supported — NFC payment infrastructure does not exist here. Smaller guesthouses, local restaurants (Chinese-owned family restaurants are the main dining option), market vendors, and boat charter operators work exclusively in USD cash. On outer atolls, cash is the only option. Plan your budget carefully: accommodation on outer atolls is typically arranged through local guesthouses or homestays (USD 20–50/night) paid in cash.
Budget carefully for a USD-only, cash-dependent destination: guesthouse USD 20–60/night; local restaurant meal USD 5–12; Air Marshall Islands inter-island flight USD 80–200; boat charter USD 100–300/day; PADI dive USD 60–90
The Marshall Islands is not a budget destination despite its remoteness — isolation drives up costs for nearly everything. Accommodation in Majuro: USD 80–180/night at hotels; USD 20–60 at guesthouses. Inter-island flights (Air Marshall Islands, Twin Otter aircraft): USD 80–200 one way depending on destination. Local restaurant meal: USD 5–12 (Chinese restaurants and local eateries). Supermarket provisions: US-comparable prices for imported goods. Boat charter for outer atoll visits or sport fishing: USD 100–300/day. Diving: the Marshall Islands is known for WWII wreck diving (Bikini Atoll, Jaluit) — a PADI dive costs USD 60–90. Bikini Atoll (UNESCO World Heritage Site, nuclear test site) requires expensive liveaboard expeditions.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Cities with missions
Where this country maintains embassies or consulates
Explore different regions and their cities.
Embassies in Marshall Islands
These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.
Key origin countries
The Marshall Islands offers intrepid travelers one of the Pacific's last truly remote frontiers—where nuclear history meets pristine atolls, traditional navigation thrives, and climate change confronts paradise. From world-class wreck diving to cultural immersion in outer atolls, this isolated nation rewards those willing to venture far off the beaten path.
Check Marshall Islands Visa Requirements