- Local time
- 23:37 (capital)
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- Capital
- Majuro
- Calling code
- +692
- Drive on the
- right
Overview
The Marshall Islands are two chains of low coral atolls halfway between Hawaii and Australia: quiet beaches, diving and windsurfing, the capital Majuro and Bikini Atoll, the nuclear test site now on the UNESCO list.
The Marshall Islands are a small country of fewer than 70,000 people, spread over two chains of low coral atolls, Ralik and Ratak, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia. There are few big sights: the appeal is unspoilt tropical islands, good scuba diving and windsurfing, and warm hospitality.
History is everywhere. Kwajalein was a Second World War battleground and is now a US missile test range, and Bikini and Enewetak were US nuclear test sites; Bikini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ships sunk by the blasts and the crater of the 1954 Castle Bravo test. Some islands are off-limits because of the military presence or nuclear contamination. Majuro, the capital and largest town, is the gateway, with the quiet beaches of Laura at the far end of its atoll.
- Laura beaches: Quiet beaches at the far west end of Majuro atoll.
- Alele Museum: A small museum in Uliga with traditional stick charts used for navigation.
- Bikini Atoll: A UNESCO-listed nuclear test site with wrecks sunk by the explosions.
- Arno Atoll: Deep-sea fishing and the old Longar 'love schools'.
- Diving and windsurfing: The islands' main outdoor activities.
Places to visit
- City
- Island
- Historic site
Cities
- Majuro: The capital and largest town, with the international airport and a few hotels.
- Uliga: Part of Majuro, home of the Alele Museum and Public Library.
- Ebeye: A small island in Kwajalein Atoll with a few hotels.
Beyond the cities
- Kwajalein Atoll (island): A Second World War battleground, now a US missile test range; parts are off-limits.
- Arno Atoll (island): Known for deep-sea fishing and the Longar area's historic 'love schools'.
- Bikini Atoll (site): Former US nuclear test site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.
- Jaluit Atoll (island): An outer atoll: about 40 minutes from Majuro by plane, or 24 hours by boat.
Regions
- Ralik: The island chain that includes Bikini Atoll.
- Ratak
Things to do
See
- Alele Museum Uliga: Small but with fine cultural artefacts, including navigation stick charts.
Do
- Relax at Laura Majuro: Quiet beaches at the far end of the atoll, reached by an hourly bus.
- Scuba diving: Great diving; follow your dive centre's safety advice.
- Windsurfing: One of the islands' best activities.
- Deep-sea fishing Arno Atoll: Arno is a good place for fishing trips.
Eat
- Roadside food stands Majuro: Fruit and traditional food along the road from Ajeltake to Laura.
Shop
- Handicraft markets Majuro: Markets sell local handicrafts and fresh produce.
Holidays and events
- 1 January 2026 · New Year's Day
- 1 March 2026 · Remembrance Day
- 3 April 2026 · Good Friday
- 1 May 2026 · Constitution Day
- 3 July 2026 · Fishermen's Day
- 4 September 2026 · Labour Day
- 25 September 2026 · Manit Day
- 17 November 2026 · Presidents' Day
- 4 December 2026 · Gospel Day
- 25 December 2026 · Christmas Day
- 31 December 2026 · New Year's Eve
Getting around
| Main airports | MAJ |
|---|---|
| International driving permit | Recommended |
Air Marshall Islands flies between the atolls, but its small fleet is often grounded, sometimes for long periods. Field trip ships that collect copra and deliver supplies also take passengers. On Majuro, shared taxis run up and down the single main road and are cheap, and a bus leaves about hourly from the Robert Reimers Hotel to Laura. There is one paved road, with no traffic lights and few signs; drive carefully after dark, watch for animals and expect seasonal flooding. Canada advises carrying an International Driving Permit.
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Dishes to try
- Local produce: Breadfruit, pandanus, coconut, cassava, sweet potato, papaya and pumpkin, with pork and chicken.
- Fish: Marshallese waters were once known as the world's 'fishiest' place.
Majuro has several restaurants with international food, including Chinese, Filipino, Japanese and Indian places, and roadside stands between Ajeltake and Laura sell fruit and traditional food.
Entry requirements and visas
| Passport validity | At least 6 months from your date of entry |
|---|
| Passport | Entry | Max stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Visa free | 90 days | Visa waiver on arrival with a return or onward ticket. |
| Canada | Visa on arrival | Tourist visa issued at the airport; business and student visas must be arranged in advance. |
Other nationalities: check the official source below.
Bring a return or onward ticket and proof that you can pay for your stay. Children aged 4 and under need proof of MMR vaccination, and an HIV test is required to stay more than 30 days. If you travel through a US territory you need an ESTA or US visa. Customs: declare cash over US$10,000; firearms, ammunition and drugs are banned; birds, plants and fruit need quarantine certification; and coral and turtle shell may not be exported. Departure tax is US$20, in cash. Rules depend on your passport and can change: check with the Marshall Islands authorities before you book.
Money and payments
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
|---|
The Marshall Islands use the US dollar, divided into 100 cents. Keep some cash for the US$20 departure tax, which must be paid in cash at the airport.
Health
| Required vaccines | MMR for children aged 4 and under |
|---|---|
| Recommended vaccines | Routine vaccines, including measles (MMR), COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B (under 60; older travellers may also consider it), Typhoid, Rabies, only for some travellers: ask a travel clinic |
| Malaria | None |
| Tap water | Not safe |
Tap water is not safe: use bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. The CDC lists dengue and Zika, both spread by mosquitoes, so avoid bites; leptospirosis is a risk in fresh water and mud. Medical facilities are very limited: bring enough of your prescription medicines and take insurance that covers medical evacuation. Ambulance: 625 4142.
This is general information, not medical advice: check with a travel health professional before you go.
Safety
- United States: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (2026-10-20)
- Canada: Take normal security precautions (2026-10-20)
- United Kingdom: No advice against travel (2026-10-20)
Crime is low, but break-ins and theft happen: keep your belongings and passport secure. Wear a life jacket for canoeing, kayaking or fishing and ask locally before swimming or snorkelling; rescue services may not meet international standards. Storm surges and high tides often cause flooding. Canada places the rainy and typhoon season from July to November, while the UK says cyclones normally come from November to April but can happen at any time.
Customs and etiquette
Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions. Drug penalties are severe, with long prison sentences. Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely accepted.
Language
| Official languages | Marshallese, English |
|---|---|
| English | Common |
| Hello / goodbye / love | Yokwe |
|---|
What to pack
- US dollars in cash: For the departure tax, taxis and markets.
- Your prescription medicines: Medical facilities are very limited.
- International Driving Permit: Canada advises carrying one.
- Insect repellent: Dengue and Zika are spread by mosquitoes.
Quick reference
Country facts
| Capital | Majuro |
|---|---|
| Population | 36,282 (2025) |
| Area | 181 km² |
| Time zone | Pacific/Majuro (UTC+12), Pacific/Kwajalein (UTC+12) |
| Calling code | +692 |
| Driving side | right |
Staying connected
| SIM and eSIM | Buy a local SIM from the National Telecommunications Authority (NTA) on arrival; UK phones get no roaming. |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | NTA runs paid Wi-Fi hotspots with prepaid cards, online data or a monthly plan; speeds can be good but service is not fully reliable. |
Emergency numbers
| Police | 625 |
|---|---|
| Ambulance | 625 |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for the Marshall Islands?
UK citizens get a visa waiver for up to 90 days; Canadians get a tourist visa on arrival. Check the official rules for your passport before you book.
How do I get there?
Fly to Majuro from Honolulu, or on United's island hopper between Guam and Honolulu, which also stops at Kwajalein.
What currency is used?
The US dollar.
Can I drink the tap water?
No: use bottled water, even for brushing your teeth.
Can I visit Bikini Atoll?
Bikini is a UNESCO site, but some islands are off-limits because of the military presence or nuclear contamination: ask the tourism office before planning a trip.
Sources This guide was last checked on · 15 sources
- Wikivoyage: Marshall Islands · Overview, Places to visit, Things to do, Getting around, Eat and drink, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Health, Safety, Language, What to pack, Staying connected, Frequently asked questions
- Nager.Date: public holidays in Marshall Islands, 2026 · Holidays and events
- Government of Canada: Marshall Islands travel advice (updated 9 October 2026) · Getting around, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Safety, Customs and etiquette, What to pack, Frequently asked questions
- UK FCDO: Marshall Islands entry requirements · Getting around, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Health, Frequently asked questions
- Wikidata · Money and payments, Country facts
- ISO 4217 (SIX), published 2026-09-17 · Money and payments
- CDC Travelers' Health: Marshall Islands · Health, Frequently asked questions
- UK FCDO: Marshall Islands health · Health, What to pack
- US Department of State: Marshall Islands travel advisory · Safety
- UK FCDO: Marshall Islands travel advice · Safety
- UK FCDO: Marshall Islands safety and security · Safety, Customs and etiquette, Staying connected
- World Bank, SP.POP.TOTL · Country facts
- World Bank, AG.LND.TOTL.K2 · Country facts
- IANA Time Zone Database, zone.tab · Country facts
- UK FCDO: Marshall Islands getting help · Emergency numbers
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