Marshall Islands🇲🇭
The Marshall Islands is an island country located near the equator in the Pacific Ocean, representing a part of Micronesia. The country shares its maritime borders with Federated States of Micronesia, Wake Island, Kiribati, and Nauru. As the islands were historically occupied by USA, there is a good bilateral relationship between the two countries. Known for its unique traditions like stick dancing and chanting, the Marshall Islands offer breath-taking sceneries including Bikar Atoll known for its birdlife, and Arno Atoll with its diverse marine life. History buffs often visit the Bikini Atoll, an UNESCO World Heritage site known for nuclear tests. Visiting the local markets, exploring the islands' WWII history and enjoying the marine biodiversity are some of the recommended activities when visiting the Marshall Islands.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid drinking tap water. Always drink bottled water or ensure the water is properly treated or boiled before consumption.
- Avoid traveling during typhoon season between June and November. Always check the weather forecast before planning your travels.
- Avoid neglecting the sun safety. Use adequate sun protection as sunburn, dehydration and heatstroke can ruin your vacation.
- Avoid neglecting to take precautions against mosquito bites. Diseases like dengue fever are prevalent.
- Avoid neglecting travel insurance. It is essential as medical facilities may not provide treatment without upfront payment or proof of insurance.
- Avoid disrespecting local culture and traditions. Dress modestly and always ask for permission when taking photographs.
- Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas or any areas known to have high crime rates.
- Avoid swimming alone or in non-designated swimming areas. Ensure safety precautions when engaging in water sports activities.
- Avoid illegal activities. Drug offences are severely punished under Marshall Islands law.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or displaying expensive items. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings to prevent theft.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Although the crime rate has generally been low, there has been a slight increase in recent years, especially in the capital city Majuro. Crimes generally involve theft, burglary, domestic abuse and non-residential property crimes. The police force is limited and their ability to respond to crime scenes and provide investigations is restricted by lack of resources.
Terrorism 💣
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The Marshall Islands have a very low risk of terrorism, and there have been no significant incidents of terrorism in the country's recent history. However, the general global threat of terrorism still prevails.
War ⚔️
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Peace stands paramount, as the Marshall Islands never have been involved in any sort of war or conflict since the end of World War II, and there is no current threat of war.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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The Marshall Islands regularly face the risk of typhoons, particularly between June and November. Sea level rise, linked to climate change, is also a significant threat. The islands were severely affected by drought conditions in 2016, which led to a state of emergency.
Medical Care 🏥
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Medical facilities in the Marshall Islands are below western standards. The Majuro Hospital is the only major medical facility in the country. Specialists are limited and treatment for a wide range of situations may not be available. Patients often travel to Hawaii or other countries for treatments not available in Marshall Islands.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water in the Marshall Islands is not consistently safe to drink. The safety of the water can vary between and within islands, and contamination can occur due to outdated infrastructure and natural disasters.
Disease Burden 🤒
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The Marshall Islands faces several health concerns including high prevalence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease and obesity. There is also a significant threat of infectious diseases such as dengue fever and tuberculosis. In 2019, Marshall Islands faced the largest outbreak of dengue fever in its history.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is a concern in the Marshall Islands. In some cases, government officials have been implicated in corruption scandals. However, the country's Corruption Perception Index improved in 2019 compared to previous years.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Women in the Marshall Islands face issues stemming from societal norms. Domestic violence is prevalent and often goes unreported. While there are no travel restrictions for women, it is recommended to maintain personal safety practices.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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The LGBTQ+ community is gradually gaining acceptance in the Marshall Islands, even though the society is largely conservative. There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual activity or the organization of LGBTQ+ events.
Censorship 📺
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Media in the Marshall Islands is relatively free and reports regularly criticise the government without any major incidents of censorship. However, there have been reports of political pressure being applied on journalists.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation is limited to taxis, rental cars and boats. Traffic safety is generally good but road conditions can be poor in some parts. Boats and ferries are commonly used for inter-island travel. However, safety standards on local ships may not be up to international levels.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Though generally safe, the Marshall Islands does face some safety concerns such as petty crime, risk of typhoons and health concerns due to diseases. It is highly recommended for tourists to be cautious, respect local laws and customs, and stay informed about weather conditions especially during the typhoon season. Do purchase medical insurance before you travel, and always keep emergency numbers at hand.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
The United States maintains an embassy in Majuro. Most nations have their embassies in other countries nearest to the Marshall Islands, mostly in Australia, and offer consular services there.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Before travelling to the Marshall Islands, it is recommended to get vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella). Also, it might be recommended to get vaccinated for diseases like Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies based on specific travel plans.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
While the islands have no lethal land animals, one should be cautious of certain marine creatures like stonefish, jellyfish and crown-of-thorns starfish. Always be vigilant while swimming or snorkelling.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Visitors to the Marshall Islands must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket. Visa-free entry is allowed for certain countries for stays of up to 30 days.
💲 Currency
The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Money can be exchanged at banks and some hotels. It is advisable to have cash as not all places accept credit cards.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Major credit cards are accepted in the Marshall Islands at hotels, resorts and other tourist spots. However, it is recommended to carry cash as many smaller establishments, especially in remote areas, do not accept cards.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
The Marshall Islands is not a typical destination for work and travel, due to the limited job opportunities, small economy and strict work permit requirements. However, there could be options in teaching English, diving instruction, or nongovernmental organizations.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of travel and living in the Marshall Islands can be considered moderate. Accommodation and food tend to be more expensive due to the islands' remoteness. However, costs can be kept down with careful planning.