Getting to the Marshalls
International Airport: Amata Kabua International Airport.
Airport Tax: A departure fee of $20.00 U.S. is required except for children less than 12 years old and adults over 60 years old.
Distances and Flying Times
• New York 7,100 miles (11,400 km) 14 hours
• Los Angeles 4,800 miles (7,700 km) 9-10 hours
• Guam 1,500 miles (2,400 km) 8 hours
• Tokyo 3,000 miles (4,800 km) 11 hours
• Honolulu 2,300 miles (3,700 km) 4.5 hours
Airlines
The two main airlines servicing the Marshall Islands from abroad are;
United Airlines. United operates between Asia and Honolulu and provides a connection to the Marshall Islands in both directions see www.united.com
Our Airline. Our Airline operates between Australia and the Marshall Islands and also connects with Nauru and Kiribati. see www.ourairline.com.au
Within the Marshall Islands you can fly between the islands with Air Marshall Islands (www.airmarshallislands.com)
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Immigration
1. Generally, an application for a visa should consist of the following:
(i) Completed application form (with two recent passport size photos)
(ii) Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
(iii) Supporting documents:
(i) Letter from applicant – stating the purpose and duration of visit
(ii) Police record – must be dated within last 3 months
(iii) Health clearance – must show person is free from HIV/AIDS and TB; dated within last 3 months
(iv) Receipt – to show payment of application fee
2. Complete applications and supporting documents should be sent to:
The Director of ImmigrationPO Box 890
Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands, 96960
Tel: (692) 625-8633 / 4572
Fax: (692) 625-4246
Email: rmiimmig@ntamar.net
3. An application with all requested documents may take up to 14 days to process. If an application is incomplete or further supporting documentation is requested, the application may take up to 21 days to process.
B. PERSONS EXEMPTED FROM VISA REQUIREMENTS
Citizens of:
United States, Palau, and FSM. Also Diplomats, Members of International Organizations are granted exemption from entry procedures by the Republic (under the International Organizations Act), Member of a visiting force, including civilian component, member of the crew or passenger on any cruise ship or private vessel that will remain in the Republic for less than 7 days, member of the crew of any commercial aircraft that will remain in the Republic for less than 14 days, member of the official staff or household of a Diplomat, spouse or dependent child of any exempted person referred to the above.
These citizens may enter the Republic and remain in the Republic for the duration of time indicated on their visa issued upon arrival. A person may apply for an extension of a visa. The documents required will depend on the type of visa that the person is applying for.
(ii) CITIZENS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE ISSUED WITH VISITORS VISAS
UPON ARRIVAL:
Citizens of the Pacific Islands Forum countries, including Australia and New Zealand, Canada, European Union (includes United Kingdom), South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines who intend to visit the Republic (as tourists) may be issued with visitors visas UPON ARRIVAL in the Republic however, are not exempted from applying and providing Immigration with required documents to support their visa application and pay necessary processing fees.
A tourist visa is only valid for 30 days. However, a person may apply for an extension of a visitor’s visa upon application to the Director of the Immigration Division. An extension of a visitor’s visa may only be for a further 60 days with a fee of $10.00 USD.
(iii) CITIZENS WHO MUST APPLY FOR VISAS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL:
Citizens from ALL OTHER countries not listed in B (i) or B (ii) above must apply for visa PRIOR TO traveling to the Republic. Visitors Visa (V-1) requires a non-refundable application processing fee of $100.00 USD. The Business Visa (B-1) is for individuals with approved FIBL (Foreign Investment Business License) and requires a non-refundable application processing fee of $300.00 USD.
All visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months, must have sufficient funds for stay, and have an onward/return air or sea ticket. A departure fee of $20.00 U.S. is required.
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Customs
Travelers over the age of 18 may bring in 2-1/2 cartons of cigarettes, 2 liters of liquor and 8 ounces of chewing tobacco duty free. Customs declarations forms are required upon arrival. Importing firearms, ammunition and drugs is strictly prohibited. Certification from the Quarantine Division for birds, plants and fruits is required. Coral and turtle shell are prohibited exports.
For more information contact us:
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Getting around the Marshall Islands
Majuro: Taxis are a cheap way to travel around Majuro, with prices ranging from US$0.50 to US$35.00 depending on distance. On Majuro a ride-sharing taxi system is used, which means that you can stop a taxi already carrying passengers.
Please note: there are no current regulations for taxi prices on Majuro and you should check the price with the driver prior to taking any taxi ride. There is also a shuttle bus service running the length of Majuro departing every other hour from the RRE parking lot to Laura. The fare is US $2.50 each way.
Rental Cars:
A number of companies on Majuro Atoll offer a variety of vehicle types for rent including sedans, trucks, and minivans.
Contact details are as follows:
RRE Hotel Car Rental +692 625-5131 colettereimers@gmail.com
Pacific Wheels +692 625-7497 pwheels@piimajuro.com
MGAS Rentals +692 625-6559 hwangkum@hotmail.com
ELM Motors +692 625-3466 elmmotor@ntamar.net
G & L Rental Cars +692 625-3965 glent@ntamar.net
DAR Car Rentals +692 625-3174 darsales@ntamar.net
Majuro Motors, Inc. +692 625-4422 atcauto@ntamar.net
Outer Islands
The domestic airline, Air Marshall Islands, operate regular services from Majuro to several outer islands, generally on a weekly basis.
For the latest fares, timetable and booking information please contact:
Air Marshall Islands
P O Box 1319, Majuro, Marshall Islands, 96960
Telephone: +692 625 3731
Email: amisales@ntamar.net
Web: www.airmarshallislands.com
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Marshallese Culture
Marshall Islanders are known throughout the Pacific and the world for their friendly and peaceful nature. Sharing with family and friends, a warm welcome for the stranger and caring consideration for others are values inherent to the Marshallese culture. The people have nurtured these values over the centuries. Cooperation and caring are necessary elements of survival on these small islands, surrounded by the sea.
The concept of family and community thus remain inextricably intertwined in Marshallese society. People still consider grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and far-flung relatives among their closest family. The strong family ties contribute to close-knit communities rooted in the values of caring, kindness and respect.
Time has also introduced new elements into the culture. While the local population is mostly indigenous, there are many mixed German, Japanese and American Marshallese.
Cultural values and customs, or manit, make Marshallese society unique. Land is a focal point for social organization in this island nation. All Marshallese have land rights as part of a clan, or jowi, that owes allegiance to an Iroij (chief), is supervised by the Alap (clan head), and supported by the Rijerbal (workers). The Iroij have ultimate control of such things as land tenure, resource use and distribution, and dispute settlement. The Alap supervises the maintenance of lands and daily activities. The Rijerbal are responsible for all daily work on the land including cleaning, farming, and construction activities. The society is matrilineal and, therefore, land is passed down from generation to generation through the mother.
With the land to tie families together into clans, family gatherings tend to become big events. One of the most significant family events is the kemem, or first birthday of a child, where relatives and friends come together to celebrate with feasting and song.
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Geography
The Republic of the Marshall Islands is one of only four atoll nations in the world and is also one of the world’s youngest nations, independent only since 1986. The Marshall Islands consists of 29 atolls each made up of many islets and 5 islands in the central Pacific between 4 degrees and 14 degrees north, and 160 degrees and 173 degrees east. The atolls and islands are situated in two almost parallel chain-like formations known as the Ratak (Sunrise or Eastern) group and Ralik (Sunset or Western) group. The total number of islands and islets in the whole Republic is approximately 1,225 spreading across a sea area of over 750,000 square miles. The total land area is about 70 square miles (181 square kilometers). The mean height of the land is about 7 feet above sea level (2 meters).
Ratak chain:
Bokak(Taongi) • Bikar • Utirik • Toke • Mejit • Ailuk • Jemo • Likiep • Wotje • Erikub • Maloelap • Aur • Majuro • Arno • Mili • Knox (Nadikdik)
Ralik chain:
Enewetak • Ujelang • Bikini • Rongerik • Rongelap • Ailinginae • Wotho • Ujae • Lae • Kwajalein • Lib • Namu • Jabat • Ailinglaplap • Jaluit • Kili • Namorik • Ebon
Capital: Majuro Island, Majuro Atoll
Land Area: 70 square miles (171 square kilometers)
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Health and Medical Services
Majuro has one private clinic and one public hospital. Ebeye has one public hospital. Most outer islands have medical dispensaries.
It is advisable that you ensure you bring sufficient supplies of prescription and other personal medical requirements with you.
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Telecommunications
Satellite, telex, telephone, cable, facsimile and electronic mail are available. Communications with outer islands is by radio. Kili Island, Jaluit, Rongelap, Wotje, and Bikini Atolls have cell phone/satellite phone/fax systems available. International Roaming services are available from some countries and with some service providers. Please check with your service provider prior to leaving home. Local SIM cards and cell (mobile) phone rental services are also available for purchase or hire. There are several internet cafes located on Majuro and most accommodation providers offer wifi access areas.
(Source:The Marshall Islands Visitors Authority http://www.visitmarshallislands.com/)