Personal Safety
INBOUND INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS REMAIN BANNED THROUGH AT LEAST DECEMBER 5. OFFICIALS ARE CONSIDERING AN EXTENSION OF THE RESTRICTION THROUGH THE END OF 2020. THE GOVERNMENT HAS SUSPENDED NONESSENTIAL OUTBOUND AIR TRAVEL UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. SOME US MILITARY PERSONNEL HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO ENTER WITH A THREE WEEK QUARANTINE PERIOD. AUTHORITIES ARE REQUIRING ALLOWED CITIZENS TO QUARANTINE AT GOVERNMENT FACILITIES FOR 14 DAYS ON ARRIVAL, THOUGH SOME PEOPLE MAY HAVE TO QUARANTINE FOR UP TO 21 DAYS IF ENTERING WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION.
Note: this page contains basic risk information. For more details, please contact the Risk Services Office at risk@berkeley.edu.
If you are traveling to the Marshall Islands on University-related business, please sign up for the University’s travel insurance program by going here. For more information on the travel insurance program, please go here.
Because everyone’s health is unique, we suggest seeking the advice of a medical professional before traveling internationally. Members of the campus community interested in protecting their health while abroad may schedule an appointment with the University Health Services International Travel Clinic.
The geopolitical threat is considered low for the Marshall Islands. The Marshall Islands is politically stable and enjoys a well-functioning democracy with a mixed parliamentary-presidential system. Elections take place every four years. The most recent parliamentary and presidential elections, both held in December 2015, passed peacefully. The current president is Hilda Heine, who took office in January 2016 after former president Casten Nemra was ousted in a vote of no confidence after two weeks in office. The next general election is scheduled for 2019.
The Marshall Islands were not listed by the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) in 2017. There have been no significant reports of corruption among the police or other lower-level officials. A few incidents of corruption among high-level officials have been reported; however, this should not affect travelers.
Legal/Political
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.