United States Visa RequirementsFor Marshall Islands passport holders
Citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands have the right to freely enter, live, work, and study in the United States under the Compact of Free Association. No visa, ESTA, or prior authorization is required. Present a valid Marshallese passport at any US port of entry.
Great news! Marshall Islands passport holders can enter United States without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
No visa, ESTA, or advance authorization is needed for Marshallese citizens. Present a valid Republic of the Marshall Islands passport at any US port of entry. CBP processes entry under the COFA framework. No application fee is charged.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
Yes
Current Travel Situation
Marshall Islands to United States: What You Need to Know
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is an island nation in the central Pacific that entered into a Compact of Free Association with the United States in 1986. The Compact was renewed in 2023 for a further 20 years, continuing the unique arrangement.
Under the Compact, Marshallese citizens have the right to freely enter, live, work, and study in the United States and its territories without a visa. This is a treaty-granted right, not a visa waiver. There is no cap on the length of stay for Marshallese citizens in the US.
The Marshall Islands has a history deeply connected to the United States, including the use of Bikini and Enewetak atolls for US nuclear testing during the Cold War. The Compact provides economic assistance to the RMI and freedom of movement for its citizens in recognition of this relationship and ongoing security cooperation.
Marshallese communities have developed in the United States, particularly in Springdale (Arkansas), Honolulu (Hawaii), and on US island territories. The 2023 Compact renewal included provisions for improved access to US federal programs including Medicaid.
How to Get There
The Marshall Islands is served by Marshall Islands International Airport (MAJ) on Majuro atoll. All connections to the US go through Honolulu, Hawaii, via United Airlines. From Honolulu, connections to continental US cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and others) are available on multiple carriers. Total travel time from Majuro to Los Angeles is approximately 16 to 20 hours.
Money & Banking
The United States dollar (USD) is the official currency of the Marshall Islands, so no currency conversion is needed when traveling to the US. US bank cards work normally throughout the United States. Daily costs in US cities range from approximately $100 in smaller cities to $250 or more in Honolulu or coastal metros. Tipping 18 to 20 percent in restaurants is standard.
Practical Tips
The Marshallese community in the US, particularly in Springdale, Arkansas, and Honolulu, Hawaii, has established strong community networks that assist new arrivals with housing, employment, and integration. COFA citizens may be eligible for Medicaid under the 2023 Compact provisions. Emergency: 911.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Marshall Islands citizens need a US visa?
No. The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is a Compact of Free Association (COFA) nation. Marshallese citizens have the treaty right to freely enter, live, work, and study in the United States and its territories without a visa. Present a valid Marshallese passport at any US port of entry.
What is the historical connection between the Marshall Islands and the United States?
The United States administered the Marshall Islands as a UN Trust Territory from 1947 to 1986. During that period, the US conducted nuclear weapons tests on Bikini and Enewetak atolls, which had significant and long-lasting health and environmental consequences for the Marshallese people. The Compact of Free Association, signed in 1986, formalized the end of US administration and established the ongoing relationship including freedom of movement.
Can Marshallese citizens work in the United States?
Yes. Under the COFA, Marshallese citizens can freely enter and work in the United States without a work visa or employer sponsorship. This is a significant benefit under the treaty.
Where do most Marshallese people live in the United States?
The largest Marshallese community in the continental US is in Springdale, Arkansas, which hosts tens of thousands of Marshallese residents and is considered the largest Marshallese community outside the Pacific. Honolulu, Hawaii is also home to a large Marshallese population. Other communities exist in Washington state, Oregon, and California.
What does the 2023 COFA renewal mean for Marshallese citizens?
The 2023 renewal extended the Compact for 20 more years and included provisions for improved economic assistance and expanded access to US federal programs, including Medicaid. This was a significant update, as Marshallese COFA citizens had previously been excluded from Medicaid in some states despite being legally present in the US. The renewal addressed this gap.
How do Marshallese people travel from the Marshall Islands to the US?
Marshall Islands International Airport (MAJ) on Majuro atoll connects to Honolulu, Hawaii, via United Airlines. From Honolulu, connections to the continental US are available on multiple carriers. Total travel time from Majuro to Los Angeles is approximately 16 to 20 hours.
Is the Marshall Islands affected by climate change?
Yes. The Marshall Islands is one of the countries most threatened by sea level rise due to climate change. The islands are low-lying atolls, with most land less than 2 meters above sea level. Climate change and the threat of inundation have intensified Marshallese migration to the United States, particularly among younger generations.