Marshall Islands - Bio-Security
With the continual change in protocols due to the pandemic, we outline the last-known situation below for yacht arrivals. Skippers should follow the recommended links in “resources” to confirm the latest protocols. Always check with your intended port of arrival before getting underway to be 100% certain of what is required. Please e-mail editor@noonsite.com if you find protocols have changed.
COVID-19: OPEN
Yachting Protocols:
October 2022
- RMI re-opened to yachts on 8 September, 2022.
- All crew must be vaccinated (over 18’s), or have proof of exemption on medical grounds (and this must be approved prior to arrival).
- All yachts MUST notify the authorities of their intention to come to the Marshalls in advance (as per normal clearance procedures).
- On arriving in Majuro, the crew needs to hail Ports Authority and Sea Patrol on VHF Channel 16. Do not go ashore.
- Masks will be required for initial meeting with government officials and for 5 days after arrival.
- Health declaration cards will be provided by officials and filled out by captain and crew at arrival.
- COVID-19 testing will be performed on individuals who are, or become, symptomatic for Covid-19. Testing will be conducted at MOHHS facility.
- Anyone symptomatic and testing for Covid-19 will be required to undergo a minimum of 5 days of quarantine on the yacht.
- Go to Clearance for full arrival details.
Resources:
- infomarshallislands.com
- marshallislandsjournal.com
- RMI Covid Information (not regularly updated)
- Ministry of Health Facebook Page (where latest travel advisory can be found)
- To Stay or Leave? Article by Geoff Goodman and an insight into the current situation in the Marshall Islands (16 April, 2020)
History:
- On 11 March 2020, it was announced that all cruise ships and yachts were suspended from visiting the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) until further notice.
- There was also a total suspension of international travelers coming into the RMI via air travel.
- On 17 March, the Mayor of Kwajalein Atoll banned domestic and international yachts.
- Mid-April the Government closed outer islands to foreign yachts currently in the RMI. No permits were issued.
- During the border closure a few yachts have been allowed to enter Majuro and repair/reprovision. Unfortunately, more have been turned away with impounding and detention if they enter any atoll. One yacht was towed over 200 miles into the atoll and another fined $10,000.
- September 8, 2022: Borders re-opened to yachts with vaccinated crew on board.
If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at editor@noonsite.com. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).
Next Section: Formalities: Documents
Related to following destinations: Marshall Islands
Country Navigation
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.comMain Ports - Marshall Islands
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.comFormalities
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.com
If you violate Marshallese Border restrictions and enter any atoll, you may be subjected to a $10,000 fine, your boat impounded and crew/captain jailed until being deported, or on a case by case determined penalty basis.
A yacht has recently (March 2022) been finned $10,000 for violating the above Marshallese Border restrictions.
Commodore Mark Stearns BSME
MIECO Beach Yacht Club, Marshall Islands
2018 Update for Bikini. The procedure for visiting Bikini Atoll has changed for a year. IA (Island Affairs) will issue cruising permits for all atolls, including Bikini, without special fees.
Some atolls may require special permissions due to local conditions but no extraordinary fees are involved. The $5000 fee seems to have been a passing whimsy.
It’s also possible to volunteer to carry needed supplies to the outer islands, the resulting goodwill may even bring in a fee waiver and is a very positive way to meet the locals. Check-in IA to volunteer.
Have visited immigration 4 times this week to confirm and reconfirmed the following. As a Canadian, also applies to all other countries listed above under standard tourist visit, we are now given 90 free on arrival by yacht. NO extensions will be given. You must leave the country and return with new clearance papers from another port to gain another 90 days free.
No limit on how many days you must be away. There are NO 6-month visas. To apply for a one year visa is $200 US each person and that application must be made with 14 days of arrival. The 1 yr visa is invalidated by flying out of the country and on your return flight you are given only 30 days from your arrival.
Be advised there is a surprising new fee for a cruising permit for Bikini Atoll. The new mayor of Bikini will approve your visit to Bikini for only seven days max. For the interesting fee of $5,000.00 USD. YES! Payable in his office, no credit cards.
The previous fee was $25.00, in line with most of the other atolls of the Marshalls, which are usually collected in the office of Island Affairs which issues all the cruising permits.