Marshall Islands (MH)

Required for all immigration processing, bank account opening, SIM registration, lease agreements, employment onboarding and inter-island travel. Keep at least 6 months validity beyond any visa or permit period. US citizens can live and work in the RMI without a visa under the Compact of Free Association (COFA) but still need a valid US passport.

Visitor, business, worker, student, residence or other permit evidence issued or endorsed by RMI Immigration (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade). Non-US nationals typically need a visa or entry permit; most are issued on arrival for short stays. Long-term workers and residents require a valid work permit and residence permit from RMI Immigration.

Commonly requested for work permits, residence applications, school employment, NGO registration and licensed professional roles. Order well in advance given the logistics of obtaining certificates from abroad. The Marshall Islands is a Hague Apostille member; foreign clearances from Hague member countries require apostille. English is the official language; non-English documents require certified English translation.

Required for dependant permit applications, school enrolment, family status registration and some citizenship or naturalisation matters. The RMI is a Hague Apostille member; foreign birth certificates from Hague member countries require apostille. Non-English documents require certified English translation.

Required for spouse status registration, dependant permit applications, joint banking, lease agreements and estate planning. Apostille from Hague member countries; non-English documents require certified English translation.

Particularly important in the RMI given the limited specialist medical capacity on-island; medical evacuation to Hawaii, Guam or the Philippines is common for serious conditions. Bring comprehensive vaccination records, chronic medication prescriptions and any specialist notes. Evacuation insurance covering medical transport is strongly recommended for all expats.

Required for employment in education, healthcare, engineering, maritime, fisheries management, NGO roles and any licensed profession. The RMI is a Hague Apostille member; foreign degrees from Hague member countries should be apostilled. Non-English documents require certified English translation.

Core document for work permit applications, bank KYC, housing, school enrolment, tax registration and payroll setup. The contract should specify position, salary (in USD — the RMI uses the US dollar), contract duration and employer's RMI business registration number.

Banks and RMI Immigration may request recent statements, home-bank reference letters and source-of-funds explanations for account opening and residence applications. The main banking option in Majuro is the Bank of Marshall Islands (BOMI); international wire transfers involve US correspondent banks.

A valid foreign driving licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to drive in the RMI for the initial period. The RMI drives on the right (US influence). For longer-term residents, obtain a local RMI driving licence. Road infrastructure is limited to paved roads on Majuro and Ebeye atolls.

Required for importing dogs and cats into the RMI. Core documents include microchip certificate, rabies vaccination records, parasite treatment records, an official veterinary health certificate and any RMI import permit required by the Ministry of Resources and Development. Airline cargo rules for pets must also be confirmed; shipping logistics to the RMI are complex given its remoteness.

Required for immigration processing, bank account opening, school enrolment, utility connections and employer records. A formal lease agreement is preferred for official purposes. For employer-provided accommodation, a letter from the employer on company letterhead confirming the address is accepted.