From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Marshall Islands Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 19:08:13 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1783 Path: world!bzs Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Message-ID: <199806181510_MC2-40A1-EC77@compuserve.com> Content-Disposition: inline Precedence: bulk Sender: "U.S. Department of State" <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Mime-Version: 1.0 Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com X-List-Info: LN=travel-advisories WHOM=76702.1202@compuserve.com Lines: 119 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Marshall Islands ============================================================ Republic of the Marshall Islands - Consular Information Sheet June 16, 1998 Country Description: The Republic of the Marshall Islands consists of two chains of coral atolls in the central Pacific with a total area of 705 square miles. The Republic of the Marshall Islands is a parliamentary democracy, constitutionally in free association with the United States. It has a developing agrarian and service-oriented economy. Tourist facilities are not widely available, but adequate. Hotels exist in Majuro and on Ebeye, the country's second most populous island. Water shortages are common. Entry Requirements: A valid passport, sufficient funds for stay and onward/return ticket are required for stays up to 30 days (extendible for up to 90 days from date of entry). A departure fee of $15 U.S. (those over age 60 exempt) is required. A health certificate is required if arriving from infected areas. An AIDS test may be required for visits of over 30 days (U.S. test accepted). For more information about entry requirements for the Marshall Islands, travelers may consult the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 2433 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008. The telephone number is (202) 234-5414. See also the homepage for the Embassy of the Marshall Islands at http://www.clark.net/pub/rmiemb/usemb.html. Medical Facilities: Health facilities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands are adequate for routine medical problems, but are available only on Majuro and Ebeye. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental overseas medical insurance, including coverage for medical evacuation, may prove useful. The U.S. Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide payment of medical services outside the United States. Boiling water or purchasing bottled water for consumption is recommended. Helpful information on medical emergencies abroad is provided in the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad" available via the Consular Affairs homepage at http://travel.state.gov and the autofax service at 202-647-3000. Additional information on health matters may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through its international hotline at 1-888-232-3228, via the CDC autofax service at 1-888-232-3299 or via the CDC homepage on the Internet: http://www.cdc.gov/. Information on Crime: The crime rate in the Republic of the Marshall Islands is relatively low, but increasing. Most common crimes are break-ins and thefts from homes, hotel rooms and vehicles. Random acts of vandalism are also on the rise. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police, and the U.S. Embassy in Majuro. Useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402 or via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs. Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and do not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Aviation Safety Oversight: The international airport is located in Majuro. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Civil Aviation Authority as Category 1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of the Marshall Islands' air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the U.S. Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet homepage at http://www.faa.gov/AVR/iasa.htm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at (703) 676-7288. Road Safety: Majuro Atoll is plagued by potholes, unmarked pavement, animals roaming the streets, children darting onto the roads, and no traffic signs or lights. After heavy rains, some roads experience temporary flooding. Vehicle traffic proceeds at a slow rate, rarely over 25 miles per hour. Since visibility is poor with no street lights, night driving requires special caution. Drinking and driving is a common practice, especially on the weekends. Registration and Embassy Location: U.S. citizens living in or visiting the Republic of the Marshall Islands are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Majuro where they may also obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. The U.S. Embassy, which is located in Majuro, does not have a street address. The Embassy is on the ocean-side of the island's road, near the Mormon church and "Blue Wall" compound; P.O. Box 1379, Majuro, MH 96960-1379. The telephone number is (692) 247-4011. The fax number is (692) 247-4012. No. 98-79 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 28, 1996. It provides updated information concerning Country Discription, Medical Facilities, Crime and Aviation Safety Oversight. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories