Marshall Islands customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

The Marshall Islands runs its own customs and biosecurity service, and the single biggest risk for arriving travellers is undeclared food, plant material or cash. Enforcement is strict, penalties include seizure and fines, and there is no red/green channel at Majuro — every arrival must hand a declaration card to an officer.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits, wine or beer (any alcohol type). Travellers must be 18 or older. Anything above 1 litre is subject to duty at the rate set by the Customs Division.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
USD 10,000 or more (or foreign-currency equivalent) must be declared to the Customs Division on arrival. The Marshall Islands uses the US dollar, so there is no local-currency conversion. Declare on the customs arrival card or verbally to an officer.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal effects and gifts up to USD 800 are duty-free. Above that, duty is assessed at the applicable rate, which varies by item — typically 10–20% for most consumer goods.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use)
  • Firearms, ammunition and explosives without a police permit
  • Pornographic or obscene materials
  • Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products (biosecurity risk)
  • Live animals and birds without an import permit
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated media

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Prescription medicines (must be declared and accompanied by a prescription)
  • Plants, seeds and soil (require a biosecurity import permit)
  • Drones (may require permission from the Ministry of Transport and Communications)
  • Satellite phones (may require a licence from the telecommunications authority)
  • Alcohol and tobacco above the duty-free allowance (dutiable, must be declared)

Arriving: red vs green channel

At Majuro airport you fill out a customs declaration card before landing. There is no red/green channel — you walk through a single customs line and hand your card to an officer. If you have nothing to declare, you still submit the card and proceed; if you have goods, cash over USD 10,000, food or plant material, tell the officer and they will direct you to the duty desk.

Bringing medication

Bring personal medication in original packaging with a copy of your prescription or doctor's letter. The Marshall Islands has strict drug laws: narcotics, cannabis, and many controlled substances (including some common painkillers and ADHD medications) are illegal without a government-issued import permit. Declare all medication to customs; undeclared controlled drugs can lead to arrest.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, soil and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and live plants are generally prohibited or restricted due to biosecurity risks. Processed and packaged foods may be allowed after inspection. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.

Rules worth knowing

No red/green channel

Majuro airport has a single customs line. You must hand your declaration card to an officer even if you have nothing to declare. Walking past without submitting the card can lead to fines.

Cash reporting is strict

If you carry USD 10,000 or more in cash or bearer instruments, you must declare it. The Marshall Islands is a US Compact nation and cooperates with US anti-money-laundering rules — undeclared cash can be seized.

Biosecurity is taken seriously

Fresh food, plants and animal products are confiscated on arrival. If you bring a snack from the plane, declare it or eat it before landing. Fines apply for undeclared biosecurity items.

Duty rates vary

There is no flat duty rate. Most consumer goods are taxed at 10–20% of value, but some items (e.g. vehicles, alcohol) have specific rates. Customs will calculate the duty on the spot.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. All food items must be declared. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy are prohibited. Packaged snacks like chips or biscuits are usually allowed but still must be declared. If in doubt, declare it — undeclared food can result in a fine.
You must declare it and pay duty. The duty rate is set by the Customs Division and is typically around 20–30% of the value, but confirm with the officer. You cannot avoid duty by pouring it out — you either pay or abandon the excess.
Yes, but only with a valid prescription and in original packaging. Some common medications (e.g. opioid painkillers, ADHD stimulants, cannabis-based medicines) are controlled and require an import permit from the Ministry of Health. Declare all medication to customs.
No. The Marshall Islands has no VAT refund scheme for tourists. Sales tax is generally not refundable.
Up to USD 9,999. If you have USD 10,000 or more (or foreign equivalent), you must declare it on arrival. There is no local currency — the US dollar is used.
Drones are restricted. You need permission from the Ministry of Transport and Communications before importing. Contact them in advance — undeclared drones may be confiscated.
Personal effects and gifts up to USD 800 are duty-free. Above that, duty applies at the applicable rate. Keep receipts for high-value items.

Official source

Marshall Islands Customs Division

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Marshall Islands Customs Division before travelling.