Marshall Islands customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

The Marshall Islands imposes a strict duty-free allowance of up to USD 800 for personal goods and gifts for non-resident adult travellers arriving in 2026. Cash or monetary instruments of USD 10,000 or more must be declared. Import of narcotics, firearms, and certain food items is prohibited.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Traveller must be 21 or older.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Any amount of cash or monetary instruments (e.g., traveler's checks, money orders) equal to or exceeding USD 10,000 must be declared on the arrival form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalties.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal goods and gifts up to a total value of USD 800 are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to duty at the rate determined by customs. This allowance applies per traveller and excludes alcohol, tobacco, and commercial quantities.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and illegal drugs (including marijuana, even for medical use without prior approval)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (unless authorized by the Commissioner of Public Safety)
Pornographic materials
Counterfeit currency and goods
Certain agricultural products (e.g., fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and live animals without a permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce)
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines containing controlled substances (require a prescription and prior approval from the Ministry of Health)
Plants, seeds, and soil (require an import permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce)
Animals and animal products (require a veterinary permit and quarantine inspection)
Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a license from the Marshall Islands Telecommunications Authority)
Cultural artifacts and historical items (require an export permit from the Historic Preservation Office)

Rules worth knowing

Duty-Free Allowance for Returning Residents

Returning residents of the Marshall Islands are entitled to a duty-free allowance of USD 1,500 for personal goods and gifts, plus an additional USD 500 for goods purchased abroad, provided they have been away for at least 48 hours.

Commercial Goods and Samples

Any goods intended for commercial use, sale, or as trade samples must be declared and are subject to duty. Failure to declare commercial goods can result in fines and seizure.

Prohibited Food Imports

Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products from countries with known pest or disease outbreaks are strictly prohibited without a permit. Travellers arriving from such areas must declare all food items.

Tobacco and Alcohol Age Limit

The legal age for purchasing and importing alcohol and tobacco products in the Marshall Islands is 21. Customs may request ID to verify age.

Frequently asked questions

You may bring in 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer, plus 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250 grams of tobacco. You must be 21 or older.

Yes. If you are carrying USD 10,000 or more in cash or monetary instruments (including traveler's checks, money orders, or negotiable instruments), you must declare it on the arrival form. There is no limit on how much you can bring, but undeclared amounts may be seized.

Most fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products are prohibited without a permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce. Commercially packaged, shelf-stable foods (e.g., canned goods, snacks) are generally allowed but must be declared. Failure to declare can result in fines.

Medicines for personal use are allowed, but those containing controlled substances (e.g., narcotics, psychotropics) require a prescription and prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Carry a doctor's note and keep medicines in original packaging.

Non-resident adult travellers may bring in personal goods and gifts valued up to USD 800 duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to customs duty. This excludes alcohol, tobacco, and commercial quantities.

Satellite phones and radio transmitters require a license from the Marshall Islands Telecommunications Authority. Drones may also be restricted; check with the Civil Aviation Authority before travel. Unauthorized devices may be confiscated.

Official source

Marshall Islands Customs Service (Ministry of Finance)