Marshall Islands entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the Marshall Islands. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and you'll be issued a visa at the airport. This has been the case since at least 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your South African passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in the Marshall Islands. Airlines at Johannesburg and connecting hubs will check this before you board. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at the airport upon arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Amata Kabua International Airport in Majuro. No advance application needed — just show your passport and pay the fee in cash (USD). The visa is valid for up to 30 days and is not extendable.Check entry details | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Marshall Islands | Immigration officers at Majuro will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they stamp you in. Airlines also enforce this at check-in — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in the Marshall Islands ready. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, a printed booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. The Marshall Islands uses the US dollar, and ATMs are scarce outside Majuro. | Recommended |
6-month passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you will be denied boarding. No exceptions.
No visa fee at the airport
The visa on arrival for South African passport holders is free. Don't pay anyone who asks for a fee at the airport.
eSIMs work immediately on arrival
Airalo eSIMs activate the moment you land — no need to queue at a local shop. Useful for grabbing a taxi or checking your accommodation address.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Amata Kabua International Airport (MAJ)
All international flights land at Majuro's only airport. After deplaning, follow signs to Immigration. The queue is usually short — expect 10–20 minutes wait.
2
Present documents at the visa-on-arrival counter
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and return ticket. The officer will process your visa on the spot. No fee is charged for the visa on arrival.
3
Receive your visa and proceed to baggage claim
The visa sticker is placed in your passport. Check that the validity dates are correct before leaving the counter. Then head to baggage claim and customs.
Download Marshall Islands Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Apply at Marshall Islands embassy abroad if you prefer a visa before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
For frequent visitors; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For those with a job offer from a Marshall Islands employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD application fee
For enrollment at an accredited institution in the Marshall Islands. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feePayable in cash (USD) upon arrival. | $50 USD (no currency conversion needed) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap not publicly specified; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Marshall Islands
No transit visa needed
South Africa passport holders transiting through Marshall Islands do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsAmata Kabua International Airport (MAJ)
Health & vaccines for Marshall Islands
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and sleep under nets.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Avoid undercooked food and tap water; drink bottled water.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Majuro
Marshall Islands Immigration Office
PO Box 15, Majuro, MH 96960
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries; bring passport and fee in cash.
Ebeye
Ebeye Immigration Office
Ebeye Island, Kwajalein Atoll
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Limited services; call ahead for availability.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalMajuro
LanguageMarshallese, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyUnited States dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+12
vs New York+16h
vs Los Angeles+19h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat pins) and Type B (two flat pins with grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival for South African passport holders is free. There is no fee charged at the airport.
The standard visa on arrival is typically granted for up to 30 days. The exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer. Extensions are possible but must be applied for at the Immigration Office in Majuro.
Yes, extensions are possible. You need to visit the Marshall Islands Immigration Office in Majuro before your visa expires. The extension fee is around $50–$100, and you'll need a valid reason (e.g., medical, travel delays). Processing takes 1–3 business days.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America), you may need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. South Africa is not a yellow fever country, but if you've transited through one, bring your certificate.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the airport. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. There is no e-visa system for the Marshall Islands. The only option for South African passport holders is the visa on arrival at the airport.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering. The fine is typically around $50–$100 per day overstay. Always apply for an extension before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.