Safety in the Marshall Islands: Keys to a Truly Serene Expatriation

Published on April 26, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to the Marshall Islands means choosing an isolated corner of the planet, surrounded by the Pacific, with an island lifestyle far removed from major metropolises. For many expatriates, the appeal is clear: a warm society, generally low crime, a life shaped by the ocean and community ties. But this idyllic setting also hides very real vulnerabilities: limited medical resources, susceptibility to climate hazards, gaps in addressing domestic violence and human trafficking, and underestimated health risks.

Good to know:

This guide provides a detailed analysis of safety in the Marshall Islands, based on available data. It is essential to understand this risk landscape without dramatizing or downplaying it to live your expatriation with clarity and peace of mind. Practical tips are provided to support this approach.

A generally safe country, but not without risks

In international rankings, the Marshall Islands appear as a country with low crime. On a global index, it ranks 187th out of 193 states for crime, clearly placing it among low-crime countries. Official travel advisories from the United States or Canada recommend simply “normal precautions” (the lowest alert level), with no specific high-risk indicators for crime, kidnapping, or arbitrary detention.

Caution:

Although overall statistics are low due to the small number of residents and visitors, certain criminal phenomena and risks remain concerning: an increase in violent assaults, endemic domestic violence, the presence of trafficking networks, limited emergency service capabilities, and increased exposure to natural disasters.

The security environment for an expatriate is therefore generally benign, provided you master the local codes and compensate for the state’s structural weaknesses (healthcare, emergency services, justice, anti-corruption efforts) with solid personal preparation.

Everyday crime: what really happens

The most common offenses are opportunistic rather than spectacular crimes. Law enforcement and foreign embassies describe a profile of fairly typical petty crime for a small island state.

Burglaries, thefts, and vandalism

Statistics and field reports converge: property theft is the main security irritant for foreign residents.

Specifically, you will find:

– theft from homes, whether houses, rental apartments, or hotel rooms

– vehicle break-ins or theft from cars left unlocked

– random acts of vandalism, such as damage to property or vehicles, with no particular motive

These incidents are often due to easy opportunities (unlocked door, valuable item in sight) in an environment where material resources are limited and police presence sparse.

Tip:

To protect yourself effectively without living barricaded, it is wise to systematically adopt a few habits: always lock your door, avoid leaving valuables (such as cash or electronics) visible from outside, and be extra cautious by limiting their exposure, especially at night or during prolonged or repeated absences.

Assaults and violence: low levels but increasing

The Marshall Islands remain far from the homicide rates seen in many regions of the world, but observers note a recent rise in violent assaults, with several murders reported in recent years. Fights tend to concentrate in bars and nightclubs, often late in the evening or in the middle of the night when alcohol consumption is higher.

Brawls may involve locals, sometimes unemployed youth, and more rarely foreigners. A few isolated cases of assaults targeting non-American foreign nationals have been reported, but this cannot yet be considered a major trend.

Good to know:

Poverty in certain neighborhoods, lack of youth employment, and the return of individuals deported from the United States for crimes can create fertile ground for petty crime and the formation of gang-like groups.

Domestic and sexual violence: a largely hidden reality

One of the most concerning—yet least visible to a passing expatriate—aspects is the frequency of domestic violence and sexual assault. Reports indicate:

– a phenomenon of domestic violence described as “endemic”

– widespread sexual harassment, particularly against women

– massive underreporting of incidents, due to cultural taboos, fear of reprisals, or lack of trust in the judicial system

There are periods when the number of complaints rises, often following awareness campaigns led by NGOs or human rights organizations. This increase does not necessarily mean a sudden explosion of violence, but rather a slight reduction in the silence surrounding it.

Caution:

For expatriate women, particular vigilance is needed in certain high-risk contexts, such as nighttime travel, shared taxis after dark, late-night bars, or situations of isolation with people you barely know.

Stray dogs: a often underestimated physical risk

A less publicized but very real danger for residents stems from the near-total lack of animal control. In inhabited areas, especially Majuro, packs of stray dogs sometimes attack pedestrians and joggers, causing serious injuries.

This risk requires adjusting your habits:

– avoid running alone at dawn or dusk in areas known for dog presence

– carry a sturdy stick or stones when walking or exercising outdoors

– ask locals about the most problematic neighborhoods

Added to this is a potential health risk: some species, notably bats, can carry rabies in the region, warranting extreme caution after a bite or scratch.

Organized crime and trafficking: a structural problem, not an everyday risk

For the average expatriate, the likelihood of becoming directly involved in trafficking, illegal fishing, or drug smuggling is low. However, these phenomena deeply shape the security context and explain certain government responses.

Human trafficking, a blind spot in human security

The Marshall Islands unfortunately stands out in the Pacific for the scale of human trafficking. Several dynamics coexist:

Example:

The report highlights several forms of exploitation: a domestic market of forced prostitution targeting Marshallese or Asian women and girls for foreign seafarers; exploitation of migrant workers on fishing vessels under forced labor conditions; use of poor Marshallese as near-slave labor by their families under the guise of custom; citizens who have gone to the United States facing passport confiscation and fraudulent recruitment; and child trafficking to the United States for sexual abuse.

The country is also a destination for victims of sexual exploitation from East Asia, particularly China, trapped by false promises of employment.

Prostitution and trafficking have been criminalized since 2011 by legislation, which supplements an earlier ban on prostitution dating from 2003. Yet convictions remain virtually nonexistent: no trafficker has been convicted in over a decade, and few victims are officially identified.

Maritime crime, illegal fishing, and flag-of-convenience vessels

The sea is at the heart of the Marshallese economy… and of certain illicit activities. The country hosts the third largest flag-of-convenience ship registry in the world. This system allows foreign shipowners to register their vessels under the Marshall Islands flag, with sometimes limited oversight, facilitating certain maritime offenses.

1

One in five wild fish in the region could come from illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, particularly tuna.

Other trafficking occurs on a smaller scale:

– cocaine found washed up on shores or in fishing nets, a sign of maritime transshipments

– imported counterfeit goods (textiles, foodstuffs, medicines)

– trafficking in protected wildlife

Even if these illicit markets generally do not involve expatriates, they contribute to weakening the rule of law and diverting some public resources toward managing these issues.

Police, justice, and corruption: what the state can (or cannot) do

The Marshall Islands’ security apparatus operates with few resources and across a territory scattered over dozens of atolls. This affects the actual ability to prevent crime, investigate, and protect victims.

An under-resourced but generally non-violent police force

Police officers are not armed during ordinary service and in theory prioritize minimal use of force. Some abuses have been reported, but they remain marginal compared to what is seen in other regions.

The main limitations relate to equipment:

– lack of vehicles

– insufficient radios and communication equipment

– limited staffing, especially in the outer islands

– absence of specialized units to combat trafficking

Good to know:

Response times can be slow, and the capacity to handle complex offenses (sexual violence, high-level corruption, transnational trafficking) remains weak. As an expatriate, you should know that the police exist and are accessible, but do not expect a response standard equivalent to that of a large industrialized country.

A judicial system marked by conflicts of interest

The criminal laws cover a broad spectrum of offenses, from assaults to homicides, including corruption, burglary, kidnapping, sexual offenses, and forgery. Prescribed penalties are often severe on paper: up to 20 years in prison for home burglary, 30 years for attempted first-degree murder, 10 years for aggravated assault.

But enforcement remains uneven. Several reports highlight:

Governance and transparency challenges

Main obstacles to institutional integrity and anti-corruption efforts identified in the context.

Corruption in financial flows

Chronic corruption in public procurement, management of foreign aid, and certain financial transfers.

Impunity for officials

Near-impunity for senior political officials, rarely prosecuted due to conflicts of interest and pressure.

Emblematic judicial cases

Existence of a few symbolic cases, such as the suspension of a former foreign chief judge for misappropriation of travel funds.

Lack of transparency

Absence of robust mechanisms for public access to information, often requiring court action to obtain documents.

Prisons do not meet international standards: lack of light, no regular outdoor access, no systematic separation between detainees and convicts, and sometimes minors and adults are held together. Women detainees, including minors, are generally under house arrest rather than in prison.

These realities do not prevent the system from functioning on a daily basis, but they urge expatriates to be cautious in business dealings, pay attention to contracts, and inform themselves about their rights in case of a dispute.

Health, health risks, and access to care: the Achilles’ heel of expatriation

For any plan to settle in an isolated country, the health question is central. In the Marshall Islands, it is even strategic: local medical capacity is limited, infrastructure is highly concentrated, and medical evacuation is extremely costly.

Healthcare concentrated in Majuro and Ebeye

The health system essentially consists of:

– a national hospital in Majuro (Leroj Atama Memorial Hospital), which serves as the referral center, with about 80 beds, an operating theater, a small intensive care unit, and the country’s only CT scanner (often out of service)

– a smaller hospital in Ebeye (Kwajalein), with about forty beds and limited inpatient and emergency capacity

– several dozen dispensaries and health centers on the outer atolls, generally rudimentary, staffed by minimally trained health aides

– a few private facilities (one medical clinic, one dental clinic, two optometry practices) in Majuro

Most doctors in the country are based in Majuro, leaving the outer atolls in a relative health precariousness. In case of a serious emergency outside Majuro or Ebeye, evacuation to the capital is necessary, weather permitting, or international evacuation.

What the system can… and cannot do

The hospitals in Majuro and Ebeye provide:

Essential medical services

Overview of the main care and treatment services available at our health facility.

Common medical issues

Management of infections, dehydration, and minor trauma.

Surgery

Performance of basic surgeries and routine procedures.

Obstetrics

Support and care for standard childbirth.

General pediatrics

Medical care and follow-up for children and infants.

Intensive care

Specialized monitoring and treatment, within strict and defined limits.

On the other hand, there is no :

– neurosurgery

– cardiac surgery

– advanced oncology (chemotherapy and radiation therapy)

– sophisticated technical platform (complex procedures, major trauma care)

Complex conditions (cancers, heart attacks requiring angioplasty, severe trauma, neurosurgery, certain obstetric complications) must be treated abroad, typically in Hawaii, Guam, Manila, Taiwan, or the Philippines.

The country also faces a major burden of non-communicable diseases, notably one of the highest rates of diabetes and kidney failure in the world, further straining the system. Some specialized clinics exist, for example for populations affected by the nuclear tests on Bikini and neighboring atolls, but this does not offset the overall limitations.

Ambulances, emergencies, and evacuations: don’t overestimate on-site help

Ambulance services are described as rare, poorly equipped, and staffed by personnel without advanced paramedical training. Vehicles may lack resuscitation or monitoring equipment. It is not uncommon for expatriates to choose to go to the hospital themselves by taxi or private car rather than waiting for an ambulance.

100,000

A single international medical evacuation flight can cost more than 100,000 US dollars.

Table – Essential health capabilities and limitations for an expatriate

Aspect	Situation in the Marshall Islands	Implication for an expatriate
Main hospitals	1 in Majuro, 1 in Ebeye	Acceptable for minor ailments, insufficient for complex care
Private clinics	Very few (Majuro only)	Limited complementary offering
Advanced specialties	No neurosurgery, no cardiac surgery or oncology	Need for evacuation for serious conditions
Ambulances	Few, poorly or not equipped, staff with little training	Private car often faster; plan trips ahead
Medical evacuation	Usually to Hawaii, Guam, Philippines, Taiwan, etc.	Potential cost > $100,000; insurance mandatory
Local insurance	National scheme + optional supplements, conditional access	Expatriates: rely primarily on international insurance

Infectious and environmental diseases: a risk in the tropics

Beyond infrastructure, the health environment is marked by several threats:

Good to know:

Several diseases are present in the Marshall Islands. Mosquitoes transmit dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, requiring daily protection. Respiratory infections like the flu are common, with low vaccination coverage. Tuberculosis warrants screening for certain visas. Tap water can be contaminated (E. coli detected), so opt for bottled water. For food, follow the rule “boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.” Finally, the risk of leptospirosis increases, especially after floods.

Furthermore, authorities require:

– proof of measles vaccination for travelers aged 6 months up to adults born in 1957 or later, otherwise boarding or entry may be refused

– for work or residence visas, medical certificates proving absence of HIV infection and tuberculosis

Health insurance: non-negotiable for expatriation

Given this picture, international insurance covering:

– hospitalization costs

– routine medical care

– and especially medical evacuation

is not a luxury, but a prerequisite. Many international insurers offer annual limits of one to two million dollars, or even unlimited, with the option to include maternity, dental, or vision coverage.

Local insurance can serve as a supplement (with a modest co-payment system for nationals and some affiliated foreigners), but it does not replace robust international coverage, especially for long stays or families.

Infrastructure, transport, and mobility: where the real dangers lie

On an atoll like Majuro, the issue of road safety is different from that of a megalopolis, but it exists.

Traffic in Majuro: a single road, many surprises

The main island has only one major paved road, with a speed limit of about 40 km/h, dotted with numerous speed bumps. There are no traffic lights or real modern signage. At night, street lighting is sparse, resulting in poor visibility.

The main risks come from:

– pedestrians walking along the roadside, due to a lack of sidewalks

– animals crossing unexpectedly

– drunk driving, especially on weekends and during holidays

– bad weather, which can cause temporary flooding and degrade the road surface

Tip:

For a motorized expatriate, it is essential to adopt cautious driving: go slow, anticipate maneuvers well in advance, and limit nighttime trips. As a pedestrian, be cautious: walk facing traffic, avoid poorly lit shoulders, and wear visible clothing to be seen by drivers.

Taxis and daily commutes

Shared taxis are the main form of public transport in Majuro. They operate on a continuous pick-up system, taking multiple passengers along the same route. Prices are not strictly regulated; it is therefore advisable to agree on the fare before getting in.

Caution:

Women are advised to avoid shared taxis after dark, especially when alone, due to reported cases of harassment. Whenever possible, opt for known or recommended drivers, or travel during the day.

For travel between atolls, air and sea connections are often irregular and weather-dependent. Maritime safety standards may differ from Western expectations. It is important to build in significant schedule flexibility and check the condition of the vessel or aircraft being used.

Emergency infrastructure and useful numbers

Emergency services are fragmented, with no truly functional national single number everywhere. Different numbers exist for police, fire department, ambulance, or disaster management, sometimes with duplicates. Before settling in, it is wise to note and test the relevant contacts for your area of residence (national police, local police, hospital, ambulance).

Table – Mobility and emergency environment

Domain	Situation	Practical advice for expatriates
Road network	One main road, few signs, no traffic lights, limited lighting	Limit night driving, drive slowly
Taxis in Majuro	Shared taxis, negotiated fares, frequent stops	Agree on fare beforehand; women: avoid at night
Inter-island transport	Unreliable flights and boats, weather-dependent	Allow extra time, check safety
Emergency numbers	Multiple numbers (police, fire, ambulance, NDMO)	Keep an up-to-date, accessible list
Maritime rescue	Limited capabilities, variable standards	Life jacket mandatory, avoid dubious boats

Natural risks and climate change: living on the front line

The Marshall Islands are literally on the front line of climate change. The entire country rests on low-lying atolls, whose highest point barely exceeds 10 meters above sea level. Much of the population and infrastructure sits on particularly vulnerable coastal strips.

Cyclones, storms, and floods

Historically, devastating typhoons are rare in this Pacific region, but not unheard of. Major events have marked the past century, for instance a typhoon in 1918 that killed nearly 200 people out of a population of about 1,100 in Majuro.

Today, authorities consider:

– that, on average, a significant tropical storm strikes about every five years

– that a major typhoon occurs statistically around once every 70 to 80 years

Even if the probability of a “super typhoon” is considered very low, rising sea levels and increased climate variability amplify the impact of less extreme events: wave surges, large swells, storm tides, flash floods.

Recent episodes have shown that:

– some atolls are regularly flooded during high tides (“king tides”) or powerful swells

– rainwater catchment systems, essential for drinking water supply, are vulnerable to storms

– the sea is eroding coastlines, threatening houses, roads, and essential infrastructure

In this context, individual preparedness counts for a lot. Authorities have developed disaster management plans, and national coordination structures exist, but their resources remain strained. It is therefore useful for an expatriate to have a small stock of water, non-perishable food, medicine, and lamps, and to know local procedures in case of an alert (radio, official messages, employer instructions).

Droughts and water scarcity

The opposite of flooding is equally problematic: drought. Some islands, especially in the north of the archipelago, receive on average much less rain than the southern atolls, and severe drought episodes have led to the declaration of states of emergency, affecting a significant portion of the population.

The consequences are multiple:

– drastic reduction in available drinking water

– impact on local agriculture and food security

– possible increase in diseases linked to poor-quality water

For an expatriate, this reinforces the importance:

– of monitoring official announcements on the water situation

– of having a water filtration or disinfection system at home

– of keeping a reserve of bottled water for several days

Other environmental hazards: UXO, tsunamis, erosion

The remnants of World War II add a discreet but serious risk: unexploded ordnance (UXO), both on land and underwater. Caution is required when diving or exploring on certain islands or wrecks.

Tsunamis are another threat, even though the lack of high ground makes vertical evacuation virtually impossible. In the event of an alert, local instructions may include quickly heading out to sea by boat for those who can, or seeking the highest points available (often modest). For an expatriate, it is essential to familiarize yourself with your employer’s or community’s emergency plans.

Cultural norms, gender, and social life: safety is also about how you behave

Safety is not just about statistics; it also depends on how you interact with the host society. The Marshall Islands have a rich set of social codes, often subtle to an outside observer, but essential to integrate smoothly.

Respect and politeness codes to know

Several behaviors are perceived as disrespectful, even shocking, even if they seem harmless to a Westerner. For example:

– entering a house with shoes on is frowned upon; it is customary to remove them before entering

– sitting down without asking where, risking sitting on a mat used for sleeping (especially the head area), is a major discourtesy

– when sitting on mats, men are expected to sit cross-legged, women with their legs folded under them, to avoid exposing their thighs

– standing over seated people, especially men, is considered disrespectful

– stepping over the legs of a person lying down is a clear sign of disrespect; instead, walk around

Good to know:

Certain non-verbal behaviors can be perceived as aggressive or rude: knocking loudly on a door, shouting, turning your back to your interlocutor, staring aggressively, touching someone’s head, or standing too close physically.

Marshallese society is matrilineal (land is often passed down through women) and structured by a hierarchical system of chiefs and commoners. Acknowledging titles, showing deference to elders, and modulating one’s speech according to rank and role are implicit expectations.

Modest dress and social modesty

Modesty is a strong value, historically shaped by the arrival of missionaries. Even today:

Tip:

For women, it is generally expected to cover thighs and shoulders; loose dresses like the muʻumuʻu are the norm. Even for swimming, many local women wear appropriate cover-up attire rather than revealing Western swimsuits. Very short or low-cut clothing is seen as inappropriate, including in Majuro, especially outside hotels or tourist facilities. For men, shorts and a t-shirt are generally fine, but a collared shirt and long pants are expected for church visits or official occasions.

Public displays of affection between men and women (kissing, intimate gestures) are frowned upon, whereas two women holding hands is interpreted as a simple sign of friendship.

This culture of modesty influences perceptions of safety: an expatriate woman who adopts local dress codes is less likely to experience harassment or inappropriate comments, especially in rural areas or during religious events.

Taboo topics, humor, and conversation

Certain topics are sensitive or even taboo in conversation, especially with people you don’t know well:

– death from illness, cancer, suicides, homicides

– domestic and sexual violence

– the darker aspects of local social life

Good to know:

Consensual conversation topics include family, church, community, and daily life. Humor is very present, but making jokes about someone’s mother is forbidden.

Communication relies on many implicit signals: a slight nod or a smile can mean agreement, while silence may indicate disagreement or lack of understanding rather than consent.

Women’s role, gender-based violence, and personal safety

Marshallese society assigns women a key role in land transmission and domestic organization, but men continue to dominate public decision-making. In the privacy of homes, the use of violence by fathers, including corporal punishment of children, remains socially tolerated in some circles, even though discourse around these practices is evolving.

For expatriate women, this reality translates into: adaptation to a new cultural environment, language challenges, differences in lifestyle, and the need to build social relationships in an unfamiliar context.

– a need to be particularly vigilant during nighttime outings, avoiding isolated places and prioritizing group travel

– a very practical interest in quickly identifying available support resources, such as NGOs supporting gender-based violence victims

– the importance of understanding that alcohol often plays a triggering role in domestic violence and assaults

Practical tips for a peaceful expatriation

Gathering these elements allows us to derive a set of recommendations that, without turning daily life into an obstacle course, help significantly reduce risks.

Securing your home and belongings

Even in a low-crime country, property protection remains a matter of comfort and peace of mind:

– keep doors and windows locked, especially at night or when away, even for short periods

– use a safe (in a hotel) or a hidden space for identity documents, cash, and electronics

– avoid flashing large amounts of cash or luxury items in public places

– if living in an isolated house, consider simple measures (outdoor lighting, neighbor contacts, possibly private security services for certain businesses)

Moving around smartly

Adapting your mobility habits limits exposure to petty crime, accidents, and harassment:

Tip:

For nighttime travel, use known or recommended taxis rather than walking, even for short distances. Women are advised to avoid shared taxis after dark and to travel with a companion when possible. Stick to main, well-lit streets, avoiding alleys and dark paths. If driving, stay alert for pedestrians, animals, and drunk drivers, especially on weekends. When jogging or walking, be aware of potential stray dogs.

Anticipating health and insurance

On the medical front, the best safety lies in preparation:

– before departure, get a complete health check-up and dental exam

– update routine vaccinations and add those recommended for the region (hepatitis A and B, typhoid, possibly Japanese encephalitis, flu, childhood vaccines, etc.)

– obtain international insurance including medical evacuation, with sufficient coverage for a long-distance repatriation

– bring a sufficient supply of personal medications for the entire stay, plus a buffer stock, keeping prescriptions

– put together a small medical kit (bandages, antiseptics, antidiarrheals, pain relievers, possibly antibiotics as per medical advice)

– find out about the nearest reference clinic and hospital to your residence, as well as emergency contact numbers

Preparing for climate hazards

Living in a highly climate-vulnerable state requires some preventive routines:

Good to know:

It is crucial to follow weather bulletins and official warnings, especially during storm season. Keep supplies at home for several days (water, non-perishable food, batteries, lighting, first aid kit). Identify safe places in your neighborhood, assembly points, and follow authorities’ instructions. For water activities or diving, check the reliability of providers (equipment, safety procedures, knowledge of currents and emergency management).

Respecting the culture to better protect yourself

Finally, much of the feeling of security comes from the quality of local integration. By adopting cultural codes, an expatriate automatically benefits from the community solidarity network that characterizes these islands:

– greet people using local terms and respectful eye contact

– respect norms of modesty, especially in villages and churches

– ask permission before taking photos of people, especially children or during ceremonies

– avoid joking about sensitive subjects, especially religion, family, and the history of nuclear testing

– show consideration for the environment, particularly sacred or ecologically fragile marine areas

Living safely in the Marshall Islands: a lucid balance

The Marshall Islands are neither a naive paradise where nothing can happen, nor a dangerous area to avoid at all costs. They offer a relatively peaceful living environment, with low street crime, a welcoming population, and a beautiful natural setting. However, they expose residents to specific risks: limited medical capabilities, exposure to climate hazards, persistent gender-based violence, and discreet but structural transnational crime.

A serene expatriation therefore rests on three pillars:

Good to know:

A successful stay requires rigorous preparation (insurance, health, knowledge of natural risks and local resources) and adoption of local social, dress, and relational codes to facilitate acceptance. Constant vigilance is recommended regarding small daily risks such as theft, nighttime travel, stray dogs, or consumption of food and water.

By combining these elements, it is entirely possible to fully enjoy the gentle pace of life of the Marshall Islands, their community culture, and their intimate relationship with the ocean, while keeping your eyes open to the realities of a fragile island state facing the great challenges of the century, from climate to social justice.