Outer Islands (Marshall islands) - Clearance

Outer Island Permissions

An Entry/Cruising Permit is required for each atoll to be visited. It is advisable to start the process way ahead of time to get your cruising permits and remind officials regularly, otherwise the permits may not get processed. Obtaining permits can take anything from 1 week to 4 weeks, and you have to constantly check if it's ready. Officials are not good at answering the phone, or answering emails/texts. Allow several weeks and start as soon as you can after arrival in Majuro.

RMI Inter-Island Permit Application Form

Obtaining a Permit

• Download and print one permit for every atoll you wish to visit (see link to application form above).  Complete each permit prior to visiting the Ministry of Internal Affairs [MOCIA] in Majuro, as it makes the process easier for them.
• All permits (other than those for Rongerik, Rongelap, Alinginae and Bikini) must be applied for via the MOCIA office (with Chief Mabel or Trinna).
• It is recommended that you complete the Inter-Island permit prior to arrival.  The office will have to track down the Mayor for their approval and signature.  Sometimes this can be done quickly but more often than not it will take weeks to get their approval.
• For each atoll you wish to visit, you will need to specify how long you intend to stay as well as during what time period you will be visiting (it’s quite flexible). Technically you can stay as long as you like, however normally visits are limited to a maximum of 2 months.
• You will be informed of the fee that each atoll is levying. Permit fees start from free to $100 per visit (apart from Bikini).
• The permit and permit fee are valid for one visit. You will need to complete a new application and pay the permit fee again if you leave the atoll and wish to return.
• For some atolls, permit fees are payable upon arrival to the permitted island. Yacht crews should seek out the island mayor, bring two copies of the permit and exact change. For other atolls, fees need to be paid in Majuro before leaving (for example Maloelap).

Permits for Rongerik, Rongelap, Alinginae and Bikini:

• For a permit to Rongerik, Rongelap, and Alinginae (three mostly uninhabited atolls at the north end of the country) you can obtain a single permit for all three. Print and complete the Inter-Island Permit and bring it along with $50.00 USD (exact change) to Grace Abon in the Rongelap Government office.  The Rongelap office is a peach building near RRE/Shoreline (007°06.498N / 171°22.336E) on the lagoon side and next to the Bikini Government building.  Once you receive your approval and receipt, take the permit to the MOCIA office to have them signoff and stamp.  This is reported to be the easiest permit to get.
• To obtain a permit for Bikini Atoll, visit Jack Niedenthal at the Bikini office. He will take your information, draft a letter, accept your payment and provide the letter for the cruiser. This permit is easy to get if you are willing to pay the high fee of $250 per day.

Arrival at Outer Atolls

It is very important to make your first stop, at every atoll, at the main village on the main island.  Then the first thing you should do is seek out the Mayor or Acting Mayor to present your permit and payment (if it was not paid to MOCIA).  It is recommended to bring a copy of the permit with you so the Mayor/Acting Mayor can sign it, acknowledging receipt of your payment in case you need to show someone at a neighbouring island.  The locals will not have receipts and you may need proof of payment, so the permit copy with signature will serve as proof of your payment and check in.

Note: It is possible to volunteer to carry needed supplies to the outer islands, the resulting goodwill may even bring in a fee waiver and is a very positive way to meet the locals. Volunteer at MOCIA.

Last updated:  December 2024