Leaving the Marshall Islands: Departure Tips & Checklist

When packing for departure, place sharp objects, oversized liquids and other cabin-restricted items in your checked baggage where the airline permits. Some goods are prohibited altogether, while spare lithium batteries and power banks usually need to remain in your carry-on, so check your airline’s baggage rules rather than simply moving everything into the big suitcase.

Traditional Marshallese handicrafts, often made from pandanus, coconut fibre, wood and shells, are generally suitable to take to other Pacific destinations, New Zealand and Australia when they are finished, clean and free from soil or pests.

However, natural souvenirs must still be declared when you arrive at your next destination. Fresh shells collected from the beach, untreated wood, seeds, loose plant material and anything with soil attached may be restricted or require inspection (handmade does not mean invisible to Biosecurity).

When you are unsure, contact the Quarantine Office in Majuro for a phytosanitary certificate. This certificate confirms that the souvenir has been checked for plant pests and diseases, although the border authorities at your destination still make the final decision. The Quarantine Office can be found inside the Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce building next to Majuro Power Plant.

The safest rule remains simple: check your destination’s requirements, declare natural products on arrival, and leave freshly collected beach treasures where you found them.

For international departures from Amata Kabua International Airport in Majuro, aim to arrive around three hours before your scheduled flight. The airport is small, but check-in can become surprisingly busy when most passengers arrive at the last minute.

For example, check-in for a 3:30 pm departure may be scheduled to close around 1:30 pm. However, this is often when the longest queue forms, so arriving by 1 pm is a much better idea (and far less exciting than testing whether the airline will wait for you).

Getting to Majuro Airport

Arrange your transfer in advance, particularly for early departures or busy United Airlines flights. Hotel transfers, pre-booked taxis and rental car drop-offs are the most practical options.

For more details, see the 5 Best Airport Transfers in Majuro and the Marshall Islands.

Checking In for Your Flight

At the airline counter, present your passport and flight booking, then check in any larger baggage. Your bags will usually be screened, although staff may inspect them by hand when the airport X-ray equipment is not operating.

Keep your passport close after checking in, as you will need it again when paying the departure tax and completing the remaining departure formalities.

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Paying the Marshall Islands Departure Tax

International passengers must pay a departure tax of US$25 at the airport. Take your passport to the departure tax desk, pay the fee and follow the staff’s instructions to receive or validate your boarding pass.

Bring the tax in US dollars and avoid relying on airport banking facilities, as there is no public ATM or currency exchange at the terminal.

For more details on the departure tax and more, check out the Marshall Islands Tipping & Tax Guide for Travellers.

Arriving early gives you time for a meal at Akia Cafe, which serves breakfasts, plate lunches, Filipino dishes, burgers, wraps and ramen. The café is open from 7:30 am to 1 pm Sunday, Tuesday and Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, and from 7:30 am to 8 pm Thursday.

The Hangar Bar & Cocktails provides another place to get a drink, while Mio’s Gift Shop opens for every flight. It sells bags, baskets, jewellery, magnets and dresses in styles commonly worn locally, although not everything is made in the Marshall Islands.

Additional shops sometimes open for United flights, but the selection remains limited. Complete any essential shopping before travelling to the airport, then treat anything open in the terminal as a pleasant bonus rather than a guaranteed final retail adventure.

For more shopping tips, head to A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in the Marshall Islands.

Once you're ready (and the door is open), head through behind the Departure Tax desk for the final passport checks and into the Departure Lounge.

After security and the final passport checks, you will enter the departure lounge at Amata Kabua International Airport. The space is small and fairly basic, but there are enough snacks and drinks to keep you going while you wait.

Snack Time and The Hangar sell light refreshments, chips, alcoholic drinks and a small selection of accessories such as earrings, necklaces and sunglasses. The choice is limited, so it is best to eat a proper meal before passing through security if you have time.

Free internet is available in the lounge. You will also see posters with QR codes for the International Visitors Survey, which you can learn more about in the section below.

When boarding is announced, have your passport and boarding pass ready to show staff before walking out to the aircraft.

Instead of completing a traditional departure card, passengers can use the Office of Commerce, Investment and Tourism (OCIT) Visitor Departure Survey at the departure gates of Amata Kabua International Airport. It is much more convenient than finding a pen and gives you something useful to do while waiting to board.

The quick and confidential exit questionnaire asks about your trip satisfaction, spending and the activities you took part in. Connect to the airport’s free internet, scan the QR code displayed in the lounge, and complete the survey on your phone.

Your feedback helps the Marshall Islands better understand its visitors and strengthen tourism as a positive part of the local economy. Occasionally, there may even be a competition to win flights, which certainly adds a little sparkle to the boarding queue.

If you are leaving the Marshall Islands by sailing yacht, you must complete outward clearance through Majuro or Ebeye. This generally involves visiting the RMI Ports Authority, Customs and Immigration, then paying any applicable departure fees and completing the final vessel paperwork.

We recommend starting the process during normal government hours, from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, and giving officials at least 24 hours’ notice before departure.

For the full procedure, see Sailing Guide to the Marshall Islands: Tips for Yachting in the Marshall Islands.