- The Marshall Islands are 29 coral atolls and five islands with almost no tourism
- Majuro is the base, with day trips to quieter atolls such as Arno
- Bikini Atoll's nuclear test sites and sunken fleet are famous among wreck divers, but access is very limited
- Fly via Honolulu or Guam on United's Island Hopper
- Airports
- Amata Kabua International (MAJ) on Majuro, Bucholz Army Airfield (KWA) on Kwajalein
- Flight time
- about 28-34h from London to Majuro, usually with two or three stops
- Best time to go
- December-April (drier, trade-wind season)
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
The Republic of the Marshall Islands is a nation of low-lying coral atolls in the central Pacific, roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia. Most land is barely two metres above sea level, and the country is on the front line of climate change. Visitors come for calm turquoise lagoons, outrigger canoe culture, WWII relics and the sobering history of US nuclear testing at Bikini and Enewetak in the 1940s and 1950s.
It is one of the least visited places on Earth, with basic tourist facilities, so it suits curious travellers and divers. Cars drive on the right, plugs are the US type A/B, and the Marshall Islands are 11 hours ahead of the UK in summer and 12 hours ahead in winter. This is one of our Oceania guides covering where to go, when to visit, getting there and costs in 2026.
Entry requirements
Entry rules for British visitors have changed over the years. British passport holders can usually get a visitor visa or entry permit on arrival for up to 30 days, but you should confirm this before travel. Your passport should be valid for at least six months, and you'll need an onward or return ticket. Visits to Kwajalein Atoll's US military areas require special permission. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in the Marshall Islands
Majuro
The capital atoll is a long, thin ribbon of land with a single main road running about 50 km around the lagoon. The Alele Museum explains Marshallese navigation, including traditional stick charts, and weaving culture. At the far western end, Laura Beach is the best spot for swimming and a quieter, village feel. Majuro also has snorkelling, diving and fishing trips.
Arno Atoll
Visible from Majuro on a clear day and reached by boat, Arno is a classic outer atoll with palm-fringed islets, simple accommodation and excellent fishing. It is a good taste of traditional island life.
Bikini Atoll
The site of 23 US nuclear tests between 1946 and 1958, Bikini is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lagoon holds the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga and other ships sunk in the tests, making it a legendary wreck-diving destination. Trips have only run sporadically in recent years, so check whether any operator is running them.
Other atolls
Mili, Maloelap and Jaluit have WWII Japanese ruins, with aircraft wrecks and bunkers among the palms. Visiting requires domestic flights, which run infrequently, and permission from local communities.
Best time to visit the Marshall Islands
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Drier season (December-April) | Steady trade winds, less rain and calmer travel; best overall time |
| Wetter season (May-November) | More rain and humidity, calmer winds; occasional storms, though typhoons are uncommon this far east |
Temperatures stay around 27-30 °C year-round.
Ask permission before visiting outer islands or walking on village land; almost all land is privately owned through family lineages.
Getting to the Marshall Islands from the UK
There are no direct flights. The main route is United Airlines' Island Hopper, which links Honolulu with Majuro, Kwajalein, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk and Guam a few times a week. You can reach Honolulu via the US mainland or Guam via Asia. Nauru Airlines has also served Majuro from Brisbane via Nauru and Tarawa. Allow 28-34 hours from London. Combine the trip with Micronesia, Kiribati or Nauru.
Getting around
On Majuro, shared taxis run up and down the main road for a small flat fare, and car hire is available. Air Marshall Islands runs domestic flights to outer atolls, but schedules are irregular and can change at short notice. Boats link nearby atolls such as Arno.
Money and costs
The Marshall Islands use the US dollar. Majuro has a small range of hotels, usually around US$100-180 a night, and outer islands offer only basic guesthouses. A realistic budget is roughly US$150-250 (about £115-195) per person per day, plus flights and diving. ATMs are found on Majuro, but carry cash for outer islands. Tipping is not customary.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Bikini Atoll?
Only occasionally. Dive trips have operated in the past, but regular tourist access has been limited for years. Check with Majuro-based operators before planning around it.
Is the Marshall Islands worth visiting?
For travellers interested in remote places, WWII history and Pacific culture, yes. It is not a resort destination, and facilities are basic.
How many days do you need?
With infrequent flights, plan on at least five days, and a week if you want to visit an outer atoll.
What should I wear in the Marshall Islands?
Dress modestly. Women traditionally cover their thighs, so swim in shorts or a sarong over swimwear in village areas.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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