Carriers & Agents

Essential reporting protocols, manifests, and arrival requirements for all aircraft and sea vessels entering the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Compliance and Reporting

All aircraft and sea vessels entering the RMI must comply with mandatory reporting and clearance procedures under the Ports of Entry Act and Immigration Act 2006. Entry is only permitted at official ports of entry. No vessel or aircraft may call at any other port without first obtaining clearance, unless the Cabinet grants emergency permission.

Exception: A vessel or aircraft in distress may anchor or land at any port in the Republic but must immediately notify the nearest Government of the Marshall Islands representative.

Official Ports of Entry

Air Ports of Entry
Port Location Notes
Amata Kabua International Airport (AKIA)

Majuro Atoll

Primary commercial international airport

USAKA Airport (Bucholz Army Airfield)

Kwajalein Atoll

US military / authorized personnel only

Sea Ports of Entry
Port Location
Darrit Anchorage

Majuro Atoll

Kwajalein Anchorage

Kwajalein Atoll

Ebeye Anchorage

Kwajalein Atoll

Jabor Island Anchorage

Jaluit Atoll

All vessels and aircraft must obtain full clearance from an official port of entry before proceeding to any other location within the Republic.

Sea Vessel & Shipping Agent Protocols

RequirementDetails
Notice of Arrival

Must be submitted at least 72–96 hours prior to entering RMI waters.

Passenger & Crew Manifest

A duplicate list of all crew and passengers must be submitted in advance to the Division of Immigration.

Vessel Arrival Record

Completion of Form 8616E is mandatory for all inbound and outbound craft.

Local Agent Mandate

Foreign fishing and commercial vessels may only purchase provisions through an agent licensed by the Secretary of Transportation.

Health & Quarantine Declaration

Vessel masters must declare the health status of all persons on board before docking.

Repatriation Liability

Carriers are liable for all costs associated with maintaining and repatriating any person they bring to the RMI who is subsequently denied entry.

Aircraft & Airline Protocols (NEW)

RequirementDetails
Passenger Manifest

Submit in advance: full name, nationality, passport number and validity, date of birth, arrival date, and flight details for all passengers.

Uplift Notices

All non-exempt passengers must have a valid Uplift Notice or pre-approved visa before boarding.

One-Way Passengers

Before allowing a one-way passenger to board, carriers must confirm: (1) approved visa and (2) complete Uplift Notice including name, nationality, passport number and validity, date of birth, arrival date, and flight details.

Denied Boarding Obligation

Carriers who bring inadmissible passengers to the RMI are liable for all repatriation and maintenance costs.

Private Vessel (Yacht) Arrivals (NEW)

Pre-arrival information to submit to the Division of Immigration:

  • Vessel name – Skipper’s full name and nationality
  • Arrival date and intended port of arrival
  • Departure date and next port of call
  • Names and nationalities of all persons on board

Important: Skippers must wait for a written approval letter from the Division of Immigration before departing for the RMI. A skipper’s own acceptance or confirmation letter is not sufficient and will not be accepted at the port of entry — entry into the Republic will be denied.

C-1 Cruising Visa applications must be submitted for all crew who are not visa-exempt 19 nationals. The vessel must clear at a designated official port of entry before visiting other atolls.

Contact: rmi_majuro@rmiimmigration.org | (692) 625-8633 / ext. 4572

Agent Responsibilities

Registered agents acting on behalf of employers, vessel owners, or airlines must:

Verify Documentation

Ensure all foreign workers and crew have valid Police and Medical Clearances dated within the last 3 months

Submit Manifests Accurately

All passenger and crew manifest data must be complete and accurate before submission

Report Changes Immediately

Notify the Division of Immigration of any changes in crew status, passenger manifests, or vessel/aircraft itineraries

Ensure Labor Compliance

Confirm all non-resident workers are registered with the Labor Division within the prescribed timeframe

Legal Note: Failure to provide accurate manifests, attempting to enter a non-official port without authorization, or uplifting inadmissible passengers may result in heavy fines, vessel detention, or prosecution under the Ports of Entry Act and Immigration Act 2006.