Wake Island

Quick Overview

Population: 150
Official language: English
Time zone: Wake Island Time
Vaccination required: No
Risk of malaria: No
Climate Info

Wake Island: Travel Health Information

As one of the most isolated islands in the world, Wake Island is primarily used by the United States Strategic Air Command as a base and refueling stop. The country has no permanent residents and travel to the island is restricted. Occasionally, travellers can visit the island through organized military historical tours.

Healthcare

The standards for patient care and medical services in Wake Island may differ from your home country. Due to Wake Island’s small size and population, there is no organized healthcare system and medical care is extremely limited. There is one doctor and one nurse on the island providing very basic care. All other medical treatment requires travel to Honolulu, Hawaii, which is almost 3000 miles away.

In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Doctors in Wake Island require upfront payment, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Evacuation to the United States may be required for specialized care and medical emergencies. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance, including evacuation. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in Wake Island.

Pharmacies and medications

Access to pharmaceuticals in Wake Island is extremely limited. Make sure to pack an appropriate amount of essential medication for the duration of your trip.

If you are travelling with medication, check with Wake Island’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.

Road safety

Due to Wake Island’s small size, it is easy to travel by foot. There are roads on the Island, however, but vehicle-use is limited to authorized personnel.


Next for Wake Island

Hepatitis A