Palau Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Palau, officially the Republic of Palau, is an island nation in the western Pacific Ocean that welcomes international visitors with relatively straightforward entry requirements. Most travelers from major countries can enter Palau without obtaining a visa in advance, receiving a visa on arrival at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (Koror) or through the country's seaports. The immigration process is generally efficient and welcoming, reflecting Palau's commitment to sustainable tourism. Upon arrival, visitors must present valid travel documents, proof of onward or return travel, and demonstrate sufficient funds for their stay. Palau has implemented the Palau Pledge, an eco-pledge that all visitors must sign before entry, stamped directly into passports as a commitment to act in an ecologically responsible way. The country takes environmental protection seriously, and this unique requirement reflects their dedication to preserving their pristine natural environment for future generations. Travelers should be aware that Palau is a relatively remote destination with limited international flights, primarily connected through Guam, Manila, Seoul, and Taipei. It's essential to have all documentation in order before departure, as there are limited options for resolving issues once in transit. The official currency is the US Dollar, and English is widely spoken alongside Palauan, making communication straightforward for most international visitors.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Palau operates a visa-on-arrival system for most nationalities, making it accessible for tourists from around the world. Citizens of most countries can enter without pre-arranged visas and receive entry permits upon arrival.

Visa-Free Entry (Visa on Arrival)

30 days initially (can be extended)

Citizens of most countries can enter Palau without a pre-arranged visa and receive a tourist entry permit upon arrival

Includes

Visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay, confirmed onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. The initial 30-day permit can be extended for up to 90 days total stay.

Visa Extension

Extensions available up to 90 days total stay

Tourists wishing to stay beyond the initial 30-day period

How to Apply: Extensions must be applied for at the Bureau of Immigration in Koror before the initial 30-day period expires. Applications typically processed within 1-3 business days.
Cost: Approximately $50 USD for extension

Overstaying without proper extension can result in fines and difficulties with future entry. Always apply for extensions before your current authorization expires.

Visa Required (Pre-Approval)

Varies by application

A small number of nationalities require pre-arranged visas or special clearance before traveling to Palau

How to Apply: Contact the nearest Palauan embassy or consulate, or the Bureau of Immigration in Palau directly. Processing can take 2-4 weeks.

This applies to a limited number of countries. If uncertain about your nationality's requirements, contact Palauan immigration authorities well in advance of travel.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport or by sea, all visitors go through immigration and customs procedures. The process is typically straightforward but thorough, as Palau takes biosecurity and environmental protection seriously.

Disembarkation Card Completion

Complete the arrival/departure card distributed on your flight or available at immigration. Provide accurate information about your accommodation and contact details in Palau.

Palau Pledge

All visitors must sign the Palau Pledge, an eco-pledge stamped into your passport. This is a mandatory commitment to act responsibly and preserve Palau's environment and culture. Take time to read and understand this pledge.

Immigration Counter

Present your passport (valid for 6+ months), completed arrival card, return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. The immigration officer will ask questions about your visit, stamp your passport with entry permission (typically 30 days), and stamp the Palau Pledge.

Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the baggage carousel. Ensure all bags are accounted for before proceeding to customs.

Customs Declaration

Proceed through customs inspection. Declare all required items on your customs form. Be prepared for agricultural and biosecurity inspections, as Palau strictly controls items that could harm its ecosystem.

Exit to Arrivals

After clearing customs, exit to the arrivals area where you can arrange transportation to your accommodation.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Palau. Ensure you have blank pages for entry stamps.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Palau is mandatory. This can be a return flight ticket or confirmed onward travel to another destination.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, resort booking confirmation, or letter of invitation if staying with friends/family. You must provide a local address.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence that you can support yourself during your stay (credit cards, cash, bank statements). While rarely requested, have this available if asked.

Completed Arrival/Departure Card

Immigration form provided on the flight or at the airport. Fill out accurately with your accommodation details and purpose of visit.

Customs Declaration Form

Required if you're carrying items that must be declared (currency over $10,000, restricted items, commercial goods).

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents easily accessible in a travel folder before reaching immigration - don't pack them in checked luggage.

Print your hotel confirmation and return flight details even if you have them electronically, as connectivity may be limited.

Be honest and courteous with immigration officers. Answer questions directly and don't volunteer unnecessary information.

Take the Palau Pledge seriously - it's not just a formality. Palau's environmental protection laws are strict and violations can result in significant fines.

Declare anything you're uncertain about at customs. It's better to declare and have nothing to pay than to fail to declare restricted items.

Exchange currency before arrival or at the airport if needed, though US Dollars are accepted everywhere and ATMs are available in Koror.

Arrive well-rested and patient. As a small island nation, processing times can vary depending on flight arrivals.

Take a photo of your passport information page and entry stamp, and store it separately from your passport as a backup.

Customs & Duty-Free

Palau Customs and Border Protection enforces strict regulations to protect the country's unique ecosystem and prevent the introduction of invasive species. All arriving passengers must pass through customs inspection, and agricultural items are subject to particularly stringent scrutiny.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits or wine

Must be 21 years or older. Alcohol beyond this allowance may be subject to duty.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

Must be 21 years or older. Palau has strict anti-smoking laws in public places.

Currency

Amounts over $10,000 USD (or equivalent) must be declared

No limit on how much you can bring, but amounts exceeding $10,000 must be declared on arrival and departure forms. Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalties.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to $200 USD value

Items for personal use during your stay are generally duty-free. Commercial quantities or items for resale require proper documentation and may incur duties.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including imprisonment
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives - without prior authorization
Fresh fruits and vegetables - strict biosecurity measure to prevent invasive species
Live animals and plants - without proper permits and quarantine documentation
Meat and meat products - including processed meats and dairy products
Soil and sand - environmental protection measure
Endangered species products - including ivory, turtle shell products, and certain corals
Pornographic materials - strictly prohibited
Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items
Certain fishing equipment - spearfishing gear is restricted in many areas

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - bring in original containers with prescriptions; carry a letter from your doctor for controlled substances
Pets - require import permits, health certificates, rabies vaccination records, and may require quarantine
Drones - require special permits from civil aviation authorities and are prohibited in certain areas
Professional photography/video equipment - may require media permits for commercial use
Fishing equipment - recreational fishing requires licenses; certain methods are prohibited
Plants and seeds - require phytosanitary certificates and import permits
Chemicals and hazardous materials - require special authorization

Health Requirements

Palau generally does not require specific vaccinations for entry, except for travelers arriving from yellow fever endemic countries. However, ensuring you're up-to-date with routine vaccinations is strongly recommended.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. You must present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella (chickenpox), Polio, and yearly flu shot
Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers as contamination can occur through food or water
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
Typhoid - Recommended for travelers eating outside major restaurants and hotels
Japanese Encephalitis - Consider if spending extended time outdoors in rural areas, especially during wet season

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Palau has limited medical facilities, and serious medical conditions may require evacuation to Guam, Philippines, or Taiwan, which can be extremely expensive (often exceeding $50,000 USD). Ensure your policy covers: emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, repatriation, and diving-related injuries if you plan to scuba dive. Standard travel insurance may exclude diving accidents, so consider specialized dive insurance.

Current Health Requirements: Health entry requirements can change rapidly, particularly regarding COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Check the official Palau government website and your country's travel advisory 2-3 weeks before departure and again 72 hours before your flight for the latest requirements regarding: COVID-19 testing, vaccination certificates, health declaration forms, quarantine requirements, and any disease-specific restrictions. Requirements may vary based on your country of origin and vaccination status.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Bureau of Immigration

Republic of Palau Bureau of Immigration, P.O. Box 100, Koror, PW 96940

For visa extensions, immigration questions, and official entry requirement information. Email inquiries may have delayed responses.

Emergency Services

Emergency number: 911

For police, ambulance, and fire services. English is widely spoken by emergency responders.

Belau National Hospital

Main hospital in Koror: +680-488-2558

Primary medical facility in Palau. For serious emergencies, medical evacuation may be necessary.

Palau Visitors Authority

Tourism information and assistance: +680-488-2793

Can provide information about tourist services, activities, and general visitor information.

Your Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Palau or the nearest location (often in Manila, Philippines or Tokyo, Japan)

Register with your embassy before travel. They can assist with lost passports, emergencies, and consular services. Check your government's travel advisory website for current contact information.

Customs and Border Protection

For customs inquiries: +680-488-2813

Contact regarding prohibited items, duty questions, or customs procedures.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport regardless of age. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry: a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the trip, copies of the child's birth certificate, and copies of parents' identification. If traveling with one parent, bring documentation showing custody arrangements if applicable. For unaccompanied minors, contact your airline about their specific policies and requirements, as special arrangements must be made in advance.

Traveling with Pets

Importing pets to Palau is complex and requires advance planning (at least 3-4 months). Requirements include: import permit from Palau Bureau of Agriculture (must be obtained before travel), current rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months), health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, microchip identification, and possible quarantine period depending on origin country. Certain breeds may be restricted. Pet import permits can be difficult to obtain, and many hotels do not accept pets. Contact the Bureau of Agriculture well in advance: +680-488-1181.

Extended Stays and Work

Tourist visas can be extended beyond the initial 30 days up to a maximum of 90 days total by applying at the Bureau of Immigration in Koror. For stays beyond 90 days, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa category. Working in Palau requires a work permit and employment visa sponsored by a Palauan employer - this must be arranged before arrival. Student visas are available for those enrolled in Palau Community College. Long-term residents may apply for permanent residency after meeting specific criteria. Overstaying your authorized period results in fines ($50 per day) and potential deportation.

Business Travelers

Business visitors can enter on the standard tourist visa-on-arrival for short business trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations) not involving employment. You should carry: invitation letter from the Palauan company or organization, proof of business registration in your home country, and documentation of the business purpose. If you will be conducting business activities beyond meetings (training staff, installing equipment, etc.), consult with Palauan immigration about whether a business visa is required. Never work on a tourist visa - this can result in deportation and future entry bans.

Cruise Ship Passengers

Cruise ship passengers are typically granted shore leave for the duration of their ship's port call without going through standard immigration procedures, as the cruise line handles documentation. However, you must: carry your passport or cruise ship ID card at all times ashore, return to the ship before departure time (late return may result in the ship leaving without you), and comply with all local laws including the Palau Pledge environmental commitment. Some cruise passengers may need to complete a simplified arrival form. Check with your cruise line about specific procedures.

Journalists and Media Professionals

Professional journalists, film crews, and media professionals planning to work in Palau should obtain media accreditation before arrival. Contact the Bureau of Communication and the Palau Visitors Authority in advance. You may need: a media visa or special authorization, equipment import permits for professional gear, and permission to film in certain locations (especially protected areas). Working as media on a tourist visa is not permitted and can result in deportation and equipment confiscation.