Palau Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Palau, an archipelago of over 500 islands in the western Pacific, welcomes tourists with relatively straightforward entry procedures. Most visitors from major Western nations can enter visa-free for tourism purposes, typically for stays of up to 90 days. Upon arrival, travelers must present a valid passport, proof of onward or return travel, and may be asked to show sufficient funds for their stay. The immigration process at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) is generally efficient. All visitors must complete an arrival card and a health declaration form. Immigration officers may ask about the purpose of your visit and your accommodation details. It's important to note that Palau strictly enforces its environmental pledge, which all visitors must sign upon entry, committing to protect the nation's natural and cultural heritage. Before traveling, visitors should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date. While no specific vaccinations are required for entry, it's advisable to be up-to-date on routine vaccines. Travelers should also be aware of Palau's strict biosecurity laws designed to protect its fragile ecosystem from invasive species.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Palau maintains a liberal visa policy for tourists from many countries, offering visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for short stays. However, some nationalities require advance visa approval.

Visa-Free Entry

30-90 days (typically 90 days for most nationalities)

Citizens of these countries can enter Palau without obtaining a visa in advance for tourism purposes.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand European Union member states Japan South Korea Singapore Taiwan Israel Philippines

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond date of entry. Visitors must have proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

N/A

Palau does not currently have an electronic travel authorization system. All visitors either enter visa-free, obtain a visa on arrival, or must apply for a visa in advance.

Includes

N/A

How to Apply: N/A
Cost: N/A

Check official sources for any future implementation of an ETA system.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type

Citizens of countries not listed in visa-free categories must obtain a visa before traveling to Palau.

How to Apply: Apply through the nearest Palauan embassy or consulate. If none exists in your country, contact the Ministry of Justice's Division of Immigration and Labor.

Processing times vary; apply well in advance of travel. Business visitors and those planning to work or study require appropriate visas.

Arrival Process

The entry process at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport is straightforward but includes important steps to protect Palau's environment.

Arrival and Health Declaration

Complete the health declaration form provided on your flight or at the airport.

Immigration Check

Present your passport, completed arrival card, and proof of onward travel to immigration officers.

Environmental Pledge

All visitors must sign the Palau Pledge, a commitment to act in an environmentally responsible way during their stay.

Baggage Claim and Customs

Collect luggage and proceed through customs, declaring any restricted items or goods over duty-free limits.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Palau.

Proof of Onward/Return Travel

Airline ticket or itinerary showing departure from Palau within the permitted stay period.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

May be requested to show you have adequate financial means for your stay (credit cards, cash, bank statements).

Accommodation Details

Address of where you'll be staying (hotel reservation or host contact information).

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching the immigration counter.

Fill out the arrival card completely and accurately while on the plane to save time.

Be prepared to show your return/onward ticket if asked.

Read and understand the Palau Pledge before signing it - it's a serious commitment to environmental protection.

Declare all food items, plants, or animal products to avoid fines at customs.

Customs & Duty-Free

Palau has strict customs regulations to protect its environment and public health. All visitors must declare certain items upon arrival.

Alcohol

2 liters of alcoholic beverages

Traveler must be at least 21 years old

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

Traveler must be at least 21 years old

Currency

No limit on import/export

Amounts over USD 10,000 must be declared

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to USD 500 value

Commercial quantities require declaration and may be subject to duty

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - strict penalties including imprisonment
Firearms and ammunition without special permit - requires advance approval
Pornographic materials - illegal in Palau
Counterfeit goods - illegal to import
Endangered species products - violates CITES and local conservation laws

Restricted Items

Medications - prescription drugs must be in original containers with doctor's prescription
Plants and plant products - require phytosanitary certificate and inspection
Animals and animal products - require veterinary health certificate and import permit
Drones - require special permit from Ministry of Justice
Communications equipment - may require special authorization

Health Requirements

Palau has specific health requirements to protect public health and prevent the spread of diseases.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, influenza)
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Hepatitis B
Rabies (for adventure travelers or those working with animals)

Health Insurance

Not mandatory for entry but highly recommended. Medical evacuation insurance is advised as serious medical conditions may require transfer to Guam, the Philippines, or other countries for treatment.

Current Health Requirements: Check current requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccination as policies may change. As of October 2024, no COVID-19 testing or vaccination proof is required for entry, but this is subject to change based on public health conditions.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate

Check your government's travel advisory website. Many countries do not have embassies in Palau; nearest may be in Philippines, Japan, or Guam.

Immigration Authority

Division of Immigration and Labor, Ministry of Justice

For visa applications and official information: https://www.palaugov.pw/immigration/

Emergency

Emergency services number

911 (Police, ambulance, fire)

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children under 18 traveling without both parents may need a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s). All children must have their own passport. Birth certificates may be requested to verify parent-child relationships.

Traveling with Pets

Strict import requirements apply. Pets need import permit from Bureau of Agriculture, valid health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination, and may face quarantine. Certain dog breeds are prohibited. Advance planning (2-3 months) is essential.

Extended Stays

Tourists wishing to stay beyond the initial visa-free period (typically 90 days) must apply for an extension at the Division of Immigration and Labor before their current permission expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities and may require proof of sufficient funds and valid reason for extension.

Know what to pack

Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear — with shopping links for every item.

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