Palau travelplanet.cc Travel Guide 2026

1. Entry Requirements & Documents

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Palau . At least one blank page is required for entry stamps .

Visa: Citizens of many countries, including the USA, UK, Germany, and Switzerland, do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days . Some sources indicate up to 90 days for certain nationalities . A visitor visa is issued on arrival.

• Required Documents: A valid onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds (USD 200 per week) are required for entry .
• Palau Entry Form: All travellers must complete the online Palau Entry Form up to 72 hours before arrival. A QR code will be generated, which must be presented at the airport . The form is free of charge .
• Palau Pledge: Upon arrival, all visitors are asked to sign the Palau Pledge, which is stamped into their passports . This is a commitment to protect the country's environment and culture .
• Visa Extension: A 30-day visa can be extended for up to a total of 90 days (30 days on arrival plus two extensions of 30 days each) . Extensions must be applied for within 7 days before the visa expires . Contact the Bureau of Immigration in Palau for details .
• Departure Taxes: An airport departure tax of approximately USD 20 and an environmental fee of USD 30 are payable upon departure . Note that the "Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee" (PPEF) of USD 100 is already included in the airfare for travellers arriving by air .
• Children: Minors (under 18) travelling without both legal guardians require a notarised parental consent letter, plus copies of the guardians' passports and the child's birth certificate .
• Stolen Documents: The use of previously stolen or lost travel documents is strongly discouraged, as this can lead to entry refusal at the border .

Official links: Palau Visitors Authority · Palau Entry Form · Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein.

2. Health, Vaccinations & Insurance

Mandatory Vaccinations: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission .

Recommended Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended . MMR vaccination is also recommended if not up to date .

• Travel Health Insurance: Essential . Medical facilities are limited, and medical evacuation (air ambulance) can be extremely expensive . Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation .
• Medical Care: A hospital is located in Koror, with a hyperbaric chamber . However, many popular dive sites are far from Koror . Medical facilities are limited, and serious cases require evacuation to a country with better facilities .
• Diseases: Dengue fever outbreaks occur; take insect protection measures (DEET or picaridin repellent, long sleeves, mosquito nets) . Other insect-borne diseases include chikungunya and Zika .
• Tap Water: Do not drink tap water; use bottled or boiled water . Food and waterborne diseases (hepatitis A, typhoid) are a risk; maintain strict food and water hygiene .
• Medication: Bring a sufficient supply of all required medications for the duration of your stay, in original packaging with a doctor's prescription .

Links: CDC – Palau

3. Safety & Travel Advisories

• Crime: Petty crime (theft from homes, hotel rooms, vehicles, and pickpocketing) can occur . Theft from vehicles is common . Keep your hotel room or residence locked at all times .
• Curfew: A traditional curfew (bul) is in effect in Koror and Airai from midnight to 5am . Follow the advice of local authorities .
• Unexploded Ordnance (UXO): WWII-era ordnance exists on the island of Peleliu . Hire known guides to ensure you are in a safe area .
• Driving: Roads are limited and often in poor condition . An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended in addition to your national licence .
• Natural Hazards: Palau is in a seismically active zone; earthquakes can occur . Cyclones can occur between May and November, leading to flooding, landslides, and travel disruption .
• Local Laws:
  • Penalties for drug offences are strict . Long sentences apply for possessing illegal 'hard drugs' .
  • Import, advertising, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and vapes is illegal. Fines apply .
  • Importation and use of 'reef toxic' sunscreens is prohibited; only use 'reef safe' sunscreen products .
  • It is illegal to bring guns, ammunition, or even spent shells or casings into Palau .
  • Drinking in public places is illegal . The legal drinking age is 21 .
• LGBTQIA+: Avoid public displays of affection .
• Dual Nationality: Palau recognises dual nationality .

Official travel advisories: U.S. State Department · Austrian MFA · Australian Smartraveller

4. Emergency & Important Numbers

Other services: U.S. Embassy Palau

5. Embassies & Consulates

In emergencies (passport loss, legal trouble, consular assistance), contact the embassy or consulate of your home country. The U.S. Embassy is located in Palau . Other foreign missions are typically located in Fiji (Suva) or elsewhere in the region.

• U.S. Embassy Palau: Omsangel/Beklelachieb, Airai, Palau 96940 · Tel: +680 587 2920 or +680 587 2990

Search link: All foreign embassies and consulates accredited to Palau

6. Background on Country & Society

Brief Description: Palau is an archipelago of over 500 islands in the western Pacific Ocean . It is a republic and a member of the United Nations. Palau is known for its pristine marine environment, world-class diving, and the unique Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The country is a leader in marine conservation and environmental protection.

• Capital: Melekeok (on Babeldaob, the largest island)
• Largest City: Koror
• Population: ~18,000
• Economy: Tourism, fishing, and U.S. aid under the Compact of Free Association.
• Nature: Pristine coral reefs, lagoons, and marine life. The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Official information: Palau Visitors Authority · Government of Palau

7. Climate, Weather & Clothing

Climate: Tropical — warm and humid year-round, with temperatures around 27-30°C . The climate is moderated by trade winds .

• Dry season (Dec–Apr): Pleasant, lower humidity, less rainfall. The best time for travel.
• Wet season (May–Nov): Hotter, more humid, with heavy rainfall and a risk of tropical cyclones.

Clothing recommendations:

• Year-round: Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen), sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen.
• Cultural: Dress modestly outside the beach area; cover knees and shoulders in villages and at religious events .
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, flip-flops for the beach, and reef shoes for water activities.

8. Language & Communication

Official languages: Palauan and English. English is widely spoken and is the language of government and education. Other languages include Sonsorolese, Tobian, and Japanese (spoken by some older people).

9. Voltage & Plug Types

• Voltage: 120 V
• Frequency: 60 Hz
• Plug types: Type A and Type B (same as the United States).
• Adapter needed? For travellers from DE/AT/CH: Yes — need an adaptor (Type C/F to Type A/B). For UK/Ireland: Yes — need an adaptor (Type G to Type A/B). For 230V devices, a voltage converter is required.

10. Money & Finances

• Currency: United States Dollar (USD).
• Exchange rate (approx., August 2026): 1 EUR ≈ 1.10 USD.
• Payment methods: Cash is essential, especially on outer islands. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and larger shops in Koror .
• ATMs: Available in Koror .
• Cash Declaration: You must declare cash (USD or foreign currency) if the total value is 10,000 USD or more .
• Price level: High — due to the country's isolation, many goods are imported.
• Tipping: Tipping is not expected, but appreciated for good service.

11. Transport & Arrival

Airports: The main international airport is Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) on Babeldaob.

• Flights: No direct flights from Europe. Fly via the U.S. (Hawaii/Guam) or Asia (Taiwan/Philippines) .
• Domestic transport: Car hire is recommended . Taxis are available at the airport and in town .
• Driving: Drive on the right . An International Driving Permit is recommended in addition to your national licence .

Official transport pages: Palau Visitors Authority – Getting Around

12. Accommodation & Practical Information

• Hotel types: Limited options. Most accommodation is in Koror, with a few hotels and guesthouses .
• Safety: Accommodation is generally safe; use hotel safes for valuables.
• Opening hours: Shops: Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00. Many shops close on Sundays.
• Local regulations: Smoking is banned in all public indoor spaces and on public transport. The legal drinking age is 21 .

13. Food, Drink & Cuisine

Palauan cuisine is based on local produce, with a focus on seafood, coconut, and root vegetables.

14. Time Zone & Public Holidays

• Time zone: Palau Time (PWT) – UTC+9. No daylight saving time .
• Time difference to DE/AT/CH: +7 hours (when Central Europe is on standard time) / +8 hours (when Central Europe is on summer time).

Public holidays in 2026 (selection):

• 1 January – New Year's Day
• 3 April – Good Friday
• 5 April – Easter Sunday
• 6 April – Easter Monday
• 1 May – Labour Day
• 1 June – President's Day
• 9 July – Constitution Day
• 1 October – Independence Day
• 25 December – Christmas Day
• 26 December – Boxing Day

Note: Many shops, museums, and attractions close on public holidays. Check Office Holidays – Palau for the complete calendar.

15. Attractions & Highlights

Palau is a paradise for divers, nature lovers, and those seeking pristine island beauty.

Official tourism pages: Palau Visitors Authority

16. Nightlife & Events

Nightlife: Nightlife in Palau is very limited, mostly confined to Koror, with a few bars and hotels.

• Koror: A few bars and hotels with evening entertainment.
• Outer islands: Very limited.

Festivals & events:

• Constitution Day (9 July) — the national day, with celebrations and parades.
• Independence Day (1 October) — celebrations and cultural events.
• Palau International Fishing Tournament — an annual event for fishing enthusiasts.

Event calendars: Palau Visitors Authority Events

17. Media & Further Links

🇵🇼 Palau — where paradise meets the Pacific and the Jellyfish Lake glows.
All information is provided for guidance. Always check official sources before travel.