Palau visa requirements

Most tourists travelling to Palau do not need to arrange a visa before departure. Eligible visitors can normally receive a 30-day tourist visa on arrival, although the exact rules depend on nationality, passport type and reason for travel. In addition, travellers must meet Palau’s passport, onward travel and border-entry requirements before immigration officials allow them into the country.

Before you travel, check the latest requirements for your nationality with the Palau National Government or the nearest Palauan diplomatic or consular representative. Entry rules can change at short notice; therefore, do not rely solely on previous trips or information supplied by other travellers.

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Do you need a visa to visit Palau?

Many tourists can travel to Palau without obtaining a visa in advance. Instead, eligible visitors receive a tourist visa or visitor permission when they arrive, normally for a stay of up to 30 days. However, Palau does not apply exactly the same immigration rules to every nationality, so travellers should confirm their individual position before booking non-refundable travel.

For example, British citizens travelling on a full British citizen passport can currently visit for up to 30 days without arranging a visa before departure. Border officials normally issue the tourist visa on arrival. Similarly, Australian travel advice states that visitor visas are available on arrival, although travellers must still satisfy Palau’s entry conditions.

Nevertheless, permission to travel does not guarantee entry. Immigration officers can ask about your travel plans, accommodation, finances and onward journey before deciding whether to admit you.

For wider planning information, see the travel visa requirements by country guide or return to the Palau travel guide.

Palau entry requirements at a glance

Important: The table summarises common tourist requirements. Different rules may apply to certain nationalities, diplomatic or official passports, employment, study, residence or other long-term stays. Palau tourist visa on arrival

Palau tourist visa on arrival

Palau operates a visa-on-arrival system for many short-term visitors. Consequently, eligible tourists do not usually need to visit an embassy or consulate before travelling. Immigration officials issue the initial visitor permission at the border after checking that the traveller meets the entry conditions.

The standard tourist visa on arrival normally allows a stay of up to 30 days. However, travellers should carry evidence of their onward or return journey and ensure that their passport meets the required validity period.

Who needs a visa before travelling to Palau?

Some travellers may need prior immigration approval rather than relying on a visa on arrival. The requirement can depend on nationality, passport type and the purpose of the trip. Moreover, Palau can change visa arrangements, so nationality lists published on third-party websites may become outdated.

If you cannot confirm that you qualify for a tourist visa on arrival, contact Palau’s Bureau of Immigration or the nearest Palauan diplomatic or consular representative before travelling. Airlines may also check whether you appear to meet destination entry rules before allowing you to board.

Travellers visiting for work, study, residence or another non-tourist purpose should not assume that ordinary tourist permission covers their plans. Instead, confirm the relevant permit or visa before starting the journey.

Passport requirements for Palau

Your passport should normally have an expiry date at least six months after the date you arrive in Palau.

Check your passport well before departure because airlines can refuse boarding when travel documents do not meet destination requirements. In addition, border officials may refuse entry if a passport is invalid, damaged or previously reported lost or stolen.

If your passport will expire within the required validity period, renew it before travelling. Likewise, make sure the name on your flight booking matches the travel document you intend to use.

Palau Entry Form

Passengers travelling to Palau must complete the official Palau Entry Form shortly before their journey. The official system states that passengers should submit the form no more than 72 hours before departure. After submission, the system generates a QR code that travellers should keep available on a mobile device or as a printed copy.

The form collects information required for arrival and border processing. Furthermore, travellers can complete one submission for a family group where the official form permits it.

There is no charge for the official Palau Entry Form. Therefore, be cautious of third-party websites that demand payment merely to submit the standard form on your behalf.

When should I complete the Palau Entry Form?

Complete the form within the permitted pre-travel window rather than several weeks in advance. Once you submit it, save the confirmation email and QR code so you can show them during check-in or on arrival if requested.

Documents required to enter Palau

Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate that your visit is genuine and temporary. Consequently, keeping key booking information available can make the arrival process easier.

Travellers should be prepared to provide:

• a passport that meets Palau’s validity requirements;
• proof of a return or onward journey;
• the Palau Entry Form QR code;
• details of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or host address;
• evidence that they can support themselves during the trip if requested; and
• any additional documents required for their nationality or purpose of travel.

Keep digital copies of important documents, but also make sure you can access essential information if your phone loses power or mobile data is unavailable.

Palau Pledge

Visitors must sign the Palau Pledge as part of Palau’s arrival process. The pledge asks travellers to respect the country’s environment, culture and future generations while visiting the islands.

This requirement reflects Palau’s strong focus on environmental protection. Therefore, travellers should treat the pledge as part of the country’s entry process rather than as a general tourism slogan.

Environmental rules also affect what visitors can bring into the country. For example, Palau prohibits certain reef-toxic sunscreens, so check the ingredients in your sun protection before packing.

How long can tourists stay in Palau?

The standard tourist visa on arrival normally allows eligible visitors to stay in Palau for up to 30 days. Your immigration permission determines the date by which you must leave or obtain an approved extension.

Do not assume that leaving Palau and returning automatically creates a new entitlement to another full stay. Instead, immigration officials assess each entry separately and can ask about previous visits, travel plans and the purpose of your return.

Extending a stay in Palau

Visitors who want to remain in Palau beyond their initial permitted stay should contact the Bureau of Immigration before their current permission expires. Extensions may be available to eligible visitors, but approval is not automatic.

Published government and consular guidance indicates that tourist stays can potentially extend beyond the initial 30 days, subject to immigration approval. However, fees, application procedures and maximum stays can change; therefore, confirm the current rules directly with the Bureau of Immigration before relying on an extension.

Apply early enough to resolve any issue before your existing permission ends. In addition, keep proof of any approved extension with your passport and travel documents.

Entering Palau by air

Most international travellers arrive through Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, airport code ROR, in Airai on Babeldaob. It serves as Palau’s principal international aviation gateway and provides access to Koror and the country’s main visitor areas.

Before boarding, your airline may check your passport, onward ticket and entry-form confirmation. Consequently, complete the required online formalities before travelling to the airport and keep the relevant documents easy to access.

On arrival, follow immigration and customs instructions, present your passport and supporting documents when requested, and answer questions about your trip accurately.

Entering Palau by sea

Different arrival arrangements apply to yachts, private vessels and other travellers entering Palau by sea. Current travel advice states that sea arrivals must give at least 48 hours’ notice so officials can arrange immigration formalities.

Travellers arriving by sea must also complete the Palau Entry Form within the required period. Therefore, yacht crews and passengers should coordinate entry procedures before reaching Palauan waters rather than waiting until they arrive at a port.

Because maritime clearance can involve immigration, customs and port requirements, confirm the latest procedure with the relevant Palauan authorities before departure.

Transit requirements when travelling to Palau

Your route to Palau can create additional immigration requirements even when you qualify for a Palau tourist visa on arrival. This issue matters particularly when an itinerary connects through a country or territory that requires transit authorisation.

For example, travellers routing through Guam or another United States entry point must check the applicable US immigration requirements. Depending on nationality and circumstances, this may include a valid visa, ESTA or another form of travel authorisation.

Similarly, a connection through another Asian or Pacific hub may involve separate transit rules. Therefore, check the requirements for every country or territory on your itinerary, including the return journey.

Overstaying in Palau

Do not remain in Palau after your authorised stay expires unless immigration officials have approved an extension. Overstaying can lead to fines, immigration problems and difficulties when leaving or returning to the country.

If unexpected circumstances prevent you from leaving on time, contact the Bureau of Immigration as soon as possible. Moreover, keep evidence of cancelled flights, medical emergencies or other events that affect your travel plans.

Planning an extension before the expiry date is much safer than trying to resolve an overstay afterwards.

Customs and restricted items

Palau applies customs rules to goods, cash and restricted items entering or leaving the country. Travellers must declare items where the rules require it and should answer customs questions accurately.

Current travel advice highlights restrictions on reef-toxic sunscreen. Palau can confiscate prohibited sunscreen products, so choose reef-compatible alternatives before departure. In addition, check current limits for goods, cash and other controlled items if you plan to carry high-value products or large amounts of currency.

Customs rules sit separately from visa requirements. Nevertheless, failure to comply with them can delay entry and create legal problems at the border.

Before you travel to Palau

Check your immigration position again shortly before departure, particularly if you booked the trip several months earlier. Entry rules, fees and border procedures can change, and airlines often apply the requirements in force on the day of travel.

Before leaving home:

• confirm whether your nationality qualifies for a tourist visa on arrival;
• check that your passport remains valid for the required period;
• make sure you have enough blank passport pages;
• complete the official Palau Entry Form within the permitted window;
• save the generated QR code;
• carry proof of onward or return travel;
• check transit requirements for every stop on your itinerary; and
• verify the latest rules with Palau’s immigration authorities if anything is unclear.

For broader destination planning, use the Palau travel guide. You can also read the guide to Palauan culture, customs and etiquette before your trip.

FAQs: About Palau visa requirements

Summary

Planning a trip to Palau? Check the latest Palau visa requirements, including tourist visas on arrival, passport validity, the Palau Entry Form, onward travel rules and visa extensions.

Entry requirements vary by nationality, so confirm the rules that apply to you before departure. You can also compare travel visa requirements by country when planning a multi-country trip.