Palau
Phone Code
+680
Capital
Melekeok
Population
18,000
Native Name
Palau
Region
Oceania
Micronesia
Timezone
Palau Time
UTC+09:00
On This Page
Palau (officially Republic of Palau, also known as Belau) is a small island nation in the western Pacific Ocean. Located in Micronesia, Palau consists of approximately 340 islands forming the western chain of the Caroline Islands. The capital Ngerulmud is located on Babeldaob island, while the former capital and largest city Koror remains the commercial center. Palau has a population of approximately 18,000, making it one of the world's smallest countries. The nation is renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity, pristine coral reefs, and commitment to environmental conservation. In 2009, Palau created the world's first shark sanctuary, and in 2015 established one of the world's largest marine protected areas. The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring over 400 limestone and coral islands covered in forest and surrounded by turquoise lagoons. Palau is considered one of the world's premier scuba diving and snorkeling destinations with sites including Blue Corner, German Channel, Peleliu Wall, numerous WWII wrecks, and the famous Jellyfish Lake. The country has a close relationship with the United States under the Compact of Free Association. Palau combines spectacular natural beauty with cultural traditions and world-class marine experiences.
Visa Requirements for Palau
Palau offers visa-free entry to citizens of most countries for tourism purposes. Upon arrival at Roman Tmar International Airport (Koror) or via sea ports, visitors receive an entry permit valid for 30 days for most nationalities. Citizens of many countries can stay up to 90 days visa-free. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. Return or onward ticket required. Visitors must pay a $50 Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee upon arrival (cash or credit card), plus a $30 departure tax when leaving (sometimes included in airline tickets). These environmental fees fund Palau's conservation efforts. The entry process is straightforward with immigration forms distributed on flights. No advance visa application required for eligible nationalities. Visa extensions beyond initial permit may be available through Bureau of Immigration. Palau maintains focus on sustainable tourism with visitor numbers intentionally limited to protect environment. The 'Palau Pledge' - a mandatory eco-pledge visitors stamp into passports - commits travelers to environmental protection during their stay. Palau is safe with low crime rates and welcoming to tourists.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry (Tourist Permit)
For tourism, issued on arrival for citizens of most countries including US, Canada, UK, EU nations, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many others.
Visa Extension
For tourists wishing to extend stay beyond initial 30 or 90-day visa-free period.
Advance Visa (Embassy Application)
Required for limited nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry, applied through Palauan embassy or consulate.
Work Permit / Business Visa
For employment in Palau, requires employer sponsorship and approval from Division of Labor.
Important Travel Information
Travel Guide
Palau (Republic of Palau) is a western Pacific archipelago of approximately 340 islands — the western chain of the Caroline Islands — universally recognised as one of the world's premier scuba diving destinations. Blue Corner, German Channel, Peleliu Wall, and Jellyfish Lake are benchmark dive sites that have defined world-class diving for four decades. In 2009, Palau declared the world's first shark sanctuary; in 2015, it established one of the largest marine protected areas on earth. The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon — 445 mushroom-shaped limestone islands rising from turquoise water, covered in dense forest — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Peleliu island preserves some of the most atmospheric WWII-era relics in the Pacific (September–November 1944): Japanese bunkers, American tanks and Bloody Nose Ridge among dense jungle. Entry is visa-free for most nationalities (30–90 days), but visitors pay a $50 Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee and must stamp the Palau Pledge in their passport — a mandatory eco-oath — at immigration. The Compact of Free Association with the USA makes the US dollar the official currency and English one of the main languages.
Ways to Experience This Destination
Blue Corner is one of the world's most celebrated dive sites: a plateau where reef sharks, grey reef sharks, barracuda, and giant trevally gather in enormous numbers driven by a powerful current. German Channel is a manta ray cleaning station where mantas hover predictably over coral bommies. Peleliu Wall drops 900 feet vertically. WWII wrecks include Japanese Zero fighters and US Corsairs. Visibility frequently exceeds 30 m. Advanced OW certification recommended for current sites. Shark ban means shark populations are dense and undisturbed.
Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk island contains millions of golden jellyfish that migrated into a landlocked marine lake millennia ago, lost their sting due to the absence of predators, and now move in dense golden clouds. Snorkelling among them is one of the Pacific's most singular wildlife experiences. Scuba diving is prohibited to protect the ecosystem. Access requires Rock Islands permit ($100, 10 days). Populations recovered after a 2016 El Niño decline.
445 uninhabited limestone islands with undercut mushroom bases rising from turquoise lagoons. Kayaking through sea arches, snorkelling pristine reefs, hidden beaches, and marine lakes accessible only by boat. Mandatory Rock Islands permit ($100, 10 days). Day tours from Koror include multiple snorkel sites and beaches. No development permitted. Iconic mushroom island photography and world-class snorkelling.
Peleliu island preserves dense jungle around bunkers, tanks, artillery and Bloody Nose Ridge from WWII (September–November 1944), largely untouched and atmospheric. A WWII museum in Koror provides context. Accessible by 45-minute flight or boat from Koror — one of the least-visited WWII heritage sites in the Pacific.
Every visitor to Palau must stamp the Palau Pledge into their passport at immigration — a commitment to act ecologically responsibly, not harm reefs, not feed fish, use only reef-safe sunscreen (harmful chemicals banned since 2020, the first country to do so). The $50 Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee funds marine conservation. Palau is a global leader in conservation tourism: world's first shark sanctuary (2009), one of the largest marine protected areas (2015).
Money & Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Currency code: USD
Practical Money Tips
US Dollar (USD) — Palau's official currency; no Palauan currency exists; exchange EUR, AUD, and other currencies at NECO Marine Credit Union or Bank of Guam in Koror before arriving on outer islands; airport exchange at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (limited); no exchange facilities on outer islands
Palau uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency — there is no separate Palauan currency. EUR, AUD, GBP, and JPY can be exchanged at NECO Marine Credit Union and Bank of Guam in Koror. The Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Airai has limited exchange facilities on arrival. Outer islands (Peleliu, Angaur, Kayangel, Hatohobei) have no exchange facilities whatsoever — arrive with USD. ATMs are limited to Koror and nearby areas. Most dive operators and resorts accept USD as the default.
ATMs limited to Koror — NECO Marine Credit Union, Bank of Guam, and PacificCash ATMs in Koror area; accept Visa and Mastercard; no ATMs on outer islands (Peleliu, Angaur, Kayangel); no ATMs at the Rock Islands access points; withdraw USD in Koror before island-hopping; cash essential outside Koror
ATMs in Palau are limited to Koror, the main commercial town. NECO Marine Credit Union and Bank of Guam have ATMs that accept Visa and Mastercard. Daily withdrawal limits apply. There are no ATMs on Peleliu, Angaur, Kayangel, or Hatohobei islands. The Rock Islands (Ngermid Harbour) and Jellyfish Lake access area have no banking facilities. Withdraw sufficient USD in Koror before any multi-day island excursion or boat trip to outer islands. Resorts and liveaboard dive boats should be pre-paid or accept cards.
Card acceptance good in Koror resorts and dive shops — Visa and Mastercard at larger hotels, Palau Pacific Resort, Sam's Tours, Fish n Fins; Apple Pay and Google Pay work (US financial infrastructure); limited card acceptance at local restaurants and small shops; cash preferred for local markets and smaller businesses
Card acceptance is reasonable in Koror, Palau's main hub. Larger hotels such as Palau Pacific Resort and Palau Royal Resort, international dive operators (Sam's Tours, Fish n Fins, Neco Marine), and larger restaurants in Koror accept Visa and Mastercard. Apple Pay and Google Pay work in Palau — the country uses US banking infrastructure and the same payment systems as the United States. Local restaurants, small shops, minibus taxis, and village-level services prefer or require USD cash. All outer island accommodation and services are cash-only.
Expensive dive destination — mid-range hotel Koror USD 100–220/night; dive package (2-tank boat dive) USD 80–130/person; Rock Islands Entry Permit USD 100 (7-day pass); Jellyfish Lake entry USD 35; Peleliu historical tour USD 60–80; restaurant meal USD 15–35; tipping is not part of Palauan culture — avoid
Palau is one of the world's premier but expensive dive destinations. Mid-range hotel in Koror: USD 100–220/night. International-standard dive resort: USD 220–500/night including meals. Two-tank boat dive with a reputable operator: USD 80–130/person. Liveaboard dive trip (multi-day): USD 250–400/day. Rock Islands Entry Permit: USD 100 for a 7-day pass (mandatory for Rock Islands waters). Jellyfish Lake entry: USD 35. Peleliu historical site day trip: USD 60–80 including boat transfer. Restaurant main course in Koror: USD 15–35. Grocery at WCTC Mall: USD-priced, similar to US convenience store. Tipping: tipping is not part of Palauan culture — it can be considered rude. Do not tip guides, dive instructors, or restaurant staff.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Cities with missions
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Embassies in Palau
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