Palau

🇵🇼

Phone Code

+680

Capital

Melekeok

Population

18,000

Native Name

Palau

Region

Oceania

Micronesia

Timezone

Palau Time

UTC+09:00

On This Page

Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

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)

30 days for most nationalities; 90 days for US citizens and select others; granted automatically on arrival at Roman Tmar International Airport; passport valid 6+ months required; return/onward ticket must be shown; no advance application needed; $50 Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee paid at arrival; $30 departure tax (often included in airline tickets); simple immigration process; extension may be available through Bureau of Immigration in Koror; very few nationalities require advance visas.

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

Extensions available in 30-day increments typically; maximum total stay varies but extensions up to 3-6 months possible; apply at Bureau of Immigration in Koror before current permit expires; requires passport, immigration form, extension fee (approximately $50 per month), proof of funds, accommodation details; rarely denied for genuine tourists; many visitors extend to complete diving courses or extended diving trips; process straightforward but requires in-person application.

For tourists wishing to extend stay beyond initial 30 or 90-day visa-free period.

Advance Visa (Embassy Application)

30-90 days depending on nationality; very few countries require advance visas due to Palau's liberal visa policy; apply at Palauan diplomatic missions (limited embassy network - US, Japan, Taiwan embassies represent Palau in some countries); requires application form, passport, photos, travel itinerary, hotel booking, return ticket, visa fee; processing several weeks; most travelers do not need this - visa-free entry is standard.

Required for limited nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry, applied through Palauan embassy or consulate.

Work Permit / Business Visa

1-2 years typically, renewable; requires job offer from Palauan employer, employment contract, approval from Division of Labor and Bureau of Immigration, passport, police clearance, medical examination; foreign workers employed in diving industry, hospitality, construction, government sectors; small population means limited local workforce for specialized skills; residence permit issued with work authorization; employer handles application process; Palau prioritizes local employment but allows foreign workers in needed sectors.

For employment in Palau, requires employer sponsorship and approval from Division of Labor.

Important Travel Information

World-Class Diving: Palau is consistently ranked among the world's top 3 diving destinations. Attractions include Blue Corner (strong currents bring sharks, rays, trevally in huge numbers - advanced dive site), German Channel (manta ray cleaning station), Peleliu Wall (dramatic 900-foot wall), New Drop Off, Ulong Channel, numerous WWII wrecks including Japanese Zero fighters and US aircraft. Visibility often exceeds 30 meters. Diving seasons: December-March optimal with calmer seas and excellent visibility; July-October has more plankton attracting mantas. All dive operators require mandatory $50 Palau diving permit (valid 10 days, separate from environmental fee) and $100 Rock Islands permit (valid 10 days). Palau pioneered shark conservation - over a dozen shark species present. Advanced Open Water certification recommended for many sites due to currents. Numerous PADI dive shops in Koror.

Jellyfish Lake (Ongeim'l Tketau): One of Palau's most famous attractions is Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk island in Rock Islands. The marine lake contains millions of golden jellyfish that have lost their sting due to lack of predators. Visitors can snorkel among jellyfish clouds (scuba diving prohibited to protect lake ecosystem). Access requires Rock Islands permit ($100, valid 10 days) and boat tour from Koror. Note: The lake temporarily closed when jellyfish populations declined due to El Niño and drought, but populations have recovered. Current status should be verified. Other marine lakes exist but Jellyfish Lake is most accessible. Snorkeling only - no touching jellyfish. Tour operators from Koror arrange visits, typically combined with Rock Islands snorkeling at other sites.

Rock Islands UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 445 uninhabited limestone islands covered in lush vegetation rising from turquoise lagoons. Mushroom-shaped islands with undercut bases create iconic Palauan landscape. Activities include kayaking through rock arch tunnels, snorkeling pristine reefs, visiting hidden beaches, exploring marine lakes. Access requires mandatory Rock Islands permit ($100 per person, valid 10 days, paid at arrival or tour operators). Day tours from Koror visit multiple snorkel sites, beaches, and lagoons. Overnight camping available on designated islands with permits. No development allowed to preserve pristine nature. Spectacular scenery and world-class snorkeling make Rock Islands Palau's primary attraction after diving.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Koror
States & Regions in Palau

Explore different regions and their cities.

Hosted missions

Embassies in Palau

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United States in Palau

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