U.S. Embassy in Palau
In Airai State, in an area known as Omsangel (no street address)
P.O. Box 6028, Koror, Palau 96940
Telephone: +680-587-2920/2990
Emergency after-hours telephone: +680-775-8721
Fax: +680-587-2911
Email: consularkoror@state.gov

The U.S. Embassy in Palau, located in Airai State, accepts passport applications but does not issue passports or make decisions about citizenship claims.  The Honolulu Passport Agency performs these functions. The Embassy does not issue immigrant visas.  That function is performed by U.S. Embassy Manila, Philippines. For information on nonimmigrant visas, visit our webpage.

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Palau for information on U.S.-Palau relations.

A Palau Entry Form must be completed before arrival to Palau. Palau Entry Form submissions must made be within 72 hours or less prior to your arrival time in the Republic of Palau. Your response must be in English. Only ONE form is required per family or single traveler. Once you fill in the form, a unique QR code will be sent to your email. Each traveler must present a copy of their completed Palau Entry Form or unique QR Code upon arrival at the Palau International Airport. 

U.S. citizens visiting Palau do not need a visa. To visit Palau, you must have a passport valid for at least six months at the time of entry. This requirement does not apply to U.S. military personnel traveling on official business.

Every visitor coming to Palau is assessed a $100 environmental fee. Airlines are required to include the fee in the price of a ticket to Palau.

Diplomats and transit passengers are exempt from the $100 Palau Paradise Environmental Fee (PPEF). They are eligible for a cash refund upon arrival or departure. Refunds for official travelers are expected to be returned to their sponsoring agency. They must present their passport, along with a travel itinerary indicating that the $100 fee was paid. Visit this site for more information.

Cholera and yellow fever immunizations are required for those arriving from affected areas.

U.S. Military Personnel

• U.S. military personnel must present official orders or documents certifying their status.
• U.S. military dependents ten years or older must have a U.S. Government-issued photo-ID card showing their name, date of birth, and status.
• Dependents under ten years old will be granted entry if they are listed in the official orders.
• Visit the Embassy of Palau website for the most current visa information.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Palau.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack American citizens outside of the United States. They are using simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets.

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Although the crime rate in Palau is relatively low, you might be the target of petty and sometimes violent crime as well as other random acts against individuals and property. Please stay alert for your personal safety and protect your valuables.

Unexploded ordnance: Unexploded ordnance from World War II (UXO) remains a problem in Palau. Although the majority of the land-based UXO is found on the island of Peleliu, UXO can be found almost on any island in Palau. Underwater UXO may also present a threat. Heed all warnings on areas that might be affected. Use extreme caution when hiking or scuba diving.

Cyclone Season: The official cyclone season is November through April.  However, severe storms, including tropical depressions, are possible outside the official season. The Palau National Weather Service, in partnership with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), tracks weather systems for Palau and other islands in the Pacific. Palau’s weather statements and public advisories are posted on Palau’s National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) website. The Fiji Meteorological Service maintains a Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (TCWC) in Nadi serving the Southwest Pacific Region. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available at the State Department’s website, as well as from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website.

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime: You may report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +680-775-6150. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victims’ compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated. Rules with regards to general practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. Trained staff are usually there to help with organized activities. In the event of an injury, medical treatment is available at the Belau National Hospital in Meyuns, Koror. Outside of the central tourism areas, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. 

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don't know it, you can be deported, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Firearms: Firearms of any kind are strictly prohibited in Palau. The penalty for possession of a firearm or ammunition is up to 15 years imprisonment. Palau customs authorities strictly regulate other weapons and related items entering or exiting Palau. You should contact the Embassy of Palau in Washington, D.C., for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Curfew: Police may enforce a curfew imposed by traditional leaders in Koror (where most tourist facilities are located), Airai, and Ngarchelong between midnight and 5:00 a.m.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. They may be illegal according to the local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Vaping is banned: The import, advertising, sale, and use of e-cigarettes is illegal in Palau. Individuals caught violating the law could face a $1,000 fine. Businesses or persons importing, distributing and/or selling the product could face a $20,000 fine.

Drone Restrictions: The government of Palau places restrictions on the importation and use of drones. Travelers may have to declare drones on arrival. Consult with the Palau Visitors Authority for guidance and follow all applicable laws and regulations. There may be additional legal restrictions by state. Most hotels prohibit drones on their property.

Telecommunications: Palau has locally-provided internet and mobile phone services. Most foreign carrier mobile plans typically do not work in Palau. Starlink terminals are not authorized in Palau.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGB Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGB events in Palau. Palau’s constitution defines marriage as between a man and a woman. 

See our LGB Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Palau prohibits discrimination against persons with physical or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced.

Palau’s overall accessibility for the disabled is very limited. While many buildings have ramps to facilitate persons with disabilities, others do not. There is no public transportation equipped to transport persons on wheelchairs and sidewalks around Palau are limited. 

There is no legislation mandating access to transportation, communication, and public buildings for persons with disabilities. The only existing legislation requires that there be at least one designated parking space close to the main entrance of each national government building open to the public.

See our Travelers with Disabilities page.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

For emergency services in Palau, dial 911.

 Ambulance services are:

• not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may not exist or be below U.S. standards.
• not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except Koror.
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment.

See our Health Abroad page for more information.

• We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers Health webpage and general Traveler’s Advice for Palau.
  • Select your destination in the Traveler’s Health webpage.
  • Review all sub-sections including the Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• Review the Traveler’s Advice webpage that provides advice on medical considerations including:
  • Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates), and
  • General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers with overseas coverage.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with Republic of Palau Customs to ensure the medication is legal in the Republic of Palau.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Health facilities: The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors, clinics, and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in Palau are adequate for routine medical care, but the availability of care is limited and quality varies. Serious medical conditions requiring hospitalizations or evacuation to the United States or elsewhere may cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The Belau National Hospital accepts payments in cash or debit/credit card. Private clinics also accept cash and debit/credit cards payments. There are only three private clinics in Palau.

Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Water Quality: In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. You should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Adventure Travel: The only hyperbaric chamber available for divers is located at the Belau National Hospital in Meyuns, Koror. Many popular dive sites are far away from Koror.

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Road Conditions and Safety: While in Palau, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. There are no traffic lights. Fatalities caused by driving under the influence are frequent.

Traffic Laws: Palau accepts a driver's license issued by a U.S. state or military authority for up to 30 days. After 30 days in Palau, any foreign driver must obtain a Palauan driver license. Please contact the Bureau of Public Safety at (680) 488-2423 for more information and requirements.

• Passing slow-moving vehicles is illegal. The national speed limit is 25 miles per hour. Drivers routinely ignore this limit in remote areas on good-quality roads. Traffic often moves slower in congested areas.
• It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs to drive any vehicle in Palau.
• Currently there is no law in place restricting mobile phone use while driving, though it is not advisable. Drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts.
• Cars drive on the right in Palau. However, most cars imported from Japan and are designed to drive on the left. This can be slightly confusing for visitors renting a car.

Public Transportation: The main available mode of transportation for tourists is private drivers for hire. Such drivers are plentiful in Koror and offer comfortable travel. They are not metered, and fares are fixed (drivers carry a rate sheet which you can ask to see). It is common to hire the services of a specific driver for the duration of your stay and call them each time you need a ride. Some restaurants offer a pick-up service. Restaurants, hotels, and activity centers will call a driver for you. However, private taxi companies, or services like Uber or Lyft are not available.

Koror also has a public bus system offering limited services on weekdays and during certain special events. Bus fare is one dollar (subject to change). The bus is generally clean and safe. Visit the Palau Visitor Authority for more information.

See our Road Safety page and the Palau Visitors Authority website for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Palau, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Palau’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Palau should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.