Palau:Visa Requirements

PalauLearn the visa requirements for this country. Last check:Last update:

Official Government Website

Palau Visa Requirements Map

Palau: Visa Requirements

Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.

Visa-Free Entry Requirements

  • Foreign travelers benefiting from visa exemption must carry a valid passport or another acceptable international travel document. The passport must be valid for at least six more months on the date of entry into Palau. A driver's license or a national identity card is not accepted in place of an international entry document. The number of blank pages required in the passport, biometric passport requirement, machine-readable passport requirement, and detailed criteria for damaged passports are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • Travelers must complete the Palau Entry Form electronically within a maximum of 72 hours before travel. The QR code generated after submitting the form must be shown on a mobile device or in print both at the time of boarding and upon arrival in Palau. The same form may be completed jointly on behalf of a family. A copy of the submitted form and QR code must be kept.
  • The entry form must specify the traveler's reachable address in Palau. If the address in Palau changes, written notification must be given to the Immigration Director within 24 hours.
  • Travelers must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means to cover their expenses during their stay. Evidence may be a credit letter, a financial support document, or another financial document accepted by the Immigration Director. The amount considered sufficient is assessed individually for each applicant. The minimum bank balance and number of months the bank statement must cover are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • A return or onward travel document demonstrating the ability to leave Palau must be presented. An airline ticket, a valid work permit, an accepted guarantee, a document showing that a person or entity in Palau will cover the traveler's departure, or other evidence accepted by the Immigration Director may be used. The ticket used as proof of onward travel may not be sold, cancelled, or exchanged for another ticket without written permission. Certain official exemptions may apply.
  • The visa-free stay duration varies according to the international agreement or special status the traveler benefits from. There is no single maximum stay period applicable to all visa exemptions. The traveler must not exceed the period permitted in the entry stamp or applicable agreement, and must not work, study, or reside beyond the permitted purpose of visit.
  • All visitors arriving in Palau must sign the Palau Pledge environmental commitment stamped in their passport. Additionally, a Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee of 100 USD is applied to visitors and included in the international airfare price. Certain official exemptions may apply.
  • A COVID-19 vaccination certificate is no longer mandatory for entry into Palau. However, a health or vaccination certificate, vaccination, or medical examination may be required if the current health policy necessitates it. Whether travel health insurance is mandatory and the minimum amount of insurance coverage are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • No separate transit visa is required for genuine airport transits not exceeding 24 hours in Palau. The traveler must have a passport valid for at least six months on the date of entry and a confirmed flight ticket departing within 24 hours of arrival. If the wait exceeds 24 hours due to flight cancellation or delay, transit passenger status ends and an appropriate entry status must be obtained.

Electronic Travel Authorization Requirements

  • The electronic pre-approval system officially called 'Immigration Pre-Clearance' by Palau applies only to travelers designated by Immigration. The application must be completed at least five days before planned travel and sent to the email address specified by Immigration. There is a risk of being denied boarding or entry to Palau without written pre-approval.
  • The applicant must complete all applicable sections of the Pre-Clearance Application Form, declare that the information is correct, sign and date the form. The form must include full name, date of birth, citizenship, passport number, passport expiration date, planned entry and exit dates, duration of stay, and purpose of visit.
  • In the travel details section, the airline, flight number, return ticket confirmation number, booking reference, and the name and address of the accommodation must be written. The duration of stay must be consistent with the dates on the return ticket and must not exceed 30 days.
  • Along with the completed pre-approval form, the Palau Entry Form or QR code submission, the passport's identity page, a non-refundable return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and proof of sufficient financial means must be presented. A bank statement may be requested depending on the application's conditions. The number of months the bank statement must cover and the minimum amount to be in the account are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • In the financial information section, the estimated daily budget and source of funds must be explained. The applicant must indicate on the form whether they have attached a bank statement.
  • If traveling by invitation, the inviting person's name, relationship to the traveler, organization or institution they belong to, telephone number, address, and email address must be written. Whether the inviting person will cover expenses or accommodation must be stated, and an invitation letter should be attached where applicable.
  • In the application, the names, relationship to the traveler, telephone numbers, and email addresses of two references may be optionally provided for verification purposes.
  • For diplomatic travel, a valid diplomatic passport, official duty order, and invitation from the Palau Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be presented. Diplomatic procedures must comply with applicable diplomatic protocols.
  • Expedited processing of applications within 24 hours is limited to diplomatic missions, medical emergencies, and government-invited delegations. The exact processing time and application fee for standard applications are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The stay under pre-approval is limited to the period shown on the return ticket and cannot exceed 30 days. Extensions are not possible unless separately approved through official visa or permit procedures.
  • No requirement for a photograph, travel health insurance, biometric data, or an interview has been published as applicable to all pre-approval applications. The photograph size, insurance coverage, payment method, and whether the electronic approval must be carried in printed or digital form are not definitively specified in the central official source. However, written approval must be available for presentation for boarding.

Visa on Arrival Requirements

  • A visa on arrival may be issued for short-term tourist or business visits. The traveler must present to the immigration officer upon arrival in Palau their valid passport, return or onward travel document, proof of sufficient financial means, and any other supporting documents that may be required.
  • The passport must be valid for at least six more months on the date of entry. The number of blank pages required in the passport, biometric passport requirement, machine-readable passport requirement, and requirement for a passport photocopy are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The traveler must complete the Palau Entry Form within a maximum of 72 hours before travel and show the generated QR code on a mobile device or in print. The Palau Pledge environmental commitment printed in the passport must be signed upon arrival.
  • A tourist visa may be used for vacation, rest, social visit, family or friend visit, meeting, conference, and other short-term visits. Work is not permitted with a tourist visa.
  • A business visa may be used for short-term activities such as attending a business meeting or conference, contract negotiation, and exploring business opportunities. A business visa does not grant the right to work for an employer or paid employment in Palau. A person wishing to work must obtain the appropriate work permit and visa status.
  • An invitation letter or undertaking of support is generally not mandatory for a standard visitor visa. However, for business or official visits, it may be requested by the airline or Immigration for pre-screening purposes.
  • The traveler must have sufficient financial means to cover their expenses during their stay. The evidence accepted and the sufficient amount are determined by the Immigration Director on a case-by-case basis. The minimum financial amount and number of months the bank statement must cover are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • Tourist and business visas issued on arrival are initially valid for 30 days. Two extensions of 30 days each may be granted. Thus, in appropriate cases, the total stay duration can reach 90 days.
  • The extension application must be made to the Immigration Unit at least seven days before the current visa expires. The extension form must be completed in capital letters or typed; passport information, address in Palau, contact details, and a detailed reason for extension must be written. A general explanation such as 'tourism' alone is not considered sufficient.
  • During extension, sufficient financial resources and an airline ticket or flight schedule showing the departure date must be presented. To obtain a full 30-day extension, the planned exit date must be at least 30 days after the current visa's expiration date.
  • No visa fee is charged for the initial tourist and business visa. A fee of 50 USD applies for each 30-day extension. The accepted payment method is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The visa on arrival process can be completed within a few minutes upon arrival if documents are in order. The Immigration Director may request additional evidence, travel document, or explanation, and may refuse or later cancel the visa if conditions are not met.
  • No universal central requirement for travel health insurance, a specific minimum insurance coverage, hotel reservation, photograph, fingerprints, or interview has been published as applicable to all visa on arrival applications. Documents supporting accommodation and the purpose of travel may be requested on a case-by-case basis.
  • Travelers subject to the electronic pre-approval requirement should not travel under the assumption that a visa on arrival can be obtained and must obtain the required written Immigration approval before boarding.

Consular Visa Application Requirements

  • Short-term travelers who need to obtain a visa in advance, as well as persons applying for the status of government official, international organization representative, student, temporary visitor, missionary, investor, resident, or dependent family member, must apply to the Palau Immigration Unit before travel. The application may be submitted to the Immigration office in Koror or to the official electronic application address. Some short-term applications may be processed through a Palau diplomatic mission, authorized representative office, or the relevant ministry.
  • The application form must be completed on a computer or in a legible manner, and signed and dated by the applicant. The form must specify the visa type requested, full name, permanent address, address in Palau, citizenship, date and place of birth, passport number, date and place of issue, occupation, contact information, name and address of sponsor, marital status, and previous Palau visa or entry permit applications.
  • The applicant must explain in detail the purpose of the visit, the work or activity to be performed, the company or organization they represent, the products or services offered, and the persons or companies to be contacted in Palau. The expected date of entry, carrier, and planned duration of stay must be stated.
  • The passport or other acceptable travel document must be valid for at least six months on the date of entry into Palau. The visa cannot be issued to exceed the validity of the passport or travel document. The number of blank pages required in the passport is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • For applications by government employees and representatives of foreign governments or international organizations, a copy of the employment or service contract, copy of the passport or travel document, one 2×2 inch identification photograph taken within the last six months, and a letter of release or clearance from the employer must be presented. Representatives of foreign governments or international organizations must also demonstrate their relationship with the represented entity, that they are traveling solely for official duty purposes, and that they have financial support to cover their stay.
  • For student applications, a school acceptance letter, course schedule, passport copy, and one 2×2 inch photograph taken within the last six months must be presented. The student must be enrolled full-time, stay in accommodation provided by the school, and maintain their enrollment and accommodation throughout their studies.
  • For dependent family member applications, a copy of the sponsor's immigration status in Palau, medical examination report, police clearance certificate from the applicant's place of residence, notarized undertaking of support, 2×2 inch photograph taken within the last six months, sponsor's salary and tax document, notarized statement of purpose of stay, notarized declaration of no serious criminal conviction, and copy of passport or travel document must be presented.
  • For dependent applications through a spouse, a valid marriage certificate, notarized joint spousal declaration, and documents showing the spouse's financial responsibility may be required. For child applications, a birth certificate, legal custody or finalized adoption document may be requested. Dependent child status is generally limited to children under 21 years of age. Non-marital partnerships do not grant dependent visa rights as a spouse or fiancé(e).
  • For residence visa applications, a medical examination report, police clearance certificate from the place of residence, notarized declaration of no serious criminal conviction, for new applications a notarized statement of purpose of stay, bank statement showing legitimate source of income, notarized lease agreement, one 2×2 inch photograph taken within the last six months, copy of passport or travel document, notarized monthly income and expense form, and where applicable, employer letters must be presented.
  • For investor, missionary, residence, and dependent visa applications, the current immigration regulations may additionally require a police clearance certificate from the Palau Bureau of Public Safety and from the applicant's place of residence, a sworn declaration of no serious criminal conviction, proof of financial responsibility, a medical examination report stating the presence or absence of communicable diseases, a statement showing the purpose of presence in Palau, and two current photographs.
  • The number of photographs indicated on the published application form is not the same as the numbers for some specific visa categories in the immigration regulations. The applicant should confirm the current checklist for the visa type they are applying for from the Immigration Unit. The background color, printing standard, and digital file specifications of the photograph are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • Notarization is mandatory for the undertaking of support, declaration of no serious criminal conviction, statement of purpose of stay, some spousal declarations, lease agreement, and income-expense documents, depending on the relevant visa type. No single central rule applicable to all applications has been published regarding translation, apostille, or consular legalization of documents.
  • The central Immigration website states an approximate processing time of 5–10 business days for complete applications. The published 2022 application form states 10 business days for complete applications. Incomplete applications may not be accepted or processing may be delayed.
  • The validity of the visa varies by category applied for. Visas for representatives of foreign governments or international organizations may be issued for up to five years or the duration of the program; government employee visas for up to five years or contract duration plus 30 days; student visas for a maximum of one year; temporary visas for a maximum of 30 days; residence visas for a maximum of two years; investor and missionary visas for up to five years or the duration of the relevant investment or service. A dependent visa may be valid for a maximum of five years but may not expire later than the foreign sponsor's visa.
  • There are cases where no fee is charged for initial tourist, business, government employee, foreign government or international organization representative, missionary, student, temporary, and work visas. A fee of 50 USD applies for an investor visa, and 200 USD for a residence visa. For dependent visas, a fee of 0, 10, 50, or 150 USD may apply depending on the subcategory.
  • Visa fees must be paid to the Palau National Treasury Office and proof of payment submitted to the Immigration Unit. Payment made by any other method may be considered invalid and may delay processing. The accepted cash, card, wire transfer, or other payment methods are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • No central rule applicable to all pre-applications has been published regarding conditions for issuing single-entry or multiple-entry visas, fingerprinting, biometric enrollment, and mandatory interview procedure. The Immigration Director may request additional documents or explanations based on the visa type and the applicant's circumstances.
Population
17,614(2026 est.)
Official language
Palauan, English; regional official languages: Sonsorolese, Tobian, Angaur Japanese
Government type
Presidential republic in free association with the United States
Continent
Oceania
Capital
Ngerulmud
Currency
United States dollar
Area
466 km²
Phone code
+680

Palau: Key Destinations

Palau's capital, Ngerulmud, is located on Babeldaob Island, while the primary hub for travelers is Koror, the country's commercial center and main gateway. Most visitors arrive via Palau International Airport on Babeldaob, with immediate access to Koror's hotels and dive shops.

The country is renowned for its pristine marine environment, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock Islands and the world-famous jellyfish lake. Cultural attractions include the Belau National Museum and traditional bai meeting houses, offering insight into Palauan heritage and community life.

Travelers often base themselves in Koror, then explore the Rock Islands by boat, visit Peleliu for historical sites, and journey north to Babeldaob's waterfalls and ancient terraces. Inter-island flights and ferries connect the outer islands, while road trips on Babeldaob reveal lush landscapes and quiet villages.