Oceania
Palau
World-class diving and snorkeling (Blue Corner, Jellyfish Lake, WWII wrecks) among the Rock Islands, in a small, safe and strictly eco-minded country. Expensive, with few budget options; days revolve around boats.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa33 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyUSDDollarDetails
- Price level85%of US prices (World Bank PPP)
- English4/5Widely spoken
- PlugsType A, B120 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency911Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
- Tap waterFilter or boilKoror's water is treated, but most people drink bottled or filtered water, especially after heavy rain.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalLegal since 2014, but culture is conservative and there's no scene; avoid public displays of affection.Details
- DrivingOn the rightDrive up to 30 days with your home licence plus an IDP from home. Speed limit 40 km/h; no overtaking.
Where to go in Palau
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KororTown | 5/5 | $3,200–4,500 | Nov–Apr | 14/100 |
When to visit Palau
November–April is the drier season with calmer seas, best for diving. June–October is wetter, with occasional typhoon-related storms.
Good to know
Entry
- Complete the online Palau Entry Form within 72 hours before arrival, declaring medicines and goods.
- On arrival you sign the Palau Pledge, an environmental promise stamped into your passport.
- Most visitors get a visa on arrival with an onward ticket, 6 months' passport validity and 2 blank pages.
- Connecting via Guam or Hawaii needs US entry approval (ESTA or visa).
Laws visitors break by accident
- Reef-toxic sunscreen is banned; use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide types
- Vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal to bring in or use
- Drinking age is 21; drinking in public outside licensed venues is illegal
Etiquette
- Keep the Palau Pledge: don't touch coral, chase fish or take shells
- Ask before entering villages, bai (meeting houses) or private land
- Dress modestly in Koror and villages
Tipping
Not traditional, but 10–15% in restaurants and tips for dive guides and boat crews are customary.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Palau Entry Form
- Palau Pledge
- UK FCDO travel advice: Palau
- Smartraveller: Palau
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.