Oceania
Is Palau safe?
L1Exercise normal precautions
Is Palau safe?
Very safe; crime is low, though drug-linked petty theft is rising. Most risks are at sea: currents, heat on boat trips and limited rescue.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2024-08-05.
- Homicide rate: 11.2 per 100,000 people (2018, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 4.8 per 100,000 people a year (2013, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
- Solo women: Safe for solo women with normal care; dress modestly away from resorts and dive boats.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Strong currents at dive sites; maritime rescue is limited
- Unexploded WWII ordnance on Peleliu and Angaur
- Saltwater crocodiles in mangrove areas
- Dengue outbreaks and heatstroke on boat days
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
Safety by place in Palau
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Koror | 5/5 · Very safe |
Quick answers
Is Palau safe for tourists?
Very safe; crime is low, though drug-linked petty theft is rising. Most risks are at sea: currents, heat on boat trips and limited rescue.
Is Palau safe for solo female travelers?
Safe for solo women with normal care; dress modestly away from resorts and dive boats.
What is the emergency number in Palau?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Palau Entry Form
- Palau Pledge
- UK FCDO travel advice: Palau
- Smartraveller: Palau
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.