Palau

The crime rate is low.

Petty crime can happen.

To protect yourself from theft:

• be aware of your personal safety
• protect your valuables
• don't buy or accept counterfeit goods

Demonstrations and protests

Civil unrest is rare. However, demonstrations and large public gatherings can turn violent.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Diving, swimming and caving

There is unexploded ordnance in Palau left from World War II, particularly in Peleliu and Angaur.

Be careful when diving or exploring caves.

Saltwater crocodiles live in parts of Palau. You may not be able to see them. Ask local authorities before entering the water in mangrove areas.

If you plan to visit the 'Jellyfish Lakes', you:

• can only free dive or use a snorkel in the lake on Eil Malk Island
• can't scuba dive

Palau can experience severe weather and tropical storms.

If a tropical storm or natural disaster is approaching:

• closely monitor the media
• keep in contact with friends and family

If there's a tropical storm:

• it might disrupt services
• adequate shelter may not be available
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• it could affect access to seaports

To stay safe during severe weather:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter
• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor local weather reports
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

Check these websites for updates and alerts:

• US Navy Joint Typhoon Warning Center
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Tsunamis

Some areas of Palau are at risk from large and destructive tsunamis.

Receive tsunami alerts by registering with:

• Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System
• Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Palau. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is endemic in Palau.  Know and follow health advice, including vaccination, to reduce your risk of exposure.

STIs are common in the Palau. Take precautions.

Insect-borne diseases

Dengue outbreaks can occur.

Zika virus has been reported recently.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider putting off travel to Zika virus-affected areas

Find out about Zika virus-affected countries on the Department of Health website.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• monitor local media for health news

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• Hepatitis B

Medical facilities

Hospital and medical facilities are limited.

A hyperbaric chamber is located in the hospital in Koror. Many popular dive sites are far away from Koror.

If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities, such as Guam. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Flights are limited.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drug laws

Penalties for drug offences are strict.

A mandatory sentence of 25 years applies for possessing illegal 'hard drugs'. Hard drugs include heroin, cocaine and synthetics.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

It's illegal to bring and use sunscreen products that contain chemical ingredients that are harmful to the coral reefs. Sunscreens that contain harmful  chemicals are prohibited by the Palauan government. Importation and distribution of ‘reef toxic’ sunscreens will carry fines up to USD1,000. Only use ‘reef safe’ sunscreen products, which are available in stores in Palau.  

The legal drinking age is 21 years. Drinking in public places is illegal.

It's illegal to disturb or take historical items, including from sunken vessels.

Counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Buying, selling or owning these goods is illegal.

If you're travelling through Guam, counterfeits are also illegal there.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Palau recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Dress standards

Dress and behaviour standards are conservative.

Take care not to offend.

LGBTI information

Same-sex relationships are legal, but cultural attitudes can be conservative. Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

The below information will apply only once COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted.

Visitor visas

You can get a visitor visa for up to 30 days on arrival. You'll need an onward or return ticket.

Palau doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Australia.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the Palau Bureau of Immigration for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Palau Bureau of Immigration
Phone: (+680) 488 2498
Phone: (+680) 488 2678
Email: imm@palaunet.com

Or you can contact:

Ministry of State
Phone: (+680) 767 2490

Travel via the United States

If you travel through the US, including Guam and Hawaii, you must meet US entry or transit requirements. Check visa requirements with a US embassy or consulate.

COVID-19

All commercial passenger flights to and from Palau have been suspended until further notice. If you’re in Palau, make arrangements for an extended stay and take care to minimise your risk to COVID-19.

Follow the advice of local authorities and stay in touch with family and friends so they know you’re safe and well. If you need urgent consular assistance, call +61 2 6261 3305.

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (WHO)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Smartraveller)

Travel with children

If you're travelling with a child, carry evidence of your relationship.

If you're the sole parent travelling with your child, you'll need a notarised letter. If you're travelling with a child who isn't yours, you'll also need one. This letter needs to include:

• consent signed by the non-travelling parents or guardians
• details on who the child can travel with
• the dates and places of travel

Departure taxes

When you leave, you'll need to pay:

• departure tax
• environmental protection fee

Pay in cash at the airport.

Travel via sea vessels

If you arrive by sea, you must get an entry permit. 

Contact Palau Port Control before you arrive: 
Email: dot@palaunet.com
Phone: (+680) 488 4224
VHF Channel: 16 
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4:30pm

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the US Dollar (USD).

ATMs are available in larger centres and at the airport.

Some local shops accept credit cards.

Driving permit

To drive in Palau for up to 30 days, you need both:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• a valid Australian driver's licence

You must get your IDP before you arrive. After 30 days, you'll need a local licence.

Road travel

After rain, sealed roads on Koror usually stay in fair condition.

Many roads on Palau's other islands are unsealed. After rain, you may only be able to access them with a 4WD vehicle.

To reduce your risks when driving, be aware:

• many roads are narrow and don't have footpaths
• road shoulders are limited
• the national speed limit is 40km/h
• overtaking slow vehicles is illegal

More information:

• Palau Visitors Authority

Motorcycles

Make sure your travel insurance covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use licensed taxis and hire-car services. Arrange one through your hotel.

Local taxis aren't metered. Fares between locations are fixed. Ask for the fare list.

Public transport

Public transport options are limited.

A bus service operates on a limited schedule on Koror.

Sea travel

Inter-island ferries and water taxis are common.

Always use a life jacket, even if others don't.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Palau's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 911.

Medical emergencies

Call 911.

Police

Call 911 or contact the police at your nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, please contact the Australian Embassy in Koror. To make an appointment contact us by phone or email, as the Embassy is currently operating from temporary premises.

Australian Embassy, Koror

Belvedere Apartments
Apartment 201 East 
Meyungs, Koror, Palau
Phone: +680 775 5088 
Email: koror.embassy@dfat.gov.au
Website: palau.embassy.gov.au

The Foreign Minister has decided to direct departures of all remaining non-essential staff and dependants from the Australian Embassy. This will not affect the provision of services to Australians.

The Australian Embassy in Koror does not issue Australian passports or provide notarial services. For Australian passport or notarial services contact the Australian Embassy, Pohnpei.

Australian Embassy, Pohnpei

H & E Building
Kolonia, Pohnpei 
PO Box S, Federated States Of Micronesia
Phone: +691 320 5448 
Fax: +691 320 5449 
Email: phpi.mail@dfat.gov.au
Website: fsm.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Micronesia

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia