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

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

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 Lake', you:

• can only 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 Coordination System
• International Tsunami Information Center

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 thousands 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.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

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 medicine for your trip. 

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

• what the medication is 
• your required dosage 
• 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 Palau. Take precautions.

Insect-borne diseases

Dengue outbreaks can occur.

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

From 29 May, bringing, importing, advertising, selling, and using e-cigarettes and vapes in Palau will be illegal. Do not bring e-cigarettes or vapes to Palau. Individuals violating the law could face a fine of $US1,000. Businesses or persons importing, distributing, or selling the products could face a fine of $US20,000.

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 $US1,000. 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.

It’s illegal to buy, sell or own counterfeit or pirated goods.

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

Visitor visas

You can get a visitor visa for up to 30 days on arrival. You'll need an onward or return ticket. You can submit your Palau Entry Form online within 72 hours of arrival. 

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.

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.

Border measures

You're required to submit a health declaration form when entering Palau. A hard copy form is provided on board your plane or on arrival or can be completed electronically.

Further information on Palau's entry requirements and health directives is available at Palau's Ministry of Health and Human Services or their Facebook page. 

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

You must get an entry permit before arriving in Palau. You'll be required to submit documentation before your arrival. You may face significant penalties if you enter Palau without authorisation.

For more information and requirements relevant to your vessel, contact Palau Port Control: 
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. You may 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.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTI travellers 

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. Rental cars and a limited number of taxis are available. 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.

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.

Australian Embassy, Koror

2nd Floor, RT Building
Koror, Palau
Phone: +680 488 4628 
Email: koror.embassy@dfat.gov.au 
Facebook: Australian Embassy, Palau

The Australian Embassy in Koror provides limited notarial services and passport services.

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