Palau

The crime rate is low.

Petty crime from drug use is increasing.

To protect yourself from theft:

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

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

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. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

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 it is covered by your travel insurance policy
• 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 where there are mangroves.

If you plan to visit the Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk Island, you're only permitted to snorkel, you're not permitted to scuba dive.

Beaches are not usually patrolled in Palau. Maritime search and rescue is limited. Swimmers have died because of heatstroke, strong tides and powerful lagoon currents. Be alert to warning signs and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Palau can experience severe weather and tropical storms.

If a tropical storm 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:

• be familiar with the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• find out where your local shelter is
• 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 to Palau, check with the Palauan Ministry of Health and Human Services to determine if it's legal in Palau. Take enough medicine with you to last the duration of 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.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are common in Palau. Take precautions.

Insect-borne diseases

Dengue outbreaks do 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

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 most likely need to be evacuated to another country with better facilities. 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 intervene in another country's court proceedings or get you 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

A traditional bul (decree by traditional leadership) is in effect in the most populous states of Koror and Airai to help combat issues with drug use and crime associated with drug use. This decree is a curfew and is in place between midnight and 5am in the hamlets (suburbs). Essential activities, such as travelling between home and work, and medical emergencies, are permitted. A similar curfew, implemented by state authorities, is in effect in the states of Ngarchelong and Ngiwal. Follow the advice of local authorities.

It's illegal to bring, import, advertise, sell, and use e-cigarettes and vapes in Palau. Do not bring e-cigarettes or vapes with you 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. The sale of alcohol on the day of national and state elections 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.

LGBTQIA+ information

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

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visitor visas

A visitor visa for up to 30 days is available on arrival in Palau. You'll need an onward or return ticket, and at least 6 months validity in your passport. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You'll need to complete an online Palau Entry Form, up to 72 hours prior to arrival. Be alert to scams as there is no charge for this form. 

Palau has a Consulate-General in New South Wales which can be contacted via email.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the Palau’s Bureau of Customs and Border Protection for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules:

•    Phone: +680 488 1985 or +680 488 6031
•    Email: immigration@bcbp.pw or customs@bcbp.pw

Or you can contact Palau’s Ministry of State
•    Phone: +680 767 2490 or +680 767 2509 or +680 488 5594
•    Email: ministrymos.rop@gmail.com 
 

Travel via the United States

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

Travel with children

If you're travelling with a child who isn't your own, carry a notarised letter of consent from their legal guardian.

Departure taxes

You'll be charged departure tax and an environmental protection fee as a component of your airfare ticket. There are no other departure taxes.

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 Bureau of Commercial Development, Division of Transportation:
Email: dot@palaunet.com
Phone: +680 767 2111 or +680 767 4343 or +680 488 2109 or +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 to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ 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. The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the issuing authority in Australia for IDPs. State and territory motoring clubs process on behalf of AAA, for example NRMA in NSW. After 30 days, you must get 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 for riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

There are no taxis or public transport options available at the airport. Book airport transfers through your hotel.

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.

Some restaurants provide transport. Ask when you make a reservation.

Public transport

Public transport options are limited.

A bus service operates on a limited schedule in Koror.

Sea travel

Inter-island ferries and water taxis are common.

Always wear 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 insurance company 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: @AusEmbPalau
Instagram: @AusEmbPW 
 

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 the embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

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