Palau
Oceania • PLW
Last updated: September 25, 2026
Palau is an island nation in the western Pacific Ocean renowned for its world-class scuba diving and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is a premier destination for eco-tourists and underwater enthusiasts looking to explore the pristine marine biodiversity of the Rock Islands.
Visa Requirements
Most visitors receive a free 30-day tourist visa upon arrival, which can be extended for a fee, provided they meet entry requirements.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
- Completed Palau Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee form
Popular Attractions
Jellyfish Lake is a unique marine lake filled with millions of non-stinging golden jellyfish that visitors can snorkel among safely.
The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring hundreds of limestone islands, turquoise lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs.
Milky Way is a shallow cove famous for its white limestone mud, which tourists apply as a natural mineral skin treatment.
Ngardmau Waterfall is Palau's tallest waterfall, accessible by a scenic jungle trek through the lush forests of Babeldaob Island.
The German Channel is a famous dive site created during the German colonial period, now known for frequent sightings of manta rays and reef sharks.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Always remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a traditional meeting house, known as a bai.
Respect the marine environment by not touching or collecting coral and sea life while swimming or diving.
Ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, especially the elderly or those participating in traditional ceremonies.
Dress modestly when visiting villages and rural areas, keeping swimwear restricted to beaches and boat tours.
Tipping is not a traditional practice in Palau, though it is becoming more common in high-end tourist establishments.
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon as they are considered disrespectful in Palauan culture.
Safety Tips
Use high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin from the strong tropical sun and prevent chemicals from damaging the marine ecosystem.
Always swim with a buddy and stay within designated safe areas, especially if you are not an experienced swimmer.
Be aware of strong currents in certain channels and always listen to your boat captain or dive master's instructions.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled or filtered water to avoid heat exhaustion in the tropical climate.
Keep your valuables secure in a hotel safe and avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public areas.
Insects can be prevalent in jungle areas, so carry insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites and potential tropical illnesses.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Polio
Source: CDC
Vaccination is recommended for travelers with potential exposure.
View sourceMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Palau.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Palau. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations before travel.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Influenza, Varicella)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccines before every trip.
View sourceInsect bite prevention (permethrin-treated clothing, DEET)
Source: CDC
To prevent diseases such as dengue and Zika, which are transmitted by mosquitoes.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures (repellent, nets)
Source: CDC
To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases during travel.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination is recommended for all travelers, especially adults.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
If traveling to small towns or rural areas and there are food/water safety concerns.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers to Palau due to the potential for food and waterborne illness.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination, particularly for younger travelers and children.
View sourceRoutine vaccinations ( influenza, varicella)
Source: CDC
Maintain updated routine vaccinations for health protection.
View sourceTdap vaccine
Source: CDC
Ensure Tdap vaccination is current, especially for adults.
View sourceMMR vaccine
Source: CDC
Before traveling, ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date.
View sourceRabies pre-exposure vaccination
Source: CDC
Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in Palau. If rabies exposures occur while in Palau, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.
Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.
View sourceTyphoid vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book Typhoid fever vaccines licensed in the U.S.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers to protect against COVID-19 transmission during travel.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
For travelers involved in activities that may expose them to bats or other mammals.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Food and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Practice food and water safety to prevent traveler's diarrhea and other foodborne diseases.
Eat only food that is cooked and served hot; avoid raw fruits and vegetables that you cannot peel yourself.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes and other insects.
Use repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535.
View sourceFood and water safety
Source: CDC
Practice food and water precautions to prevent diarrheal illnesses.
Eat only food that is cooked and served hot; avoid raw or undercooked foods. Drink only bottled or boiled water.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Considered for travelers who might have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have medical procedures.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, as it can be contracted through contaminated food or water.
View sourceInsect Repellent (DEET)
Source: CDC
Recommended to prevent insect bites, especially in outdoor activities.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
To protect against COVID-19 transmission while traveling.
View sourceHepatitis B vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may have sexual contact with local residents or require medical treatment.
View sourceTyphoid vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may eat or drink in areas of risk of contaminated food and water.
View sourceHepatitis A vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers since Hepatitis A can be transmitted through food and water.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Personal hygiene practices
Source: CDC
Good hygiene practices are always recommended to prevent infections.
View sourceTravel health insurance
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers for emergencies and health coverage.
View sourceBeach, pool and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
To prevent accidents and health issues related to water activities.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
Protection against mosquito-borne diseases is advised, particularly during evening hours.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers engaging in activities that involve potential exposure to blood and bodily fluids.
View sourceCovid-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
Strongly recommended to prevent infection before travel.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Consider if the traveler plans to engage with animals, especially in rural areas.
View sourceRoutine vaccinations (such as seasonal flu)
Source: CDC
Assess based on personal health status before travel.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccine
Source: CDC
Ensure vaccination is completed prior to international travel for protection.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures (repellent, netting)
Source: CDC
Insect prevention is important due to potential diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Consider if you might have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have medical procedures.
View source