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Palau

Standard Coverage

Oceania • PLW

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Travel Information
AI-Generated

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

Visa-Free for Many Nationalities

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

1

Jellyfish Lake is a unique marine lake filled with millions of non-stinging golden jellyfish that visitors can snorkel among safely.

2

The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring hundreds of limestone islands, turquoise lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs.

3

Milky Way is a shallow cove famous for its white limestone mud, which tourists apply as a natural mineral skin treatment.

4

Ngardmau Waterfall is Palau's tallest waterfall, accessible by a scenic jungle trek through the lush forests of Babeldaob Island.

5

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.

Entry Requirements

Polio

Source: CDC

Recommended

Vaccination is recommended for travelers with potential exposure.

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Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Not Required

Not required

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Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Source: CDC

Required

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.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

Required

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Palau.

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Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

Required

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.

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Recommended Vaccines & Precautions

Core Vaccines

Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations before travel.

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Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Influenza, Varicella)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel.

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Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccines before every trip.

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Insect bite prevention (permethrin-treated clothing, DEET)

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent diseases such as dengue and Zika, which are transmitted by mosquitoes.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for all travelers due to potential exposure.

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Insect bite prevention measures (repellent, nets)

Source: CDC

All ages

To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases during travel.

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Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

Source: CDC

All ages

Routine vaccination is recommended for all travelers, especially adults.

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Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

If traveling to small towns or rural areas and there are food/water safety concerns.

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Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for all travelers to Palau due to the potential for food and waterborne illness.

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MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Source: CDC

All ages

Routine vaccination, particularly for younger travelers and children.

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Routine vaccinations ( influenza, varicella)

Source: CDC

All ages

Maintain updated routine vaccinations for health protection.

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Tdap vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure Tdap vaccination is current, especially for adults.

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MMR vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Before traveling, ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date.

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Rabies pre-exposure vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

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.

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Typhoid vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

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.

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COVID-19 vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for all travelers to protect against COVID-19 transmission during travel.

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Rabies

Source: CDC

adult

For travelers involved in activities that may expose them to bats or other mammals.

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For Most Travelers

Food and water safety precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

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.

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Insect bite prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes and other insects.

Use repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535.

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Food and water safety

Source: CDC

All ages

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.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Considered for travelers who might have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have medical procedures.

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Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers, as it can be contracted through contaminated food or water.

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Insect Repellent (DEET)

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended to prevent insect bites, especially in outdoor activities.

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Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

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COVID-19 vaccination

Source: CDC

adult

To protect against COVID-19 transmission while traveling.

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Hepatitis B vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who may have sexual contact with local residents or require medical treatment.

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Typhoid vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who may eat or drink in areas of risk of contaminated food and water.

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Hepatitis A vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for all travelers since Hepatitis A can be transmitted through food and water.

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Itinerary-Specific

Personal hygiene practices

Source: CDC

All ages

Good hygiene practices are always recommended to prevent infections.

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Travel health insurance

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for all travelers for emergencies and health coverage.

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Beach, pool and water safety precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent accidents and health issues related to water activities.

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Insect bite prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Protection against mosquito-borne diseases is advised, particularly during evening hours.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

adult

Recommended for travelers engaging in activities that involve potential exposure to blood and bodily fluids.

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Covid-19 vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

Strongly recommended to prevent infection before travel.

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Rabies

Source: CDC

All ages

Consider if the traveler plans to engage with animals, especially in rural areas.

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Routine vaccinations (such as seasonal flu)

Source: CDC

All ages

Assess based on personal health status before travel.

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COVID-19 vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure vaccination is completed prior to international travel for protection.

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Insect bite prevention measures (repellent, netting)

Source: CDC

All ages

Insect prevention is important due to potential diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Consider if you might have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have medical procedures.

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Malaria Information

Risk Area: No malaria risk

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