Palau entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Palau, valid for up to 30 days. This policy has been in place for years and remains active in 2026. At Palau International Airport, queue at the immigration desk and pay the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Palau. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Palauan immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Free 30-day visa issued at the airport | Swiss passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Palau International Airport. No pre-application needed — just hand over your passport at the immigration counter. You can extend once for another 30 days at the Bureau of Immigration in Koror ($50 fee).Check visa details | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers will ask to see a confirmed onward or return flight before stamping you in. A one-way ticket without proof of onward travel will get you denied boarding at your departure airport. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host in Palau speeds up the immigration process. If you're staying with a friend, ask them to write a simple letter with their address and phone number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to show if asked | Palau does not have a fixed minimum amount, but officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Carry a credit card or a bank statement showing at least $500–$1,000 for a short trip. Cash is rarely requested but doesn't hurt. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The $50 visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. There is no ATM at the airport before immigration, so bring the exact amount with you.
No arrival declaration required
Unlike some Pacific islands, Palau does not require an online arrival declaration or pre-registration. Just show up with your documents.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Palau International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's usually one queue for all foreign nationals.
2
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and return ticket. The officer will process your visa on arrival.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival costs $50 USD (cash only, exact change preferred). Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day visa. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. No additional forms needed.
Download Palau Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (Swiss passport holders get visa on arrival at no cost)
Standard entry for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostNot available for Swiss passport holders; visa on arrival is single entry only.
Multiple entry not offered; must reapply after each departure.
Long-Stay Visa (Business/Work)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500 USD depending on type)
Requires employer sponsorship or business registration in Palau.
retirement visa
Palau Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD per year
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of sufficient income (e.g., pension) and health insurance. Allows long-term residence but no work.
work visa
Palau Work Permit
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$200–$500 USD depending on employer
Requires a job offer from a Palau-based employer and government approval. Allows legal employment and residence.
investor visa
Palau Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD initial fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Palau business. Includes residency rights for investor and family.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (entry fee)Swiss citizens receive a 30-day visa on arrival at no cost. | Free (no fee charged at border for Swiss passport holders) |
| Stay extension (first 30 days)Extension of stay beyond initial 30 days, up to 90 days total, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. 50 CHF) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay, with no official cap mentioned. | $20 USD per day (approx. 20 CHF) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Palau
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders transiting through Palau International Airport (ROR) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No exceptions needed; Swiss citizens are visa-free for transit.
Transit hubsPalau International Airport (ROR), Airai
Health & vaccines for Palau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (per WHO).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk present year-round, especially in urban areas.
Zika virusLow risk
Occasional cases; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Koror
Palau Immigration Office (Koror Branch)
Main Street, Koror, Palau
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries. Bring passport, arrival card, and extension fee.
Melekeok
Palau Bureau of Immigration (Headquarters)
Capitol Building, Melekeok, Palau
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles complex cases and long-term permits. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalNgerulmud
LanguagePalauan, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 30 days.
Money
CurrencyUnited States dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h
vs Los Angeles+17h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat pins) and Type B (two flat pins with grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not potable; drink bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. You can apply for an extension at the Bureau of Immigration in Koror, but it's not guaranteed.
The fee is $50 USD, payable in cash only. Exact change is appreciated. Credit cards are not accepted at immigration.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You must visit the Bureau of Immigration in Koror before your visa expires. The extension fee is $50 USD for an additional 30 days, but approval is at the officer's discretion.
Yes, immigration will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, it's not required by law, but it's strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from Palau can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Yes, the same visa on arrival policy applies at all official ports of entry, including the port in Koror. The process and fee are the same.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.