Palau entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Palau. You'll handle it at the airport in Koror — no need to apply before you travel. This has been the policy since 2024 and remains in place for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Palau. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Palau | Immigration officers at Palau International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Have a recent bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Palau is expensive — budget at least $100–$150 per day for accommodation, food, and activities. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in USD cash at the airport. Cards are not accepted. Bring enough small bills to cover the fee (around $50–$100) plus any incidentals.
Medical costs are high
Palau has limited medical facilities. A simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Travel insurance is strongly recommended — it's cheap compared to the risk.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Palau International Airport (ROR)
You'll land at the small airport on Babeldaob Island, near Koror. Follow signs to Immigration.
2
Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter
Join the line for 'Visa on Arrival'. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee in cash (USD).
3
Receive your visa and enter
Once approved, you'll get a stamp in your passport. The visa is typically valid for 30 days. You can then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Palau Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (free for UK passport holders on arrival)
Not needed for UK passport holders; visa on arrival is free.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Palauan company.
work visa
Palau Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Palauan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
investor visa
Palau Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Palauan business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on ArrivalVisa on arrival is issued free of charge for UK passport holders. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extensionExtensions are not permitted for visa-on-arrival entries. | Not available |
| Overstay fineOverstaying may result in fines and potential deportation. | ~$50 USD per day (no cap specified) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
UK passport holders transiting through Palau International Airport (ROR) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsPalau International Airport (ROR)
Health & vaccines for Palau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in Palau; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but practice good hygiene and drink bottled 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
P.O. Box 100, Koror, Palau 96940
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa inquiries and overstay fines.
Melekeok
Palau Bureau of Immigration
Capitol Building, Melekeok, Palau 96940
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Government office for immigration policy and long-term permits.
Practical information for GB 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 typically valid for 30 days. You can apply for an extension at the Palau Immigration Office in Koror if you need more time.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Palau Immigration Office in Koror (near the courthouse). The cost and processing time vary — expect around $50–$100 and a few days. Bring your passport and a reason for the extension.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Palau immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally do not need a visa. But Palau's airport is small — most transits are short. Check with your airline if you have a long layover.
USD cash only. Cards are not accepted for the visa on arrival fee. Bring small bills if possible — $50 or $100 notes are fine, but change may be limited.
There is no standard e-visa or embassy visa process for British tourists. The visa on arrival is the standard method. If you have special circumstances (e.g., long-term stay), contact the Palau embassy in your region.
Overstaying can result in fines and potential difficulties when leaving. The fine is typically around $50–$100 per day overstay. Avoid it by extending or leaving on time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.