Palau entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Palau, valid for up to 30 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up at the airport with the right documents and you'll be stamped in.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Palau. Airlines at check-in will verify this before you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Palau | Immigration officers in Palau routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host ready. Officers sometimes ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. Immigration may request this at the counter. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is free for NZ passport holders
You don't need to pay anything at the airport. Just show up with your passport and onward ticket.
6-month passport validity is strictly enforced
If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you will be denied boarding or entry. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Palau International Airport (ROR)
After landing, follow signs to Immigration. There's usually one queue for all passengers. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printed), and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents. The officer will check your passport validity, blank page, and onward ticket. They may ask a few questions about your stay.
3
Pay the visa fee (if applicable)
The visa on arrival is free for New Zealand passport holders. No payment is required at the counter.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit. Check the stamp says the correct date before walking away.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Palau Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Apply at Palau embassy or consulate before travel; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
For frequent visitors; must be obtained in advance.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Palau company.
work visa
Palau Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$200 USD application fee + employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Palau employer. Requires employer to obtain work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Palau Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
$100 USD application fee
For those enrolled at Palau Community College or other approved institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and funds.
investor visa
Palau Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
$500 USD application fee + minimum investment $50,000 USD
For individuals investing in a Palau business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (tourist, single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at Palau International Airport. | $50 USD (no currency conversion needed) |
| Visa on Arrival (tourist, multiple entry)For multiple entries during the validity period; must be requested at entry. | $100 USD |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are generally not granted; if allowed, fee is $50 per additional period. | $50 USD per extension |
| Overstay fineOverstays are strictly penalized; avoid exceeding your authorized stay. | $50 USD per day, maximum $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
New Zealand 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
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain a visa on arrival or a visa in advance.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present year-round in Palau. Use insect repellent and avoid standing water.
Zika virusLow risk
Rare but possible; pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
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)
Main Street, Koror, Palau
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries; bring passport, fee, and completed form.
Melekeok
Palau Immigration Office (Melekeok)
Capitol Building, Melekeok, Palau
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Secondary office; less busy but may have limited services.
Practical information for NZ 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
You get 30 days from the date of entry. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Bureau of Immigration in Koror before your 30 days are up. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost around $50–100 USD.
Yes, but you must apply for an extension before your initial 30 days expire. Visit the Palau Bureau of Immigration in Koror. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and typically cost around $50–100 USD. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But since Palau International Airport is small, most transits are short. If you need to stay overnight, you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa on arrival is free for New Zealand passport holders. There is no charge at the airport.
No. The visa on arrival is for tourism and business visits only. If you plan to work, you need a separate work visa arranged before you travel.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, or deported at your own expense. Always apply for an extension before your visa expires.
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.