Palau entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
360 days
Max stay
360 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
US passport holders can visit Palau without a visa for up to 360 days. This policy is in effect for 2026 and covers tourism, business, and short-term stays. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your US passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Palau. Palau does not require 6 months of remaining validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce their own 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure required | Immigration at Palau International Airport will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before clearing you. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A printed reservation confirmation or a letter from your host with their Palau address works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. A recent bank statement or credit card showing available credit of at least $500 USD is usually enough. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Palau. Airlines check this before boarding. If you're even a day short, you'll be turned away.
No visa, but still need a return ticket
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration will likely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy ready.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Palau International Airport (ROR)
You'll land at the only international airport, on Babeldaob Island. Follow signs to immigration. There's usually one queue for all passengers.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation and purpose of visit. Answer briefly and honestly.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa-free entry valid for up to 360 days. No fee is charged. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when departing.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check for agricultural items. You're free to go after that.
Download Palau Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay360 days
Validity6 months
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)
No paid alternative needed for standard tourism.
Long-stay visa (work/retirement)
Max stayUp to 5 years
ValidityVaries
CostVaries (contact Palau immigration)
Available for employment, investment, or retirement; requires sponsorship.
retirement visa
Palau Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD application fee
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term residence without work rights.
work visa
Palau Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
Requires a job offer from a Palauan employer and government approval. Allows legal employment.
investor visa
Palau Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
~$2,000 USD application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Palauan business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated $50 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
US citizens transiting through Palau do not need a visa for stays under 24 hours and not leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsRoman Tmetuchl 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, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and avoid standing water.
Zika virusLow risk
Present in Palau; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food/waterborne illnessModerate risk
Drink bottled or boiled water; avoid undercooked 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 Bureau of Immigration
P.O. Box 100, Koror, Palau 96940
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and supporting documents.
Melekeok
Palau Immigration – Melekeok Office
Capitol Building, Melekeok, Palau 96940
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Secondary office; limited services, call ahead.
Practical information for US 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
No. The visa-free stay is a maximum of 360 days and cannot be extended. You must leave before the 360th day. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No. US citizens transiting through Palau (staying airside) do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need to meet the same visa-free entry requirements.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Palau immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. Entry is free. There are no visa fees or processing charges at the airport.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa or permit before arrival.
Bring a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Immigration may ask for any of these.
Taxis are available outside the terminal. Fares to Koror (the main town) are around $20–$30. Some hotels offer free shuttles — check with yours.
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.