Palau Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK citizens can visit Palau visa-free for up to 30 days. Palau is renowned for world-class diving and the unique Jellyfish Lake.
Great news! United Kingdom passport holders can enter Palau without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
No visa is required for UK passport holders for stays up to 30 days. Present your UK passport on arrival at the airport. Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds may be requested. Palau requires all visitors to sign the Palau Pledge, which is stamped in your passport — it commits you to acting in an environmentally responsible manner during your visit. Certain marine parks and Jellyfish Lake have entry fees payable on site.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid UK Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond stay
Proof of Onward Travel
Return or onward flight ticket
Palau Pledge Signing
Signed on arrival — committed to environmental responsibility; stamped in passport
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to Palau: What You Need to Know
Palau is a small island nation in the western Pacific Ocean, part of Micronesia. It is one of the world's premier diving and snorkeling destinations, with extraordinary marine biodiversity, WWII shipwrecks, and the famous Jellyfish Lake where visitors can swim alongside millions of non-stinging jellyfish. UK citizens benefit from visa-free access as part of Palau's open tourism policy. Palau has a strict conservation ethos — visitors sign the Palau Pledge on arrival, committing to environmentally responsible behavior. The country uses the US dollar and has close ties with the United States. Access is via Koror/Airai International Airport.
How to Get There
The Philippines (particularly Cebu or Manila) is the most common transit point for flights to Palau, often via Philippine Airlines. Guam (US territory) is also a regional hub. Yap, Pohnpei (Federated States of Micronesia), and the Marshall Islands are accessible for travelers exploring Micronesia more broadly. Diving liveaboards are a popular way to explore Palau's remote outer reefs and the Ngemelis dropoff.
Money & Banking
Palau uses the US dollar (USD). Card acceptance is limited outside main tourist facilities in Koror. Bring sufficient US dollar cash for dive fees, market purchases, and smaller restaurants. ATMs are available in Koror but can be unreliable. Palau is an expensive destination for the Pacific — accommodation ranges from $100-300+ USD/night and meal costs are high due to the remote location and import dependence.
Practical Tips
The Blue Corner dive site in Palau is consistently ranked among the top dive sites in the world. The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jellyfish Lake requires a Rock Islands permit and a short hike to access. The Palau National Marine Sanctuary prohibits most commercial fishing in 80% of Palau's waters. Malaria is not present in Palau, but dengue fever is a risk — use repellent. The best diving season is from November to April.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Palau?
No. UK passport holders can enter Palau visa-free for up to 30 days. No advance visa is required.
What is the Palau Pledge?
The Palau Pledge is a conservation commitment that all visitors must sign upon arrival. It is stamped into your passport and commits you to treading lightly on Palau's fragile ecosystem. It was introduced in 2017 and is legally binding under Palauan law.
How do I get to Palau from the UK?
There are no direct flights from the UK to Palau. Common routings go via Manila (Philippine Airlines) or via Tokyo/Seoul with onward Pacific connections. The journey typically takes 20-28 hours total.