Palau Visa RequirementsFor United States passport holders
US citizens can visit Palau visa-free for up to 30 days. This remote Pacific island nation has an extraordinarily close relationship with the United States , Palau is a US Compact of Free Association state. The Palau National Marine Sanctuary is one of the world's great diving destinations.
Great news! United States passport holders can enter Palau without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
No visa required. Present your valid US passport at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) on Babeldaob Island. You will sign the Palau Pledge (an environmental commitment) upon entry. You may be asked for a return flight booking and accommodation details. The 30-day stay can be extended at the Bureau of Immigration in Koror.
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 US Passport
Must be valid for at least 3-6 months beyond your planned departure date (varies by country)
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from the country, such as a return flight or onward travel booking
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover expenses during your stay
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for all international travel covering medical emergencies
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Safety Tips
Palau is extremely safe with virtually no crime against tourists. The main concerns are water safety (currents, jellyfish) and sun exposure. Healthcare facilities are limited - travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential. The environment is pristine and protected.
Money & Costs
Currency
$ US Dollar (USD)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $100 · Mid: $200 · Luxury: $500+
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated. 10-15% in restaurants. Tips for dive guides expected.
Practical Info
Power
Type A, B, 120V 60Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
911 (Emergency)
Getting There
Main Airports
Airai (ROR)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Palau has tropical weather year-round with temperatures of 27-30°C. The dry season from November to April is slightly preferable. February to April offers the best visibility for diving. There is no distinct wet season - rain can occur anytime.
Cultural Notes
Palau has a matrilineal society with traditional chiefs (rubekul) still influential. Ancient stone monoliths and traditional bai (meeting houses) showcase the culture. The Ngardmau waterfall and stone faces are cultural sites. Palauan culture emphasizes respect for nature, which influences modern environmental policies.
Insider Tips
English and Palauan are official languages. The US Dollar is the currency. Palau is expensive - it's a remote luxury destination. The Palau Pledge is a promise to protect the environment stamped in passports. Reef-safe sunscreen is encouraged. Diving and snorkeling are the main activities.
Current Travel Situation
United States to Palau: What You Need to Know
Palau has a Compact of Free Association with the United States, similar to Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. US citizens can enter and reside in Palau without a visa, and the relationship between the two countries is uniquely close. Palau uses the US Dollar as its official currency, operates US military ties, and US citizens can work and live in Palau freely. For tourism, the standard admission is 30 days, extendable locally. Palau has a "Palau Pledge" , all visitors must sign a commitment to act in an ecologically responsible way, protecting the marine environment.
How to Get There
Getting to Palau involves connecting through major Asian hubs. Palau Pacific Airways, United Airlines, and Taiwan's Starlux Airlines connect Palau (ROR) to Manila, Taipei, Tokyo (Narita), Guam, and Incheon. From the US mainland, route through Guam (United Airlines has regular GUM service) or Tokyo to reach Palau. Total journey from US West Coast: approximately 16–24 hours.
Money & Banking
Palau uses the US Dollar (USD) , no currency exchange needed for Americans. Credit cards accepted at hotels and some restaurants; cash preferred for local markets and small businesses. Palau is a premium dive destination and costs reflect this , budget $200–400+/day including accommodation, meals, and diving. Diving packages with reputable operators are the most economical approach.
Practical Tips
Palau is famous for world-class diving and snorkeling: the Jellyfish Lake (swim with harmless stingless jellyfish), Blue Corner (famous wall dive), German Channel, and the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Above water: kayaking among limestone Rock Islands, visiting WWII wreck sites, and encountering incredible marine diversity including sharks, manta rays, and dugongs. Palau has some of the world's most strictly protected marine areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Palau?
No. Palau has a Compact of Free Association with the US, allowing American citizens to visit visa-free for up to 30 days, and to live and work in Palau without restrictions.
Does Palau use US dollars?
Yes. The US Dollar is Palau's official currency, making it very convenient for American travelers with no currency exchange needed.
What is the Palau Pledge?
Every visitor to Palau must sign the Palau Pledge — a commitment stamped in your passport to act in an ecologically responsible way. It is part of Palau's "Pristine Paradise" sustainable tourism approach. Signing is mandatory at immigration.
How do I get to Palau from the US?
There are no direct US mainland to Palau flights. Route via Guam (United Airlines from Hawaii or Guam), Taipei (Starlux/EVA Air), Manila (Philippine Airlines), or Tokyo. From Guam, it is about 2 hours to Palau.
Is Palau good for non-divers?
Yes. The Jellyfish Lake (swimsers encounter thousands of golden jellyfish) is accessible to snorkelers, not just divers. Kayaking the Rock Islands, visiting traditional Palauan storyboards, beachcombing, and WWII history are all non-diving activities. However, diving unlocks Palau's most extraordinary experiences.