Travel To Palau: What Americans Need To Know

Americans can travel to Palau, but they must carry a valid passport and have a return or onward ticket. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Palau for one year or less. However, they must have a passport valid for at least six months at the time of entry. Every visitor to Palau is assessed a $100 environmental fee, which is usually included in the ticket price. U.S. citizens are advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed about safety and security alerts and other updates.

US citizens do not need a visa to visit Palau

All visitors to Palau are required to have proof of return travel arrangements or approval by the Chief of Immigration for an extended stay. This will cost $100. Visitors will also need to sign the Palau Pledge in front of an immigration officer at the port of entry.

In addition, visitors are required to pay a $100 environmental fee, which is usually included in the price of the ticket to Palau. Visitors should also be aware of any health requirements before travelling to Palau. Cholera and yellow fever immunisations are required for those arriving from infected areas.

A valid passport is required for US citizens

If you are a US citizen travelling to Palau, you must carry a valid passport. This requirement does not apply to US military personnel travelling or visiting Palau on official business. In the past, proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, would have been sufficient, but this is no longer the case. Your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry.

All visitors to Palau must have a return or onward ticket. Visitors are also assessed a $100 environmental fee, which airlines are required to include in the price of the ticket. US citizens travelling to Palau are also required to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security alerts and make it easier to locate them in an emergency.

In addition to a valid passport, there are a few other things that US citizens should keep in mind when travelling to Palau. Firstly, Palau has occasional outbreaks of Dengue Fever, so it is important to take precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Secondly, Koror, where most of the population resides, enforces a curfew from 02:30 to 06:00 Monday to Thursday, and from 04:00 to 06:00 Friday to Sunday. Finally, it is important to respect local customs and dress modestly when outside of tourist areas.

A return or onward ticket is needed

All visitors to Palau, including U.S. citizens, must have a valid passport with at least six months until its expiration date. In addition, visitors must provide proof of return or onward travel arrangements. This can be shown through an e-ticket receipt or a printed e-ticket confirmation.

The U.S. Embassy in Palau recommends that U.S. citizens enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed about safety and security alerts and other important local updates while abroad. This is a free service provided by the U.S. government.

U.S. citizens should also be aware of the following requirements and recommendations when travelling to Palau:

• A Palau Entry Form must be completed and submitted online within 72 hours before arrival. A unique QR code will be sent via email, which must be presented upon arrival at the Palau International Airport, either on a mobile device or as a printed copy.
• Every visitor is assessed a $100 environmental fee, which is usually included in the price of the ticket to Palau.
• Cholera and yellow fever immunizations are mandatory for those arriving from infected areas.
• There is a $20 departure tax and a $30 green fee ($50 total) per person.
• Koror, where most of the population resides, enforces a curfew from 02:30 to 06:00 Monday to Thursday, and from 04:00 to 06:00 Friday to Sunday.
• Firearms of any kind are strictly prohibited in Palau, with penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment for possession.
• Vaping and the import, advertising, sale, and use of e-cigarettes are banned in Palau as of April 2023. Violators may face fines of $1,000 for individuals and $20,000 for businesses.

A $100 environmental fee is charged to all visitors

Yes, Americans can travel to Palau. As a democratic country in free association with the United States, Palau is a popular destination for US citizens. Visitors to Palau are required to carry a valid passport and must have a return or onward ticket. Cholera and Yellow Fever immunisations are also required for those arriving from infected areas.

In addition to these standard requirements, there is an environmental fee that must be paid by all visitors to Palau. Since 2018, a $100 Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee (PPEF) has been charged to every visitor to the country. This fee is included in the price of the airline ticket and is typically the responsibility of the airline to collect and transmit to the National Treasury. The introduction of this fee was delayed due to concerns from the local tourism industry that it would further decrease visitor numbers, which had already been declining.

The $100 fee is allocated across various areas, including the Fisheries Protection Trust Fund, state governments, the Palau International Airport, the Protected Areas Network, and the National Treasury. This money is used to fund environmental protection initiatives, such as the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, which aims to preserve 80% of Palau's exclusive economic zone as a marine sanctuary. The remaining 20% is designated as a domestic fishing zone.

The environmental fee is a strategic move by Palau to protect its economy and natural environment, ensuring the long-term sustainability and security of the nation. By promoting high-value tourism and first-rate tourism hospitality, Palau aims to attract visitors who are willing to pay a premium to experience the country's natural beauty and contribute to its conservation efforts.

A Palau Entry Form must be completed before arrival

All visitors to Palau are required to complete a Palau Entry Form before their arrival in the country. This includes U.S. citizens, who do not need a visa for stays of up to one year. The form must be submitted within 72 hours prior to arrival in Palau, and it will generate a unique QR code, which must be presented, either on a mobile device or as a printed copy, during check-in and upon arrival at the airport. The QR code will be sent to the email address provided on the form. Only one form is required per family or single traveller.

The Palau Entry Form can be accessed on the designated website, palautravel.pw. The form includes several essential fields, such as the traveller's full name, email address, expected travel dates, and the purpose of their visit. It is important to note that failure to submit the form may result in delays or denial of entry into Palau.

In addition to the entry form, there are a few other requirements for travellers to Palau. All visitors are assessed a $100 environmental fee, which is typically included in the price of the airline ticket. Cholera and yellow fever immunizations are mandatory for those arriving from affected areas. Furthermore, there are some restrictions on bringing in personal goods, with a limit of $400 for personal goods that must be declared. Prescription and non-prescription drugs must also be declared.

It is recommended to review the travel section of the Embassy of Palau website and Palau's Ministry of Health & Human Services website for the most current entry requirements and other important travel-related information.

Frequently asked questions