Palau: Travel Requirements, Health & Medical Insurance
Palau allows visa-free entry to most nationalities for short tourist stays, with the permit granted on arrival. The currency is the US dollar (USD) and the official languages are Palauan and English.
The country is a pioneer in sustainable tourism: every visitor signs the Palau Pledge on arrival, an environmental commitment stamped in the passport that requires respecting coral reefs and marine life. The main hospital is in Koror, and complex medical cases are usually evacuated to Guam, the Philippines, or Taiwan, so travel insurance with evacuation and diving coverage is especially relevant in a destination so focused on scuba diving.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Most nationalities enter without a visa for short tourist stays; on arrival, travelers sign an environmental pledge stamped in their passport, the Palau Pledge.
Health & travel insurance: The main hospital is in Koror; complex cases are usually evacuated to Guam, the Philippines, or Taiwan, so insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended.
Visa and entry requirements
Most nationalities receive the entry permit on arrival, with no prior consular process, for tourist stays of 30 to 90 days depending on the passport. All visitors sign the Palau Pledge, an environmental commitment stamped in the passport.
- Passport valid for at least six months.
- Return or onward travel ticket.
- Payment of the environmental fee (Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee) associated with the entry permit.
Health, hospitals, and medical insurance
The main hospital is in Koror, with capacity for basic care and initial emergency treatment. Complex cases, including serious diving accidents, are usually evacuated to Guam, the Philippines, or Taiwan.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Palau; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote.
Transport and currency
The currency is the US dollar (USD). Diving and boating excursions are regulated through permits and fees dedicated to reef conservation, so it's best to book them with licensed operators.
When to travel
The dry season, between November and April, offers the best visibility for diving at sites like Blue Corner or Jellyfish Lake. The rest of the year is more humid, though the tropical climate stays warm year-round.
Travel checklist for Palau
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Palau.
- Check the visa requirement for Palau based on your passport: Most nationalities enter without a visa for short tourist stays; on arrival, travelers sign an environmental pledge stamped in their passport, the Palau Pledge.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: The main hospital is in Koror; complex cases are usually evacuated to Guam, the Philippines, or Taiwan, so insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended.
- Save Palau's emergency number: 911, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in US dollar (USD)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Palau?
Not for most nationalities: the entry permit is granted on arrival for tourist stays of 30 to 90 days.
What is the Palau Pledge?
It's an environmental commitment that every visitor signs on arrival, stamped in the passport, pledging to respect the country's reefs and marine life.
What is the emergency number in Palau?
911, the same as in the United States, given the country's close relationship with that system.
What currency should I use in Palau?
The US dollar (USD), the country's official currency.
