Melekeok Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Melekeok, the capital of Palau, is part of a beautiful island nation with specific entry requirements that travelers must follow. Entry is controlled through immigration at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), the main international gateway. All visitors must have a valid passport, onward/return ticket, and sufficient funds for their stay. The immigration process is generally straightforward, but travelers should ensure their documents are in order before arrival. Palau's visa policy is relatively open for tourists from many countries, with visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival available for numerous nationalities. However, all visitors must complete an arrival card and may be asked about their travel plans, accommodation, and duration of stay. It's important to note that Palau has strict environmental policies, and visitors must sign the Palau Pledge upon entry, committing to environmentally responsible behavior during their stay. Travelers should be aware that while entry requirements are generally tourist-friendly, immigration officers have discretion to deny entry if they suspect the visitor intends to work illegally, lacks sufficient funds, or poses a security risk. Always ensure your passport has at least six months validity remaining beyond your planned departure date.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Palau offers visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival to citizens of many countries for tourism purposes. The standard tourist stay is 30 days, which can be extended once for an additional 30 days for a fee. All visitors must have proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.

Visa-Free Entry

30 days (extendable once for additional 30 days)

Nationalities that can enter Palau without obtaining a visa in advance

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Taiwan Israel Philippines European Union member states Switzerland Norway

Must have passport valid for at least 6 months, onward/return ticket, and sufficient funds. The 30-day stay can be extended once at the Immigration Office for a fee.

Visa-On-Arrival

30 days (extendable once for additional 30 days)

Nationalities that can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport

Includes

China India Russia Brazil Mexico Thailand Indonesia Vietnam Cambodia Laos Myanmar

How to Apply: Available at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport upon arrival. No advance application needed.
Cost: Free for most nationalities (except where bilateral agreements specify otherwise)

Must have passport with at least 6 months validity, onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. Some nationalities may need to show hotel reservations.

Visa Required

As specified on visa (typically 30 days)

Nationalities that must obtain a visa before traveling to Palau

How to Apply: Must apply at a Palauan embassy or consulate before travel. If no Palauan diplomatic mission exists in your country, contact the nearest one or the Palau Bureau of Immigration.

Very few countries fall into this category. Check with Palau immigration authorities if your nationality is not listed in visa-free or visa-on-arrival categories.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, travelers will go through immigration, customs, and biosecurity checks. The process is typically efficient but can be slower during peak tourist seasons.

Arrival and Document Check

Proceed to immigration counters where officers will check your passport, arrival card, and supporting documents.

Immigration Interview

Answer basic questions about your travel plans, accommodation, duration of stay, and purpose of visit.

Passport Stamp

Receive an entry stamp with the permitted stay duration (typically 30 days).

Baggage Claim and Customs

Collect luggage and proceed through customs declaration. Be prepared to declare any items as required.

Biosecurity Check

All luggage may be inspected for prohibited agricultural items, plants, or animal products.

Palau Pledge

All visitors must sign the Palau Pledge, committing to environmental protection during their stay.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. Required for all travelers.

Onward/Return Ticket

Proof of departure from Palau within the permitted stay period. Required for all visitors.

Sufficient Funds Proof

May be asked to show evidence of adequate financial means (cash, credit cards, bank statements).

Accommodation Details

Hotel reservations or contact information for where you'll be staying. May be requested.

Completed Arrival Card

Distributed on flights or available at the airport. Must be filled out before reaching immigration.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Complete your arrival card before reaching immigration to speed up the process.

Have all documents (passport, tickets, accommodation details) easily accessible.

Be polite and answer immigration questions clearly and honestly.

Consider printing copies of your travel documents as backup.

Arrive during off-peak hours if possible to avoid longer queues.

Customs & Duty-Free

Palau has strict customs regulations to protect its environment and cultural heritage. All visitors must declare certain items and are subject to inspection.

Alcohol

2 liters of alcoholic beverages

Traveler must be at least 21 years old

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

Traveler must be at least 21 years old

Currency

No limit on import/export

Amounts over $10,000 USD must be declared on arrival and departure

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to $400 USD value

Commercial quantities require proper declaration and may be subject to duties

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - strict penalties including imprisonment
Firearms and ammunition without proper permits - requires advance approval
Protected wildlife products (ivory, coral, turtle shells) - violates CITES and local laws
Pornographic materials - illegal in Palau
Counterfeit goods - violates intellectual property laws

Restricted Items

Medications - prescription drugs must be in original containers with doctor's prescription
Plants and seeds - require phytosanitary certificates and advance approval
Animal products - require veterinary certificates and may be restricted
Drones - require advance permission from Bureau of Aviation
Commercial goods - require proper documentation and may be subject to duties

Health Requirements

Palau has specific health requirements to protect public health and prevent disease introduction. While no vaccinations are mandatory for most travelers, certain health precautions are recommended.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Japanese encephalitis (for long-term travelers or those visiting rural areas)
Rabies (for adventure travelers or those working with animals)

Health Insurance

Not mandatory but highly recommended. Medical facilities in Palau are limited, and serious conditions may require medical evacuation to Guam, the Philippines, or other countries at significant cost. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is advised.

Current Health Requirements: Check current health advisories for any disease outbreaks or special requirements. While COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, requirements may change. Dengue fever is endemic, so mosquito protection is important year-round.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Most countries do not have embassies in Palau. The US maintains an embassy in Koror. Other countries' embassies are typically located in Manila, Tokyo, or Canberra.

Check your government's travel advisory website for consular assistance information

Immigration Authority

Palau Bureau of Immigration

For visa extensions, official immigration information, and applications. Located in Koror.

Emergency

911

Police, ambulance, fire - English-speaking operators available

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry notarized consent letters from non-accompanying parents. All children must have their own passport. Birth certificates may be requested to verify parent-child relationships.

Traveling with Pets

Pets require import permits from the Bureau of Agriculture. Dogs and cats need veterinary health certificates, rabies vaccination certificates, and may be subject to quarantine. Certain breeds are prohibited. Advance planning (at least 30 days) is essential.

Extended Stays

30-day tourist stays can be extended once for an additional 30 days at the Immigration Office in Koror for a fee. Longer stays require different visa categories (business, student, work). Overstaying results in fines and possible deportation.

Know what to pack

Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear — with shopping links for every item.

View Melekeok Packing List →