Melekeok Entry Requirements

Children must have their own valid passport with at least 6 months validity. If traveling with only one parent or with someone other than parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the travel. This may be requested by immigration officials. Birth certificates showing parental relationship may also be requested. Children are subject to the same visa requirements as adults and must also sign (or have parents sign on their behalf) the Palau Pledge.

Palau has strict pet import regulations. Advance approval from the Bureau of Agriculture is required, typically taking 30-60 days to process. Required documents include: current rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days old but not more than 12 months), veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, import permit from Palau Bureau of Agriculture, and proof of microchip identification. Pets must undergo quarantine inspection upon arrival. Dogs and cats from rabies-free countries may have reduced quarantine. Contact the Bureau of Agriculture well in advance: +680-488-1199. Note that bringing pets to Palau is complex and expensive; consider carefully whether it's necessary.

If you wish to stay beyond your initial visa-free period, apply for an extension at the Bureau of Immigration and Labor in Koror before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments up to a maximum total stay of 12 months for tourists. You'll need to provide: valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, return ticket (can be flexible/changeable), reason for extension, and pay applicable fees (approximately $50 per 30-day extension). Apply at least one week before your current authorization expires. Overstaying without authorization results in fines of $50 per day and possible deportation. For stays longer than 12 months, you'll need to apply for a different visa category (work permit, business visa, etc.), which requires sponsorship and additional documentation.

Business visitors can generally enter under the same visa-free provisions as tourists but should carry additional documentation: letter of invitation from Palauan company or organization, business registration documents, proof of business relationship, and details of business activities to be conducted. If you'll be conducting extensive business, attending conferences, or exploring business opportunities, declare this purpose to immigration. For actual employment or establishing a business, you'll need a work permit or business visa, which requires sponsorship from a Palauan entity and approval from the Foreign Investment Board. Contact the Bureau of Immigration and Labor or Bureau of Commercial Development for specific requirements.

Journalists, film crews, and media professionals planning to work in Palau should obtain advance permission from the Palau Visitors Authority and potentially the Bureau of Commercial Development. Professional filming and photography for commercial purposes requires permits. Contact authorities at least 30 days before travel with details of your project, locations you wish to film, and purpose of the content. Drone filming requires separate permits and is heavily restricted in many areas. Failure to obtain proper permits can result in confiscation of equipment and denial of entry.

Students enrolled in educational programs or researchers conducting studies in Palau need special authorization. Contact the Palau Community College or relevant research institution for sponsorship. You'll need: acceptance letter from educational institution, proof of enrollment or research approval, proof of financial support for duration of stay, and student visa or research permit. The institution will typically assist with the visa application process. Research involving marine resources, protected areas, or indigenous knowledge requires additional permits from the Bureau of Marine Resources or Council of Chiefs.