Melekeok Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
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Palau Entry Form
- Who
- Arriving passengers. One form per family or single traveller
- When
- At most 72 hours before departure to Palau
Submitting the form generates a QR code, which travellers present when checking in and on arrival.
Checked against the official source 2026-09-26 -
Palau Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee
- Who
- Every visitor to Palau
- When
- Included by airlines in the ticket price
- Cost
- USD 100
International airlines include the USD 100 fee in the ticket price.
Checked against the official source 2026-09-26
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Palau's visa policy determines who may enter and for how long. Whether you qualify for visa-free entry, need an electronic authorization, or must apply for a traditional visa depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Because these rules are subject to change, the details below should be treated as general guidance. Confirm your eligibility and permitted length of stay through the official Palau immigration website before traveling to Melekeok.
Certain nationalities may enter Palau without obtaining a visa in advance. Eligibility and the permitted duration of stay vary by passport, so travelers should verify their specific entitlements with the official Palau immigration authorities before departure.
Even where visa-free entry applies, you will still need to complete the Palau Entry Form online before departure and present the resulting QR code on arrival. A return or onward ticket and a valid passport are typically expected.
Palau requires arriving passengers to complete the Palau Entry Form through the official Palau Travel portal. This is an online form, submitted no more than 72 hours before your departure to Palau, that generates a QR code you must present at airline check-in and again upon arrival. One form covers a family traveling together, or a single traveler submits their own.
Cost: The form itself does not carry a separate fee. However, every visitor to Palau is subject to the Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee of USD 100, which international airlines include directly in the ticket price.
If your nationality requires a visa beyond this entry form, you will need to arrange that separately through the official immigration channels. The Palau Entry Form is not a visa and does not replace one where a visa is required.
Some nationalities need to obtain a visa before traveling to Palau. The application process, permitted stay, and any associated fees depend on your passport and purpose of travel.
Processing times can vary, so it is worth starting the application well ahead of your planned travel dates. Even with a visa, you will still need to complete the Palau Entry Form online before departure.
Arrival Process
Most travelers arrive in Palau at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport on Koror, which is the way into Melekeok and the rest of the country. The arrival process tends to be orderly, though lines can build when several flights land close together.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Palau's customs rules mirror its fierce environmental commitment. The islands' ecosystems break easily. Authorities scrutinize biological materials, chemicals, and restricted goods with rigor. Duty-free allowances exist. Declare anything uncertain.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics, which carry severe penalties under Palauan law
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without prior government authorization
- Certain pesticides and hazardous chemicals threaten Palau's marine and land ecosystems.
- Counterfeit goods and pirated materials
Restricted Items
- Live plants, seeds, soil, and biological specimens need prior quarantine clearance. Native ecosystems need protection.
- Meat, dairy, and fresh produce may face inspection or require phytosanitary certificates.
- Keep prescription medications in original packaging. Carry a valid prescription.
- Coral, shells, and marine specimens fall under strict conservation laws. Export without permits risks offense.
Health Requirements
Palau demands few mandatory vaccinations for most visitors. Health prep still matters before Melekeok. Tropical climates carry risks. Medical facilities function but lag behind larger nations' standards.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from, or transiting through, endemic countries. This is standard international protocol, not Palau-specific.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis An and B are commonly recommended for travelers to the Pacific Islands
- Consider typhoid protection if eating beyond major hotels and restaurants.
- Update routine vaccinations: measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and influenza.
- Discuss Japanese encephalitis with a travel health professional. It depends on your itinerary and stay length.
Health Insurance
Koror hosts a small national hospital. Complex cases need evacuation to Guam, the Philippines, or beyond. Complete travel health insurance covering medical evacuation is essential. Verify Pacific Islands coverage and air ambulance inclusion. Distance drives cost.
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Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Traveling with minors? Carry birth certificates or relationship documentation. Single parents or guardians without the other parent should pack a notarized consent letter. Immigration officers elsewhere on your route may request it. Confirm Palau's minor-specific requirements with immigration authorities before departure.
Importing animals into Palau requires advance coordination with the country's quarantine and agricultural authorities. Expect to provide a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, proof of current vaccinations including rabies, and potentially an import permit. Palau's biosecurity rules are strict given the islands' ecological sensitivity, so begin the process well ahead of your travel date. Some species may be prohibited entirely. Start early.
If you wish to stay in Palau beyond the period initially permitted, contact the Bureau of Immigration in Koror to inquire about extensions. Overstaying your permitted duration can result in fines and complications with future entry. For those planning work, study, or residency, separate permits are likely required, and the application process should begin before arrival where possible. Plan ahead.
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