Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Palau. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required, as long as you are a tourist, and do not stay in the country more than a year.
US Embassy/Consulate
+680-587-2920/2990; EMER: +680-775-6150; US Embassy in Koror, Airai State, in an area known as Omsangel (no street address), PO Box 6028, Koror, Palau 96940; ConsularKoror@state.gov; https://pw.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
680
Local Emergency Phone
911
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Palau: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November
Currency (Code)
US Dollar is used (USD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
Palauan, other Micronesian, English, Filipino, Chinese
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 46.9%, Protestant 30.9%, and Modekngei 5.1%
Time Difference
UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Ngerulmud; Jellyfish Lake; Rock Islands; Clear Lake; Lake Ngardok; Peleliu War Museum
Major Sports
Soccer, volleyball, basketball
Cultural Practices
Unlike in western countries where raised eyebrows often signal confusion, in Palau they are taken to mean agreement.
Tipping Guidelines
Tip 10-15% of the bill in restaurants and $5 (USD) per tank when diving.
Souvenirs
Woven baskets, mats, and straw hats; shell jewelry, wood-carved storyboards and figurines, spices, flower-based body products
Traditional Cuisine
Tinola — soup made with chicken, green papaya, and ginger
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Sunday, October 01, 2023
