Most Complete Palau Travel Guide 2026-2027 – Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Palau Overview & Key Facts

Brief History of Palau

Palau's history spans millennia, from ancient Micronesian settlement through Spanish, German, Japanese, and American administration. The islands were part of the Spanish East Indies, then sold to Germany in 1899, occupied by Japan during WWI, and became a major Japanese naval base in WWII. The 1944 Battle of Peleliu was one of the bloodiest in the Pacific theater. Palau gained independence in 1994 under the Compact of Free Association with the United States.

Independence & National Identity

• Independence date: October 1, 1994.
• Former administering power: United States (UN Trust Territory).
• National symbols & identity.

Palau maintains close ties with the USA while proudly preserving its Micronesian culture. The flag features a golden moon on blue background symbolizing peace and the nation’s emergence. Traditional customs, matrilineal society, and storytelling remain strong.

Government System & Current Leadership

• Type of government: Presidential Republic
• Current president: Surangel Whipps Jr. (since 2021)
• Notes on political stability

Palau is a stable democracy with peaceful transitions of power. President Surangel Whipps Jr. has focused on environmental protection and sustainable tourism.

Population, Ethnic Groups & Languages

• Population: ~18,000 (2025 estimate).
• Major ethnic groups: Palauan (70%), Filipino, other Asian, Carolinian.
• Official language(s): Palauan and English.
• Additional languages commonly spoken.

English is universally used in government, education, and tourism. Palauan and Sonsorolese/Tobian are recognized regional languages.

Main Religions & Cultural Identity

Christianity (mainly Catholic and Protestant) dominates, blended with traditional Modekngei beliefs. Cultural identity centers on respect for elders, matrilineal inheritance, and strong environmental stewardship.

Geography & Natural Landscape

Palau consists of over 340 volcanic and limestone islands surrounded by one of the world’s richest barrier reefs. The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage site with mushroom-shaped limestone islets covered in jungle and surrounded by turquoise waters.

Economy & Tourism Highlights

Tourism (especially diving) and fishing dominate the economy, supported by US Compact funding. Palau pioneered marine conservation with the world’s first shark sanctuary (2009) and the Palau Pledge – an eco-pledge stamped in every visitor’s passport.

What Palau Is Known For

• UNESCO Rock Islands Southern Lagoon
• Jellyfish Lake (non-stinging golden jellyfish)
• World-class diving & WWII wrecks

Visa & Entry Requirements in Palau

Most international visitors receive a free 30-day visa-on-arrival. The Palau Pledge environmental commitment is stamped into every passport upon entry.

Do You Need a Visa?

Citizens of nearly all countries (USA, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, etc.) get a free 30-day visa-on-arrival. Extensions up to 90 days are possible.

Visa Application Options in Palau

• Visa-on-arrival (free for 30 days)
• Extensions at Immigration Office in Koror

Passport Validity & Entry Documents

Passport must have 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. Return/onward ticket required. All visitors sign the Palau Pledge.

Customs Rules & Prohibited Items

Strict biosecurity: no fresh fruit/vegetables, meat, or plants. Coral, shells, and traditional storyboards require permits for export.

Safety & Security Information in Palau

Palau is one of the safest countries in the Pacific with very low crime rates and friendly locals.

Is Palau Safe for Tourists?

Yes – extremely safe. Main risks are marine-related (strong currents, jellyfish, sun exposure) and occasional typhoons.

Recommended Safety Tips when in Palau

Use reef-safe sunscreen, stay hydrated, wear rash guards, follow dive briefings, and respect marine protected areas.

Safe Areas vs. Areas to Avoid in Palau

All tourist areas are safe. Some remote outer islands have limited medical facilities.

Emergency Numbers & Tourist Police in Palau

• Police/Fire/Marine Emergency: 911
• Hospital: +680 488-2558

Health Requirements & Vaccinations in Palau

No mandatory vaccinations unless arriving from yellow-fever areas. Good medical facilities in Koror; hyperbaric chamber available.

Mandatory Vaccinations in Palau

None except yellow fever certificate if coming from endemic countries.

Recommended Vaccinations in Palau

Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine vaccines.

Malaria & Other Risks

No malaria. Main risks: dehydration, sunburn, marine stings, and occasional dengue outbreaks.

Travel Insurance Recommendations in Palau

Highly recommended – must cover scuba diving (many policies exclude it) and medical evacuation.

Best Time to Visit in Palau

Dry season (December–April) offers calmest seas and best visibility. Wet season (May–November) has more rain but fewer crowds and lower prices.

Weather by Season

Year-round warm (27–31°C). Dry season has less rain and calmer waters; wet season brings occasional typhoons (June–December).

When to Visit Palau for Best Experiences

• Diving: December–April (best visibility)
• Jellyfish Lake: Year-round (population varies)
• Budget travel: May–November

Weather & Climate Overview in Palau

Tropical marine climate with high humidity and consistent temperatures year-round.

Temperature Ranges

Water temperature 27–30°C year-round. Air temperature rarely below 24°C or above 32°C.

Rainy & Dry Seasons in Palau

Dry season: December–April. Wet season: May–November.

What to Wear Based on the Weather

Light, quick-dry clothing, rash guards, swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, water shoes.

Main Currency, Costs & Budgeting in Palau

Palau uses the US Dollar (USD). It is expensive compared to other Pacific islands due to import reliance.

Local Currency Information

US Dollar only. ATMs in Koror; cards widely accepted.

Average Travel Costs in Palau

Budget: $150–250/day; mid-range $300–450/day; luxury $600+/day. Diving and permits add significant costs.

Using ATMs, Cards & Mobile Money in Palau

ATMs and credit cards widely accepted in Koror. Cash needed on outer islands.

Tipping Guidelines in Palau

Not expected but appreciated for exceptional service (5–10%).

Transportation & Getting Around in Palau

Limited public transport; most visitors rent cars or use taxis and tour boats.

Airport Transfers

Taxis and hotel shuttles from ROR airport to Koror (15–20 min).

Local Transport Options in Palau

Taxis, rental cars, hotel shuttles, and tour boats. No ride-sharing apps.

Car Rentals & Road Conditions in Palau

International driving permit recommended. Roads in Koror and Babeldaob are paved; some outer islands have rough tracks.

Accommodation Options available in Palau

Mostly in Koror with a few resorts on outer islands. Range from budget guesthouses to luxury overwater bungalows.

Types of Accommodations in Palau

Hotels, resorts, guesthouses, liveaboards, and homestays.

Budget vs. Mid-Range vs. Luxury

Budget $80–150/night; mid-range $200–400; luxury $500–1,500+.

Best Areas to Stay in Palau

Koror (most convenient), Palau Pacific Resort area, or liveaboard for divers.

Essential Packing Guide when Visiting Palau

Focus on sun protection, reef-safe products, and dive/snorkel gear.

Clothing Essentials

Rash guards, board shorts, light clothing, waterproof bag.

Footwear & Gear

Reef shoes, snorkel gear (can rent but personal mask preferred), dry bag.

Electronics & Cameras

Underwater housing or GoPro, extra batteries, power bank.

Toiletries & Personal Items

Reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory), insect repellent, medications.

Language & Communication in Palau

English is an official language and widely spoken in tourism.

Main Languages Spoken in Palau

Palauan and English official; Filipino and Chinese common.

Useful Phrases for Tourists

“Alii” (hello), “Ungil tutau” (good morning), “Sulang” (thank you).

SIM Cards & Mobile Data used in Palau

PNCC and PalauTel sell tourist SIMs at airport and stores.

Internet Availability & Wi-Fi in Palau

Good Wi-Fi in hotels; mobile coverage limited on outer islands.

Culture & Etiquette in Palau

Respect for elders and customs is crucial. Remove shoes when entering homes.

Palauan Dress Code Expectations

Casual everywhere; topless/nude sunbathing illegal.

Social Etiquette & Respectful Behavior of Palau

Accept food/drink offers, ask permission before photographing people.

Photography Rules in Palau

Always ask permission for people; no restrictions on landscapes.

Important Cultural Dos & Don’ts in Palau

Do respect chiefs and customs; don’t touch coral or remove marine life.

Food, Water & Dining in Palau

Fresh seafood, taro, cassava, and imported goods. Tap water safe in Koror.

Palauan Local Dishes to Try

Taro, tapioca, fish soup, giant clam, fruit bat soup (traditional).

Dietary Options in Palau

Good seafood; limited vegetarian options outside hotels.

Drinking Water Safety

Tap water safe in Koror; bottled recommended elsewhere.

Restaurant Etiquette

Casual; tipping not required but appreciated.

Top Attractions & Things to Do in Palau

World-class diving, Rock Islands tours, Jellyfish Lake, and WWII history.

Major Tourist Attractions in Palau

• Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (UNESCO)
• Jellyfish Lake
• Milky Way lagoon
• WWII wrecks & Peleliu Island

Best Tours & Experiences in Palau

Rock Islands full-day tour, diving liveaboards, kayaking, Peleliu WWII battlefield tour.

Family-Friendly Activities to do in Palau

Snorkeling, dolphin watching, aquarium visits.

Unique Cultural or Historical Sites to visit in Palau

Belau National Museum, traditional men’s meeting houses (bai), stone monoliths.

Palauan Electrical System Information

US standard 110–120V, 60Hz. Types A and B plugs.

Plug Types & Voltage used in Palau

110V, 60Hz – same as USA. Bring adapters if needed.

Charging Tips

Power reliable in Koror; generators on outer islands.

Local Laws & Regulations of Palau

Very strict environmental laws – Palau Pledge is legally binding.

Rules Travelers Need to Know when In Palau

No touching coral, no removal of marine life, reef-safe sunscreen mandatory.

Alcohol, Smoking & Substance Laws of Palau

Alcohol legal (21+), smoking restricted, marijuana illegal.

Restricted or Protected Areas in Palau

Many marine protected areas; permits required for Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake.

Final Travel Tips for Visitors in Palau

Book Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake permits in advance. Use only reef-safe sunscreen. Respect the Palau Pledge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using regular sunscreen, touching coral, underestimating sun exposure.

Tips to Save Money when Visiting Palau

Travel in wet season, stay in guesthouses, eat local food, share boat tours.

Safety & Comfort Tips

Stay hydrated, use rash guards, listen to dive briefings, book reputable operators.

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