June 19, 2026 72 views

Palau Entry Requirements for First-Time Visitors

If you are visiting Palau for the first time, the main entry requirements are generally straightforward: a valid passport, proof of onward or return travel, and completion of the online Palau Entry Form before arrival. Visitors should also be prepared to sign the Palau Pledge on arrival. Because immigration, health, and customs rules can change, travelers should verify current requirements with official sources before departure. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

Quick Answer

For most first-time visitors, Palau’s published visitor guidance says you should expect to need:

A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of expiration. (pristineparadisepalau.com)
Proof of return or onward travel arrangements. (pristineparadisepalau.com)
A completed Palau Entry Form, submitted online within 72 hours or less before arrival. The Pristine Paradise Palau travel entry page states that one form is required per family or single traveler, and that travelers receive a QR code by email to present on arrival. (pristineparadisepalau.com)
Signature of the Palau Pledge upon arrival. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

The Pristine Paradise Palau travel entry page also states it was updated May 31, 2023, and says that, effective April 25, 2023, Palau no longer requires COVID-19 vaccination for entry. As with any time-sensitive travel rule, this should still be rechecked before travel. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

What First-Time Visitors Should Know

Palau welcomes international visitors, but entry rules are not only about immigration status. They also include arrival formalities, environmental commitments, and practical documentation. For first-time travelers, the easiest way to prepare is to think in four parts:

Travel document requirements
Pre-arrival form submission
Arrival procedures at the airport
Special cases such as longer stays or nationality-specific rules (pristineparadisepalau.com)

Passport and Visa Basics

According to the Travelers Tips page on Pristine Paradise Palau, all visitors must have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiration and proof of return arrangements. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

That same page says:

Visas are not required for most visitors in advance
A 30-day tourist visa is issued on arrival
The stay may be extended with approval of the Chief of Immigration for a fee
The page notes a maximum of 90 days through the initial 30-day stay plus extensions. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

The page also lists some nationality-specific exceptions and longer-entry provisions:

Citizens of the United States, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands with valid passports are stated to receive a 1-year visa on arrival. (pristineparadisepalau.com)
Citizens of Myanmar and Bangladesh are stated to need a pre-approved visa. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

Because visa policy can change and may depend on nationality, purpose of visit, and trip length, first-time visitors should verify their status with Palau immigration or the relevant official source before booking non-refundable travel. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

The Palau Entry Form

One of the most important practical requirements for first-time visitors is the Palau Entry Form.

The Pristine Paradise Palau Travel Entry Requirements page states that:

The entry form is completed online
Submission must be made within 72 hours or less before your arrival time
Responses must be in English
One form is required per family or per single traveler
After submission, you receive a unique QR code by email
Each traveler must present the completed form or QR code on arrival at Palau International Airport. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

For first-time visitors, this means it is important not to complete the form too early. Completing it within the allowed time window is part of arrival preparation. Travelers should also keep a digital and printed copy of the QR code if possible. That is a practical suggestion rather than a formal rule, but it can help if you have limited internet access on arrival.

Arrival in Palau

On arrival, visitors should be prepared to show the documents and confirmations needed for entry review. Based on the published visitor guidance, this may include:

Passport
Return or onward travel proof
Completed Palau Entry Form or QR code
Any supporting documents relevant to your nationality or travel purpose. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

The Travelers Tips page also states that all visitors must sign the Palau Pledge, which is stamped into the passport. The pledge is part of Palau’s environmental and cultural protection approach and asks visitors to commit to caring for the country’s natural environment and respecting local traditions. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

For first-time visitors, this is a meaningful part of arriving in Palau, not just a formality. Visitors should be prepared to travel responsibly, including following local environmental rules and community expectations. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

Health-Related Entry Notes

The Pristine Paradise Palau Travel Entry Requirements page states that, effective April 25, 2023, Palau no longer requires COVID-19 vaccination to enter the country. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

The Health and Safety page also notes that cholera and yellow fever immunizations are required for those arriving from infected areas. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

Health rules can change based on your routing, point of origin, or public health decisions. First-time visitors should check:

Whether they are arriving from or transiting through any area with special vaccination requirements
Whether their airline has any separate documentation rules
Whether additional screening or declarations apply on their travel dates

Fees and Related Travel Policies

The Travelers Tips page explains that Palau has a Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee (PPEF) tied to international airline tickets into Palau, and it states that this fee has been included in tickets issued on or after January 1, 2018. The same page describes the PPEF as $100 USD for international airline tickets into Palau. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

Because airline ticketing structures and tax displays can vary, travelers should confirm with their airline or booking provider how this appears in their fare. This is especially useful for first-time visitors comparing ticket costs.

Before You Go: Simple Checklist

Before leaving for Palau, first-time visitors should confirm the following:

Passport is valid for at least 6 months
Return or onward ticket is booked
Palau Entry Form has been completed within 72 hours before arrival
QR code or form confirmation has been saved
Nationality-specific visa rules have been checked
Any health-related requirements based on itinerary or transit points have been reviewed
You understand that you will sign the Palau Pledge on arrival. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

Official Resources

The following official or destination-managed resources are the most relevant starting points:

When to Verify Again

First-time visitors should recheck official information if any of the following apply:

Your trip is still several weeks or months away
You are not traveling on a standard tourist itinerary
You plan to stay longer than 30 days
You hold a passport from a country with special visa conditions
You are transiting through multiple countries
You are traveling with minors or as a family group
You have health documentation questions or unusual travel circumstances

Conclusion

For most first-time visitors, entering Palau involves having a valid passport, proof of return travel, and a correctly timed online entry form, followed by arrival procedures that include signing the Palau Pledge. The process is designed to be manageable, but travelers should still verify details close to departure because entry, health, and visa conditions may change. (pristineparadisepalau.com)

This article is informational and should be verified with official sources for your specific travel dates and circumstances.