Palau

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 911 for police
• Dial 911 for ambulance

Crime

• The crime rate in Palau is relatively low.
• However, you might be the target of petty and sometimes violent crime. 
• Stay alert for your personal safety and protect your valuables.

Unexploded ordnance

• While rare, it is possible to encounter unexploded ordnance (UXO) in some areas.
• The majority of the land-based UXO is found on the island of Peleliu. 
• Underwater UXO may also present a threat. 
• Follow all warnings in areas that might be affected. Use caution when hiking or scuba diving.

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. 
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 911.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home. 

Domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the embassy for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• You must declare any drones you bring into Palau to customs upon arrival at the airport.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced.
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs.
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.
• If you get injured, you can get medical help at the Belau National Hospital in Meyuns, Koror. 
• Outside of the central tourist areas, it may take longer for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and give life-saving care.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• The only hyperbaric chamber available for divers is located at the Belau National Hospital in Meyuns, Koror.
• Many popular dive sites are a few hours away from Koror. 
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tips for Adventure Travel. 

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Palau seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Firearms

All firearms are strictly prohibited in Palau.

• The penalty for possession of a firearm or ammunition is up to 15 years imprisonment. 
• Palau customs authorities strictly regulate other weapons and related items entering or exiting Palau. 
• You should contact the Embassy of Palau in Washington, D.C., for specific information regarding customs requirements. 

Curfews may exist in Palau

• Police may enforce a curfew imposed by traditional leaders in Koror. This is where most tourist facilities are located. Curfews may also take place in Airai and Ngarchelong from midnight to 5:00 a.m. 

Vaping is banned in Palau

• The import, advertising, sale, and use of e-cigarettes is illegal in Palau. 
• Anyone caught violating the law could face a $1,000 fine. 
• Businesses or people importing, distributing, or selling the product could face a $20,000 fine.

Restrictions on drones

• Travelers should declare drones on arrival. 
• Review the Palau Visitors Authority for guidance. Follow all applicable laws and regulations. 
• There may be additional legal restrictions by state.
• Most hotels prohibit drones on their property.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work.
Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Palau.  
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with disabilities or accessibility needs

• The law in Palau prohibits discrimination against people with physical or mental disabilities. The law is enforced. 
• The most common types of accessibility may include ramps and elevators in some buildings.
• Expect accessibility to be limited across Palau.
• Public transportation lacks options for wheelchair users. Sidewalks in Palau are limited.  
• Cultural norms around disability involve concern for the person with a disability and an emphasis on offering help.  Many Palauans will go out of their way to offer help to a person with a disability.  Travelers with disabilities who wish to participate in adventure travel and activities may face some hesitancy from Palauans and may need to politely assert themselves and proactively plan accessibility needs. 
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

• Review our information for Women Travelers.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health resources

• CDC Palau Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.  
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers 

• Dial 911 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are: 

• Not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.
• Not present or unreliable in most areas except Koror. 
• Not equipped with advanced medical equipment. 
• Not staffed with trained paramedics. They often have little or no medical equipment.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Palau for foreigners. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Vaccines required for entry into Palau:

• Cholera and yellow fever immunizations are required for those arriving from affected areas. Visit the website for the Embassy of the Republic of Palau for more information. 

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Health facilities are available in Palau. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
• Health facilities in Palau are adequate for routine medical care, but the availability of care is limited and quality varies. 
• Serious medical conditions requiring hospitalizations or evacuation to the United States or elsewhere may cost tens of thousands of dollars. 
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications 

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Check with the Republic of Palau Customs to ensure the medication is legal in Palau.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• There are currently no clinics that offer ART or surrogacy in Palau.
• If you are considering traveling to Palau to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

Water quality and food safety

• In many areas, tap water is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Review the CDC’s Air Quality page for information on common air pollutant.
• Review the EPA’s AirNow page for information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance.
• Medicine and Health.

Road conditions and safety

• While in Palau, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. 
• There are no traffic lights in Palau. 
• Fatalities caused by driving under the influence are frequent.

Traffic laws

Driver licenses:

• You may use a driver license issued by a U.S. state or military authority during stays up to 30 days.
• After 30 days in Palau, all foreign drivers must obtain a Palauan driver license. 
• Dial 680-488-2423 for the Bureau of Public Safety for more information and requirements.

Laws when driving:

• Passing slow-moving vehicles is illegal. The national speed limit is 25 miles per hour. Drivers routinely ignore this limit in remote areas on good-quality roads. Traffic often moves slower in congested areas.
• It is illegal for anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs to drive in Palau.
• Drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts.
• Traffic moves on the right in Palau. However, most cars imported from Japan are designed to drive on the left. This can cause confusion for visitors renting a car.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Private taxi companies and ride-share services like Uber or Lyft are not available.
• The main mode of transportation available for tourists is private drivers for hire. Such drivers are plentiful in Koror and offer comfortable travel. They are not metered, and fares are fixed. Drivers carry a rate sheet, which you can ask for. 
• It is common to hire the services of a specific driver for the duration of your stay. You can call them each time you need a ride. 
• Some restaurants offer a pick-up service.
• Restaurants, hotels, and activity centers will call a driver for you. 

Public and commercial transportation

• Public buses in Koror offer limited services on weekdays and during certain special events. 
• Bus fare is approximately 1 dollar. 
• The bus is generally clean and safe. 
• Visit the Palau Visitor Authority for more information. 
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Palau’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Palau should check the following:  

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts 
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

Tropical cyclones

• Cyclones pose a risk to travelers in Palau.
• The official cyclone season is from November to April. However, severe storms, including tropical depressions, are possible outside the official season. 
• Visit the Palau National Weather Service to track weather systems for Palau and other islands in the Pacific. 
• Palau’s weather statements and public advisories are posted on Palau’s National Emergency Management Office website. 
• The Fiji Meteorological Service maintains a Tropical Cyclone Warning Center that includes Palau.

Tsunamis

• Palau’s coastal areas are vulnerable to tsunamis.
• While tsunamis are rare, they have caused damage in the past.
• Pay attention to any warnings or alerts.

Rainy season

• Palau’s rainy season coincides with cyclone season. It runs from June to November.
• Heavy rainfall can lead to localized flooding or landslides.
• Exercise caution during storms and heavy rainfall.

Helpful resources

General information about natural disaster preparedness: 

• Crisis Response and Evacuations
• U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA)

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.