Palau Travel Info
Your Questions, Answered
Permits
Government permits are required to access some areas and participate in some activities. These are purchased directly from tour operators in Palau and not included in the price of tours or packages.
Koror Rock Island permit - Required for ocean activities in Koror state.
Jellyfish Lake Access permit - Can be purchased with the Koror Rock Island permit for a reduced total cost.
Peleliu Dive Permit - Required to dive in Peleliu waters.
Land permits - Some land tours require an access permit.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
As of January 1st, 2020, reef-toxic sunscreens are prohibited in Palau and will be confiscated upon entry. Be sure that any sunscreen you've packed is marked as Reef-Safe and doesn't contain chemicals: oxybenzone (BP3), octyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC), octocrylene (OC), 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4MBC), triclosan, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, butyl paraben, benzyl paraben, or phenoxyethanol. Reef-safe sunscreen can be found almost anywhere that sunscreen is sold.
Passport Pledge
Keep a full page open on your passport! Palau's very unique stamp requires a full page and consists of the Palau Pledge, which everyone is asked to read and sign prior to entry. The pledge is a promise to the children of Palau to respect and preserve their island home.
Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond your final date in Palau.
Visa Requirements
No visa is required for U.S. passport holders visiting for one year or less. Non-U.S. passport holders should research requirements for the country that issued their passport.
Local Diving Rules
Proof of dive certification is required to dive in Palau. Minimum requirement: Open Water Diver. You will be asked to present cert cards at check in so be sure to pack your dive cert card and Nitrox card if you plan to use it.
All divers are required to carry a personal surface marker buoy (signal tube).
Enriched Air / Nitrox
Many Palau dive operators offer Nitrox at no additional cost. If you haven't already completed the Enriched Air Nitrox course it's a great idea to do it prior to your Palau dive trip.