Safety and Security

Crime

Most Irish visitors to Palau stay in resorts and these are generally very safe, however, petty crime may still occur.

If you intend to move outside resort areas, be aware of your surroundings and take additional precautions:

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place. 
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Lock your luggage as a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft.

Lost or stolen passports

Given that the nearest Irish Embassy is a significant distance away in Manila, Philippines, dealing with a lost or stolen passport can be extremely inconvenient and can take time to resolve.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Palau, report it to the local police immediately. You can contact the Irish Embassy in Manila if you need help.

Driving

Take care when driving, particularly at night. Serious road traffic accidents happen frequently and emergency medical facilities are limited. Seek local advice before you set out. If you want to drive, bring your full Irish driver’s licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance.

Local Laws and Customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Illegal drugs

There are heavy penalties for all drug offences.

Alcohol

The legal drinking age in Palau is 21 years. It is illegal to drink alcohol in public, except on licensed premises.

E-Cigarettes

Purchase, possession, or consumption an e-cigarette within Palau is illegal.

Sunscreens

Reef-toxic sunscreen is not allowed to be brought into Palau, and will be confiscated on arrival. There are also penalties for the manufacture, importation for sale, or the selling of reef-toxic sunscreens.

Natural Disasters and Climate

Cyclones

Palau’s monsoon season is between July and October. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the Japanese Meteorological Agency and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities.

Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended and you should be aware that available flights may fill quickly.

Additional Information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Visas

30-day Tourist Visas will be issued upon arrival and may be extended within 7 days in advance with approval of the Chief of Immigration for a fee of US$50.00 before expiration date of the visa. (Note: Maximum of 90 days: 30 days upon arrival plus 2 extensions at US$50.00 fee per extension. After which visitors must exit the country).

For more information about extended stay in Palau, please call the Bureau of Immigration at (680) 488 – 2498 or 2678, Mondays to Fridays at the hours 7:30am – 4:30pm or e-mail inquiries to imm@palaunet.com.

Palau Entry Form

All travellers must complete an online Palau Entry Form within 72 hours of their arrival in Palau. A single form can be submitted for family groups (http://www.palautravel.pw/)

Passport

Make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months after the conclusion of your trip to Palau. Passport cards cannot be used.

During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport and your arrival card at all times so you can show evidence of your identity if asked, for example, by the police

Health

Medical facilities

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for assistance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company as soon as you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Health facilities in Palau are adequate for routine medical care, but limited in availability and quality. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

The only national hospital is ‘Belau National Hospital’, in the capital, Koror, which can generally be reached in less than two hours from most locations. The hospital has the only hyperbaric chamber in Palau, an operating suite, dialysis machines and an outpatient clinic. The hospital also houses a pharmacy that dispenses basic medicines.

There are small number of private clinics and community health centres that offer basic primary and urgent care services.

Serious medical conditions requiring hospitalisation or evacuation may be very expensive. Emergency treatment or treatment for serious conditions is limited and so you may be medically evacuated to another country. This can take time to arrange and costs can escalate quickly, so make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Immunization

Cholera and Yellow Fever immunizations are required for those arriving from infected areas.