Palau entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 12, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Australian passport holders get a visa on arrival in Palau — no need to apply before you travel. You'll receive a 30-day tourist stamp at the airport, and the process is straightforward. This has been the case since at least 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Australian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Palau. Airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration in Palau asks for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. Immigration rarely checks, but it's safer to have it. | Recommended |
No eVisa or pre-approval needed
Australian passport holders do not need to apply for anything before flying to Palau. Just show up with your passport and onward ticket.
Passport validity is strict
Palau enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you will be refused boarding by the airline or denied entry on arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Palau International Airport (ROR)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's usually one queue for all foreign visitors. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and accommodation booking ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity, blank page, and onward ticket. They may ask your purpose of visit and how long you plan to stay.
3
Pay the visa fee (if applicable)
As of 2025, the visa on arrival is free for Australian passport holders for stays up to 30 days. No payment is required at the counter.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day tourist visa. Check the stamp says '30 days' before leaving the counter. If you need longer, ask about extensions before you exit.
5
Collect luggage and exit
Proceed to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes if you have documents ready.
Download Palau Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 12, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Apply at Palau embassy or consulate; may allow longer stay than visa-on-arrival.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$100 USD
For frequent visitors; requires supporting documents.
Long-stay visa (business/investor)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$500 USD
Requires proof of investment or business registration in Palau.
retirement visa
Palau Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
$500 USD per year
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay but no work. Requires health insurance.
investor visa
Palau Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
$1,000 USD initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a Palau business. Includes work rights. Must provide business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival for most nationalities; Australian passport holders are eligible. | $50 USD |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions are generally not granted for tourist visa-on-arrival; check with immigration. | $50 USD |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap may apply; overstaying can lead to deportation. | $20 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Palau
No transit visa needed
Australian passport holders transiting through Palau International Airport (ROR) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsPalau International Airport (ROR)
Health & vaccines for Palau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk present year-round, especially in rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but can occur; drink bottled or boiled water.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Koror
Palau Immigration Office (Koror)
Main Street, Koror, Palau
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries; bring passport and fee.
Melekeok
Palau Immigration Office (Melekeok)
Capitol Building, Melekeok, Palau
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Government office; limited services for tourists.
Practical information for AU travellers
Country basics
CapitalNgerulmud
LanguagePalauan, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 30 days.
Money
CurrencyUnited States dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h
vs Los Angeles+17h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat pins) and Type B (two flat pins with grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not potable; drink bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Australian passport holders get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival. If you need more time, you can apply for an extension at the Palau Immigration Office in Koror. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost around $50–$100 USD.
Yes, as of 2025, there is no fee for the 30-day visa on arrival for Australian passport holders. No payment is required at the airport.
You will likely be denied entry. Palau requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Palau Immigration Office in Koror. The process takes a few days, and you'll need a valid reason (e.g., medical, weather delay). Extensions are typically granted for up to 30 additional days.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — a return ticket to Australia or a ticket to another country. A screenshot or printed itinerary is fine.
Overstaying can result in a fine of $50–$100 USD per day, and you may be banned from re-entering Palau for a period. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
No. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism. Any paid work requires a separate work visa, which must be arranged before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 12, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.