Palau entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Palau. No need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. This has been the policy since at least 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Palau. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Palau | Immigration officers at Palau International Airport will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Palau ready. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry at least $200 USD per day or show a bank statement. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover expenses during your visit. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. No credit cards, no other currencies. Bring $100 in small, clean bills. ATMs in Palau are unreliable and often run out of cash.
No visa needed for short trips
Chinese passport holders get a visa on arrival automatically — no pre-approval, no embassy visit. Just show up with the right documents and $100 USD.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Palau International Airport (ROR)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's only one terminal, so you can't get lost.
2
Queue at the visa on arrival counter
Join the line for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and $100 USD cash ready.
3
Pay the fee and get your stamp
Hand over your passport and $100. The officer will process payment, stamp your passport, and hand it back. This usually takes 2-5 minutes.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your bags and walk through customs. There's a green channel for nothing to declare and a red channel for goods over $200 or restricted items.
Download Palau Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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 date
Cost$50 USD
Apply at Palau embassy or consulate before travel. Allows longer stay than visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD
For frequent visitors. Must apply in advance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (entry fee)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival for most nationalities, including China. | $50 USD (no currency conversion needed) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not available for visa-on-arrival entries; must leave and re-enter. | $50 USD per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. Overstaying can also lead to deportation and future bans. | $20 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
China passport holders transiting through Palau (e.g., at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, Palau is not a major transit hub; most transits are brief.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsRoman Tmetuchl 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; present year-round in Palau. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but present; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
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-related inquiries. Bring passport and completed forms.
Melekeok
Palau Immigration Office (Melekeok)
Capitol Building, Melekeok, Palau
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Less busy than Koror; handles same services.
Practical information for CN 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
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Bureau of Immigration in Koror. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, up to a total of 90 days. The extension fee is $50 per month.
Yes, you can extend your stay. Visit the Palau Bureau of Immigration in Koror (near the courthouse) before your current visa expires. Bring your passport, a completed application form, and $50 per extra month. Processing takes 1-3 business days.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Airlines check this before you fly. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But Palau International Airport is small — there are no transit hotels or lounges. Most transits are short (a few hours). If you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline. Airlines are strict about this because they're fined if they carry passengers who are refused entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. Only cash in US dollars is accepted. Bring small bills ($20s and $10s) — the immigration counter rarely has change for large notes. ATMs in Palau are unreliable and often out of cash.
It's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from Palau can cost $50,000 or more. The local hospital is basic — serious cases are flown to Guam or the Philippines. Get a policy that covers evacuation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.