Palau customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Palau enforces strict biosecurity and environmental protections. All food, plants, and wooden items must be declared. Single-use plastics and sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate are banned. Visitors must sign the Palau Pledge upon arrival.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Local currency is USD.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
USD 10,000 (local currency is USD). Declare on the Palau Arrival Card if carrying USD 10,000 or more in cash or monetary instruments.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for gifts and personal goods up to USD 800 per person. Above that, a flat 5% duty applies on the excess value. Local currency is USD.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs
  • Single-use plastic bags, straws, and Styrofoam containers
  • Sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate
  • Firearms and ammunition without a permit
  • Pornographic materials
  • Endangered species products (e.g., turtle shell, coral)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require prior approval from Palau Ministry of Health)
  • Drones (require a permit from the Palau Bureau of Aviation; apply at least 30 days in advance)
  • Satellite phones (require a permit from the Palau National Communications Corporation)
  • Live animals and plants (require import permits and quarantine)
  • Cultural artifacts (require export permit from the Palau Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs)

Arriving: red vs green channel

All arriving passengers must complete the Palau Arrival Card (customs and biosecurity declaration). There is no red/green channel; everyone hands the card to a customs officer at the inspection point. If you have nothing to declare, simply present your card and proceed.

Bringing medication

Personal medications in original packaging with a prescription are allowed for up to a 30-day supply. Controlled substances (e.g., narcotics, psychotropics) require prior approval from the Palau Ministry of Health. Some common Western medications like Adderall are illegal; check before travel. Contact the Ministry at least 60 days before travel for controlled substances.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, soil, wooden items, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats are generally prohibited unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. Failure to declare can result in fines up to USD 5,000.

Rules worth knowing

Plastic Ban

Palau bans the import of single-use plastic bags, straws, and Styrofoam containers. These items will be confiscated at customs.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen Required

Sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate are banned. Only mineral-based 'reef-safe' sunscreens (e.g., zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are allowed. Violators face fines.

Palau Pledge

All visitors must sign the Palau Pledge (a commitment to protect the environment) stamped in their passport upon arrival. This is a legal requirement.

Biosecurity Declaration

All food, wooden items, and plant materials must be declared. Undeclared biosecurity items can result in a fine of up to USD 5,000.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you need a permit from the Palau Bureau of Aviation. Apply at least 30 days in advance. Drones must be registered and operated according to local regulations.
Yes. Sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate are banned. Only mineral-based 'reef-safe' sunscreens (e.g., zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are allowed. Customs may confiscate prohibited sunscreens.
You risk a fine of up to USD 5,000 and possible prosecution. Always declare any food, even packaged snacks. Customs officers will inspect and may allow some items.
Yes, for personal use up to 30 days, with a prescription. Controlled substances (e.g., Adderall, Xanax) require prior approval from the Palau Ministry of Health. Contact them at least 60 days before travel.
Yes, if you are carrying USD 10,000 or more in cash or monetary instruments (e.g., traveler's checks, money orders). Declare on the Palau Arrival Card. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.
It is a legal commitment to protect Palau's environment and culture. All visitors must sign it upon arrival. It is stamped in your passport and is enforceable by law.
No. It is illegal to export coral, live shells, or any marine life without a permit. Even dead coral found on the beach is protected. Violators face heavy fines.

Official source

Palau Bureau of Customs and Border Protection

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Palau Bureau of Customs and Border Protection before travelling.