Palau entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
French passport holders can enter Palau without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free policy is in effect for 2026. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Palau. Six months of remaining validity is not required, but airlines sometimes enforce it — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Palau | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host covers this. Keep a copy handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready. There's no set minimum, but showing $100–$200 per day of stay is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Palau immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.
No visa, no fee, no forms
French passport holders get 90 days visa-free with no application, no fee, and no arrival declaration form. Just show up with your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Palau International Airport (ROR)
You'll land at the only international airport, on Babeldaob Island. Follow signs to the immigration hall.
2
Queue at immigration counter
Join the line for foreign visitors. Have your passport, return ticket (digital or printed), and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present documents and receive entry stamp
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your documents, stamp you in, and note your allowed stay (usually 90 days). No fee.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's no arrival declaration form to fill out.
Download Palau Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
For those who want a formal visa before travel; not required for visa-free entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD
Allows multiple visits within a year; useful for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$150 USD
Requires invitation letter from a Palauan company.
retirement visa
Palau Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$500 USD per year
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay without work rights.
work visa
Palau Work Permit
1 year, renewable
$300 USD per year
For those with a job offer from a Palauan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
investor visa
Palau Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
$10,000 USD initial fee
For investors who invest at least $100,000 in a Palauan business. Includes residency rights for family.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 90 days incurs a fine of $50 per day, capped at $1,000. | $50 USD per day (max $1,000 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
French passport holders transiting through Palau International Airport (ROR) do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours, provided they remain airside.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use repellent and avoid standing water.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Risk is low but practice good hygiene and drink bottled 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
P.O. Box 100, Koror, Palau 96940
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries; bring passport and completed forms.
Melekeok
Palau Bureau of Immigration
Capitol Building, Melekeok, Palau 96940
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles immigration matters for the capital region.
Practical information for FR 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
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Palau before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need to meet the same entry requirements as any visitor.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Palau immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, Palau does not require an arrival declaration form. You just walk through customs after collecting your bags.
The visa-free entry is for tourism only. Working remotely for a foreign employer is technically not allowed. If you plan to work, check with the Palau Bureau of Immigration for a proper work permit.
You can buy a physical SIM at the airport or in Koror. For convenience, get an Airalo eSIM before you travel — it activates as soon as you land.
No mandatory vaccinations for French passport holders. But it's wise to be up-to-date on routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio). Check with your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.