Palau entry requirements for South Korea passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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

South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Palau. As of 2026, you simply show up at the airport, pay the fee, and receive a 30-day tourist visa. No prior application needed.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Palau. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Palau
Immigration at Palau International Airport will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone ready — they check this every time.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have your hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Palau is expensive — officers want to see you won't be stranded.Recommended
Visa on arrival is straightforward
No need to apply in advance. Just show up with your documents and cash. The process at Palau International Airport is usually quick.
Passport validity is critical
The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. Check your passport now.
Cash is king for the visa fee
Have exact change in USD ready. ATMs are available in Koror but may not be accessible before immigration. Bring $50–$100 in cash.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Palau International Airport (ROR)
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Foreign Passports'.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (if provided on the plane), and your return ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa on arrival fee in cash (USD). Keep the receipt if given.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa and entry date. Check the stamp says the correct duration (usually 30 days).
5
Collect luggage and proceed
After immigration, collect your checked bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs. You're free to enter Palau.
Download Palau Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Download PDF

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 before travel. Extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD

For frequent visitors; must apply in advance.

work visa
Palau Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (application fee)
For foreign nationals employed by a Palauan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Palau Student Visa
Duration of study program
$100 USD (application fee)
For those enrolled at Palau Community College or other approved institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival. Valid for up to 30 days.$50 USD (no currency conversion needed)
Overstay fine (per day)No maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying.$20 USD per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

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

South Korea 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; present in Palau, especially during 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)
P.O. Box 100, Koror, Palau 96940
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and inquiries. Bring passport, visa, and fee.

Melekeok
Palau Immigration Office (Melekeok)
Capitol Building, Melekeok, Palau 96940
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Secondary office; less busy. Same services as Koror.

Practical information for KR 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
updated May 15
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
Police911
Medical911
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the Palau Immigration Office in Koror before your visa expires.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Palau Immigration Office in Koror. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, but approval is not guaranteed. There is a fee, and you should apply before your current visa expires.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — either a return ticket to your home country or a ticket to your next destination. A one-way ticket without onward proof may result in denial of boarding or entry.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation or treatment can be extremely expensive, and some tour operators may require it.
Yes, the same visa on arrival policy applies to arrivals by private yacht or cruise ship. You will still need a valid passport, onward ticket, and pay the fee at the port of entry.
The visa fee must be paid in US dollars (USD). Palau uses the US dollar as its official currency. Bring cash, as credit cards may not be accepted for the visa fee.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.