Palau entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Laos passport holders can get a visa on arrival when flying into Palau. No need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with your documents and pay the fee. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day visa on arrival at Palau International Airport. Pay $50 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — credit cards not accepted. Have your hotel booking and return ticket ready for the immigration officer. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Palau. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Palau International Airport always ask for proof of onward travel. Show a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a printed copy speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Bring enough US dollars cash
Palau airport has limited ATM access and the visa counter may not accept cards. Carry at least $100–$150 USD in small bills to cover the visa fee and any immediate expenses.
Visa on arrival is for air travellers only
This process applies to flights arriving at Palau International Airport. If you're arriving by sea (private yacht, cruise), contact Palau immigration beforehand — different rules may apply.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Palau International Airport (ROR)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Queue up, hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
2
Pay the visa fee
The officer will tell you the fee — pay in US dollars cash. Get your receipt and keep it with your passport.
3
Get your passport stamped
The officer stamps your passport with the visa on arrival. Check the stamp says the correct entry date and allowed stay duration before walking away.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your bags and go through customs. No additional visa steps needed.
Download Palau Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 6 months
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Standard visa on arrival; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$200 USD
For frequent visitors; apply at Palau embassy or consulate abroad.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$150 USD
Requires invitation letter from Palau company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival. Valid for 30 days. | $100 USD |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at Palau Immigration Office before current visa expires. Max extension up to 6 months. | $50 USD |
| Overstay fine (per day)No maximum cap stated; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future bans. | $20 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel 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
Laos passport holders transiting through Palau International Airport (ROR) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present year-round, especially in rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Rare but possible; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; 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
Main Street, Koror, Palau
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Bring passport, visa extension form, and $50 per month fee.
Melekeok
Palau Bureau of Immigration
Capitol Building, Melekeok
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For official matters; less frequented by tourists.
Practical information for LA 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 allows up to 30 days. The exact duration is written on your entry stamp. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Palau Immigration Office in Koror.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Palau Immigration Office in Koror before your current visa expires. The extension fee and allowed additional days vary — check with the office directly.
Immigration will likely deny entry. You must show a confirmed onward or return ticket. A one-way ticket is not enough.
Not officially required for the visa on arrival, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation or hospital treatment can be very expensive. Many travellers buy insurance just in case.
This information applies to air arrivals at Palau International Airport. If arriving by private yacht or cruise, check with Palau immigration in advance — procedures may differ.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Have them ready before you reach the counter.
The fee is typically around $50–$100 USD, paid in cash. Palau uses US dollars. Bring small bills if possible — the counter may not have change.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.