Palau entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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

Sri Lankan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Palau. You don't need to apply before you travel — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful preparation.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Palau. Airlines at Colombo (CMB) will check this before boarding — no exceptions.Required
Visa on arrival
Obtain at Palau International Airport (ROR)
You get a free 30-day visa on arrival at the airport. No advance application needed — just hand over your passport at the immigration counter. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking.Check visa rulesRequired
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration in Palau always asks for proof of departure — a return flight to Sri Lanka or a ticket to your next destination. Airlines at CMB also enforce this before letting you board.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration officers sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. Palau is expensive — $100–$150 per day is a safe estimate for food, transport, and activities.Recommended
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. There are no ATMs at Palau International Airport, and credit cards are not accepted for this payment. Bring enough USD from home — budget at least $100 to be safe.
No online pre-registration needed
Palau does not have an e-visa or online arrival declaration system. The visa on arrival is processed entirely at the airport. Just show up with your documents and cash.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare documents before departure
Before you fly, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital return/onward ticket, and your first night's hotel booking. Save screenshots of everything on your phone in case you have no signal.
2
Arrive at Palau International Airport (ROR)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated queue for visa on arrival. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay the visa fee and get stamped
The immigration officer will process your visa on arrival. Pay the fee in US dollars cash. They'll stamp your passport with the visa and write your allowed stay duration. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no additional forms to fill out for arrival.
Download Palau Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD

Can be obtained in advance from Palau embassy or online.

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

Suitable for travellers planning multiple visits.

Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD

Requires invitation letter from Palau company.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at airport or seaport.$50 USD (no currency conversion needed)
Tourist visa (single entry) – if applied in advanceSame fee as VoA, but can be arranged before travel.$50 USD
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$100 USD
Stay extension feeExtensions are generally not granted for VoA; apply before expiry if eligible.$50 USD per extension
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstay.$50 USD per day

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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

Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Palau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsRoman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR)

Health & vaccines for Palau

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; present in Palau especially during rainy season.

Zika virusLow risk

Low risk but 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 – Koror
Main Street, Koror, Palau
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and inquiries. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.

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

Government office; less busy than Koror. Useful for official matters.

Practical information for LK 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 29
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 up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be applied for at the Bureau of Immigration in Koror. The extension fee and processing time vary, so plan ahead if you need more time.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Palau Bureau of Immigration in Koror. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, up to a maximum of 90 days total. The fee is around $50 per extension, and you'll need to provide a reason (e.g., tourism, medical). Apply before your current visa expires.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Palau immigration. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, an onward ticket to any country outside Palau is accepted. It just needs to show you're leaving Palau within your allowed stay. A bus or ferry ticket won't work — it must be a flight ticket.
No, the visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. There is no ATM at the airport, so bring enough cash from home or from your previous stop. The exact fee can change, but budget around $50–$100 USD.
No, there is no online pre-registration or e-visa system for Palau. The visa on arrival is the only option for Sri Lankan passport holders. Just show up with your documents and cash.
Contact the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in the region (nearest is in Manila or Tokyo). They can issue an emergency travel document. Also report the loss to local police and get a police report — you'll need it for the replacement. Keep a photocopy of your passport separately.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.