Palau entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Palau, valid for up to 30 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up at the airport with the right documents and you'll be stamped in.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your New Zealand passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Palau. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Palauan law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Palau | Immigration officers at Palau International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You may be asked where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their Palauan address works. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration can ask for evidence of sufficient funds — around $200 USD per day is a safe benchmark. A recent bank statement or credit card limit screenshot covers this. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is free for NZ passport holders
You don't need to pay anything at the airport. Just show up with your passport and onward ticket.
6-month passport validity is strictly enforced
If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you will be denied boarding or entry. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Palau International Airport (ROR)
After landing, follow signs to Immigration. There's usually one queue for all passengers. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printed), and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents. The officer will check your passport validity, blank page, and onward ticket. They may ask a few questions about your stay.
3
Pay the visa fee (if applicable)
The visa on arrival is free for New Zealand passport holders. No payment is required at the counter.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit. Check the stamp says the correct date before walking away.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Palau Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (VOA equivalent)
Standard entry for tourism; no fee for NZ passport holders.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (VOA equivalent)
For business meetings or conferences; must show invitation letter.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineOverstaying incurs a daily fine; avoid by departing on time. | $50 USD per day (no cap) |
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Palau do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsRoman Tmetuchl 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-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and avoid standing water areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Drink bottled or boiled water; avoid street food if unsure.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in Palau; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider if visiting remote areas.
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 inquiries and overstay fines. Bring passport and any relevant documents.
Melekeok
Palau Immigration Office (Melekeok)
Capitol Building, Melekeok, Palau
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Government office; limited services for visitors. Best to visit Koror office.
Practical information for NZ 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
You get 30 days from the date of entry. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Bureau of Immigration in Koror before your 30 days are up. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost around $50–100 USD.
Yes, but you must apply for an extension before your initial 30 days expire. Visit the Palau Bureau of Immigration in Koror. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and typically cost around $50–100 USD. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But since Palau International Airport is small, most transits are short. If you need to stay overnight, you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa on arrival is free for New Zealand passport holders. There is no charge at the airport.
No. The visa on arrival is for tourism and business visits only. If you plan to work, you need a separate work visa arranged before you travel.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, or deported at your own expense. Always apply for an extension before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.