Palau entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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 African passport holders get a visa on arrival in Palau. You'll receive a free 30-day entry stamp at the airport — no need to apply in advance. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Palau. Palau immigration strictly enforces this — I've seen travelers denied boarding in Manila for not meeting this rule. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Palau's Roman Tmetuchl International Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Airlines also check this at check-in — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Palau. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry at least $200 USD per day of your stay, or have a credit card with a visible limit. Palau is expensive — accommodation and food add up fast, and immigration wants to see you can cover it. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival — no advance application needed
South Africans get a free 30-day visa stamped at the airport. No need to apply online or at an embassy before you go.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're short, you won't fly.
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 (given on the plane), and your return ticket and accommodation confirmation if asked. The officer will process your visa on the spot.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day visa. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — confirm the dates are correct.
4
Collect luggage and exit
Proceed to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Palau Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
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 date
Cost$100 USD
Apply at Palau embassy or consulate before travel; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$200 USD
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within six months.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$150 USD
Requires invitation letter from Palau business entity.
work visa
Palau Work Permit
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals employed by a Palau-based company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Palau Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
$1,000 USD (initial fee)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Palau business. Provides residency and potential path to citizenship.
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 financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at airport or seaport. | $100 USD (no currency conversion needed) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)For those needing to exit and re-enter Palau during their stay. | $200 USD |
| Overstay fine (per day)No maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | $50 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 Africa passport holders transiting through Palau International Airport (ROR) do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
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.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk present year-round, especially in urban areas.
Zika virusLow risk
Occasional cases; 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 Branch)
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 Bureau of Immigration (Headquarters)
Capitol Building, Melekeok, Palau
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles complex cases and long-term visa applications; appointments recommended.
Practical information for ZA 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. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Koror before your visa expires.
Technically yes, but it's not automatic. You must apply at the Bureau of Immigration in Koror. There's a fee, and approval is at their discretion. Best to plan for 30 days or less.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the airport. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But Palau's airport is small — most transits are actually direct flights with no transit zone.
No, the visa on arrival is free for South African passport holders. You just get the stamp at immigration.
Your passport, a completed arrival card (given on the plane), and sometimes your return ticket and hotel booking. Have them ready.
It's risky. Palau generally requires a standard passport with 6 months validity. Contact the Palau embassy before traveling with an emergency document.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.