Palau entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Palau. Show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee in US dollars cash. As of 2026, the process is straightforward for tourism or short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Palau. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration in Palau will deny entry if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Palau | Immigration in Palau requires a confirmed return or onward ticket before they let you through. Airlines also check this at check-in — without it, you won't board. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration officers may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your trip. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have it than to scramble at the counter. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. Cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Bring small bills — $50 and $100 notes are easiest.
No e-visa option
Palau does not offer an e-visa for Zambian passport holders. The only option is the visa on arrival. Don't waste time looking for an online application.
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. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in US dollars cash. The officer will give you a receipt. Keep it with your passport.
3
Receive your visa
The officer will stamp or affix a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before you leave the counter.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Declare any restricted items (e.g., fresh food, plants).
Download Palau Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Apply at Palau embassy or consulate abroad. Same as visa on arrival but pre-approved.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$100 USD
For frequent travellers. Must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Palau company.
work visa
Palau Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$200 USD application fee + $100 USD per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Palau company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor permit. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Palau Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
$5,000 USD initial fee + $500 USD annual fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Palau business. Includes residency rights for family.
retirement visa
Palau Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
$1,000 USD application fee + $500 USD annual fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or $50,000 USD in assets. Allows long-term stay without work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival. Valid for 30 days. | $50 USD (no currency conversion needed) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at Palau Immigration Office before current stay expires. Max extension up to 90 days total. | $50 USD |
| Overstay fine (per day)Capped at $500 USD. Pay at immigration upon departure. | $20 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
Zambia 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, 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 72 hours.
Transit hubsPalau International Airport (ROR)
Health & vaccines for Palau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Zambia). Must have valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Rare but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Palau, but prophylaxis is recommended for rural areas. Consult a doctor.
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
P.O. Box 100, Koror, Palau 96940
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa fee in cash, and completed application form.
Melekeok
Palau Bureau of Immigration (Melekeok Branch)
Capitol Building, Melekeok
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Limited services; for extensions, it's better to visit Koror office.
Practical information for ZM 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 stay is 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the Immigration Office in Koror before your visa expires. There is a fee for extensions.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Palau Immigration Office in Koror. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, up to a total of 90 days. The fee is around $50 per extension.
You will likely be denied entry. Palau strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you need a confirmed onward ticket showing you will leave Palau within the allowed stay. It can be a flight to another country, not necessarily back to Zambia.
No, it's not mandatory for the visa itself. However, it's strongly recommended because medical evacuation or treatment can be extremely expensive. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
Yes, the same visa on arrival policy applies at all ports of entry, including the main seaport in Koror. The process and requirements are the same.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering Palau. 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 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.