Asia and Oceania

Palau
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 04 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary (natural disasters), the addition of a Natural Disaster section, the Health section (Swine Flu) and the Contact Details. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Travel Summary

There is no British consular representation in Palau. Consular matters are covered by the British Embassy in Manila, the Philippines. See the General (Consular Representation) section of this advice for more details.
Only a handful of British tourists visit Palau each year. Most visits to Palau are trouble-free.
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Palau is vulnerable to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, cyclones, and floods. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) carefully and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities. Please see the Natural Disaster Section of this advice for more details.
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For further information see Terrorism Abroad.

Political Situation

Palau Country Profile

Local Travel

Sea Travel

You are advised to wear appropriate safety equipment before engaging in water sports. There are over 60 vertical drop-offs in the diving areas and some are for experienced divers only. Please take local advice on safety at all times when engaging in adventure sports.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety

Local laws and customs

There are heavy penalties for all drug offences.

Homosexuality is technically illegal in many Pacific countries and the law is occasionally enforced. Open displays of affection between same-sex partners may offend local inhabitants.

The legal drinking age in Palau is 21 years. It is illegal to drink alcohol in public (apart from licensed premises).

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

Visas are not required for British nationals visiting for periods up to 30 days. Extensions of stay are not automatically granted and cost $100, so on arrival ask for entry to be granted for all the time you believe you will need.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.

Health

Health facilities in Palau are adequate for routine medical care, but limited in availability and quality. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Serious medical conditions requiring hospitalisation or evacuation may be very expensive.

The only national hospital is 'Belau National Hospital', in Koror, which can generally be reached in less than two hours from most locations. The hospital has an operating suite, dialysis machines and an outpatient clinic. The hospital also houses a pharmacy that dispenses basic medicines.

Dengue fever occurs in Palau, with an increase in cases reported in 2008; dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccination against dengue, but there are preventative measures that you can take, as advised on the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website.

You should exercise precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Palau and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health, Swine Flu and the UK Department of Health website and for food/drink hygiene see Eat and Drink Safely. You should monitor local media reports for any further developments and advice.

Natural disasters

Palau is vulnerable to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, cyclones, and floods. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) carefully and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities. You can also access National Hurricane Centre for updates. Please also see Tropical Cyclones for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a tropical cyclone.

General

Insurance

Although the hospital in Palau is modern and efficient, you are advised to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance covering all eventualities, including cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance, before you travel, particularly if you plan to engage in adventure sports. You should check any exclusions, and that your travel policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.

Consular representation

There is no British consular representation in Palau. Consular matters are covered by the British Embassy in Manila, the Philippines. If you intend to stay in Palau for an extended period, you should register with the British Embassy in Manila upon arrival.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

If you require a new passport, application forms can be downloaded from the Internet. You should send your completed passport application form by courier to the British Embassy in Manila. You should ensure that payment is made by remittance in Philippine Pesos via Western Union to the British Embassy (you should contact the British Embassy for exact details before submitting your application). Where possible, you are advised to apply at least two months before your passport is due to expire. You will be allowed to retain your old passport whilst waiting for the replacement to be issued and returned.

We advise you to keep a photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport, to avoid any complications.

Emergency assistance

In an emergency, please contact the British Embassy in Manila.

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Contacts

Philippines, Manila, British Embassy

Address:

120 Upper McKinley Road
McKinley Hill
Taguig City 1634

Telephone:

(63) (2) 858 2200

Fax:

(+63) (2) 858 2237

Office hours:

Office hours (Local time):
Monday-Thursday: 08:00-16:45
Friday: 08:00-13:00

Office hours (GMT):
Monday-Thursday: 00:00-08:45
Friday: 00:00-05:00

Public opening hours ›

Website: http://ukinthephilippines.fco.gov.uk

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