Palau
- Covid Travel information
View entry requirements here All travellers to Palau must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except those under 12 years of age. A Pre-Arrival Negative COVID-19 test (or Documentation of Recovery) must be provided. PCR tests must be taken within three (3) days. Antigen tests must be taken within one (1) day before departure from the point of origin to the Republic of Palau. Proof of Vaccination: All travelers must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, with the final dose received at least 14 days before arrival in Palau. On Day 4, you will be required to appear at a designated health facility to take a mandatory COVID-19 PCR test From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you: do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form do not need to quarantine when you arrive This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. It includes people who are transiting through England. Updated 13SEP 2022
Palau - the location, language, time difference
Located between Guam, The Philippines and Papua New Guinea, Palau is a 640km long archipelago that harbours one of the world's greatest concentrations of corals, fish and other marine life. The Palau islands include more than 200 islands, of which only eight are inhabited. Having emerged from the United Nations trusteeship in 1994 it is one of the worlds youngest and smallest sovereign states. Few other travel destinations in the world can compete with Palau when it comes to diversity - sharks, mantas, wrecks, caves, reefs and the unique Jelly fish lake. Palau is a scuba destination like no other. Many of the dive sites are reachable from both resort and liveaboard. Scuba Travel have worked for many years with the premier scuba diving operators in Palau and we're more than happy to help you discover this fantastic destination.
- GMT +9hrs
- Palauan, English
Palau - weather and climate
Palau enjoys a tropical climate all year round with an annual mean temperature of 28 °C. Rainfall can occur throughout the year, averaging a total of 150 inches (3,800 mm). The average humidity over the course of the year is 82%, and although rain falls more frequently between July and October, there is still much sunshine. Typhoons are rare as Palau is outside the main typhoon zone. Water temps are usually around 28C
Palau - Currency and Tax
$USD
A transaction fee of is usually levied on all credit or debit card payments. All local permits and fees MUST be paid in $USD cash
How do I get there?
There are no direct flights to Palau. The best route is via Manila (you may need to overnight here) and then onto Palau. On some dates the flight will stop in Guam before landing on Koror. You will fly with United Airlines between Manila and Palau. We are able to book most major airlines as far as Manila. If you have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. A supplement may apply for regional departures. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday. If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Koror, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
You can chose to break your journey in Manila or en route with your airline. Singapore, Hong Kong or Dubai are popular options.
Are there any extension options?
If you want to experience a trip that's extra special, why not add a few nights in the Philippines. Dive hot spots like Puerto Galera or Anilao are an easy drive from Manila.
Passports and Visas
Passports - Must be valid for 6 months from return date
UK passport holders are able to obtain a visa on arrival. Please ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. Guam is a US protectorate - you must have a valid ESTA before travel if your flights transit through Guam. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Previous travel to certain countries (eg Cuba, Sudan) will exclude you from the ESTA programme and you will need to apply for a visa before travel. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here to review
Preparing to fly
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here for more info on Lounge Pass
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here for holiday extras
Current duty free allowances allowed into Palau:1 litre of alcohol and no more than 20 sticks of cigarettes or 170g (6 ounces) of tobacco. No fresh or thawed food (such as fruit, meat, vegetables or seafood) is allowed to be brought into Palau. Allowances can change without notice - please reconfirm before travel.
What do I need to arrange before I go?
UK passport holders are able to obtain a visa on arrival. Please ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. Guam is a US protectorate - you must have a valid ESTA before travel if your flights transit through Guam. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Previous travel to certain countries (eg Cuba, Sudan) will exclude you from the ESTA programme and you will need to apply for a visa before travel. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here to review
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here to go to the NHS
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival in Palau you will need to clear immigration and collect your baggage. You will then be met outside of arrivals by a representative from your liveaboard or resort. Some reps are able to meet you airside. They will be holding a board with either your destination or your name on it. If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
All transfers will have been arranged for you. Transfers are by land and not usually more than about 30mins.
What happens on departure day?
Return transfer details will be advised locally. There is a $50 departure tax & green fee on leaving Palau
Plugs and Electricity
Plugs are very similar to the electrical outlets found in the United States and Canada - 110V & 220V