Palau Visa for Indians 2026: 30-Day Visa on Arrival, Palau Pledge & Diving Blueprint
Celebrated worldwide as the pinnacle of global scuba diving and marine conservation, the Republic of Palau warmly welcomes Indian passport holders with an accessible 30-Day Visa on Arrival (VoA) issued at zero visa fee. Situated in the western Pacific Ocean within Micronesia, Palau boasts over 300 mushroom-shaped limestone Rock Islands, the surreal phenomenon of Jellyfish Lake, and premier shark sanctuaries. By signing the world-first environmental Palau Pledge upon arrival, Indian travelers step into an ecologically protected underwater wonderland.
1. Palau's 30-Day Visa on Arrival Regime for Indian Travelers
A comprehensive examination of Palau's immigration policy for Indian passport holders.
The Republic of Palau operates an open and progressive border policy for tourism. Indian citizens do not need to apply for a prior visa or visit a foreign embassy before traveling. Upon arriving at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), Indian passport holders are granted a 30-day Visa on Arrival (VoA).
The visa stamp itself incurs no consular fee ($0 USD). However, all arriving international passengers contribute to the country's world-leading environmental preservation through the $100 USD Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee (PPEF), which is universally included in the purchase price of international airline tickets to Palau.
Visitors intending to remain longer than 30 days can renew their permit at the Bureau of Immigration in Koror for an additional 30 days per application (up to two renewals, granting a total maximum stay of 90 days), with each 30-day extension requiring an administrative fee of $50 USD.
2. Port of Entry Formalities & The Historic Palau Pledge
Clearing immigration at Roman Tmetuchl Airport (ROR) and signing the environmental treaty.
All commercial international flights arrive at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), located in Airai state on Babeldaob Island, connected to the commercial and tourism center of Koror by the iconic Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge.
Upon disembarking, Indian travelers proceed to immigration inspection desks with the following required documents:
- Original Indian Passport: Must possess a minimum of six months remaining validity beyond your departure date and at least two clean visa pages.
- Confirmed Return Air Ticket: You must present proof of confirmed outbound transportation leaving Palau within 30 days. One-way travel is not permitted under tourist visa regulations.
- Confirmed Lodging Vouchers: Proof of reservations at a registered hotel, resort, liveaboard dive vessel, or a notarized sponsor letter.
- Evidence of Financial Means: Financial proof of at least $200 USD per week of intended stay.
- The Palau Pledge: Upon arrival, the immigration officer will stamp a five-stanza conservation pledge directly onto a page of your passport:
"Children of Palau, I take this pledge, as your guest, to preserve and protect your beautiful and unique island home. I vow to tread lightly, act kindly and explore mindfully. I shall not take what is not given. I shall not harm what does not harm me. The only footprints I shall leave are those that will wash away."
You must sign this pledge in the presence of the border officer before your entry stamp is finalized.
3. Step-by-Step Entry Protocol for Indian Citizens
A sequential checklist to ensure smooth transit and border clearance in Palau.
Verify Passport Validity & Book Air Itinerary
Ensure your Indian passport has 6+ months validity. Book connecting flights to ROR via Manila (Philippines) or Taipei (Taiwan).
Confirm Lodging & Dive Liveaboards
Secure confirmed accommodations in Koror or book an authorized liveaboard dive vessel, keeping vouchers accessible on your smartphone.
Submit Online Palau Customs & Entry Declaration
Within 72 hours prior to arrival, fill out the official digital declaration at palauhq.com and save your submission confirmation QR code.
Inspect Personal Items for Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Ensure that all sunscreens brought into Palau are 100% mineral-based (non-nano zinc oxide). Leave all chemical sunscreens at home.
Sign the Palau Pledge & Receive VoA Stamp
At ROR airport immigration, sign the stamped environmental pledge in your passport and receive your 30-day visitor permit with zero visa fee.
4. Flight Routings & Transit Options from India
The two primary international corridors connecting Indian travelers to Palau.
Palau is connected to the international aviation network primarily through two convenient Asian transit hubs:
Route 1: Via Manila, Philippines (Most Popular for Indians)
Fly from India (Delhi, Mumbai) to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) via Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur. From Manila, United Airlines operates scheduled direct flights to Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) in Palau, taking approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Philippine Transit Rules: Indian citizens holding a valid visa from the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen, UK, or Singapore can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days under the AJACSSUK policy. Otherwise, direct airside transit within Terminal 3 for under 24 hours is permitted without a transit visa if bags are checked through.
Route 2: Via Taipei, Taiwan (China Airlines Nonstop)
Fly from India to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) via Bangkok, Singapore, or Hong Kong. From Taipei, China Airlines operates nonstop flights to Palau (ROR) taking approximately 4 hours on modern Airbus A321neo aircraft.
Taiwan Transit Rules: Indian passport holders connecting on the same day through Taipei Taoyuan Airport without leaving the sterile transit lounge do not need a Taiwan visa. If you wish to visit Taipei, Indian citizens holding valid US, Schengen, UK, Australian, or Canadian visas can obtain an online ROC Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) completely free of charge.
Route 3: Via Guam (United Airlines Island Hopper)
United Airlines connects Palau to Guam (GUM). However, because Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States, all arriving passengers must clear US Customs and Border Protection, which requires an active US B1/B2 Tourist Visa.
5. Strict Environmental Laws, Currency, SIM Cards & Logistics
Crucial eco-regulations, money management, and local transport in Palau.
World-First Sunscreen Ban & Single-Use Plastics
Palau was the first country on earth to enact the Responsible Tourism Education Act, which strictly bans the import, sale, and use of sunscreens containing 10 reef-toxic chemicals: oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, butyl paraben, benzyl paraben, triclosan, and phenoxyethanol.
Customs officers at ROR airport will inspect and confiscate non-compliant sunscreens upon arrival. Travelers must only pack mineral-based sunscreens containing non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, or purchase certified reef-safe sunscreens directly in Koror dive shops. Additionally, single-use plastic bags and styrofoam containers are banned throughout the country.
Currency Dynamics & Cash Requirements
Palau uses the United States Dollar (USD) as its official legal currency. Indian travelers should carry a sufficient reserve of USD cash notes in clean condition. While major international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at established resorts, dive shops, and supermarkets in Koror, cash USD is mandatory for local food markets, boat transfers, and state government park permits.
Bank of Hawaii, Bank of Guam, and BankPacific operate ATMs dispensing USD in downtown Koror.
Mobile Telecom & SIM Cards
The state-owned telecommunications provider Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC) provides mobile service under the brand PalauCel. Prepaid tourist SIM cards and 4G/LTE mobile data packages can be purchased at ROR airport or at the PNCC headquarters in Koror. A 10GB to 20GB tourist data package costs approximately $20 to $40 USD.
Getting Around Palau
There is no formal public bus system in Palau. Most travelers get around via hotel shuttle vans, pre-arranged tour boats, or rental cars. Rental cars can be booked at ROR airport or in Koror. Driving is on the right side of the road, although many imported vehicles have steering wheels on the right, requiring extra attention. You can drive legally in Palau for up to 30 days using your valid Indian driver's license.
6. Unforgettable Sights Across the Palau Archipelago
From stingless golden jellyfish to world-class shark dive sites.
Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (UNESCO)
Over 445 uninhabited, mushroom-shaped emerald limestone karst islands rising from turquoise lagoons. Enclosed by barrier reefs containing over 385 coral species and 1,300 fish species, ideal for sea kayaking and scenic flights.
Jellyfish Lake (Ongeim'l Tketau)
A marine lake on Eil Malk island isolated from the open ocean for millennia. Millions of golden jellyfish (Mastigias papua etpisoni) have lost their stinging ability and migrate daily across the sunlit waters in a mesmerizing biological dance.
Blue Corner & German Channel Scuba Dives
Ranked among the top dive sites on the planet. Blue Corner features a dramatic submerged promontory where divers use reef hooks to float in roaring currents while watching dozens of gray reef sharks, barracudas, and napoleon wrasses. German Channel offers regular cleaning-station encounters with giant manta rays.
Peleliu WWII Battlefield Memorial
A deeply poignant historic island south of Koror where one of the fiercest Pacific battles of World War II took place in 1944. Preserved battlefield relics include tanks, fighter plane wreckage, artillery caves, and memorial monuments.
7. Frequently Asked Questions: Palau Visa for Indians
Direct consular and travel guidance for Indian citizens visiting Palau.
No. Indian passport holders are granted a 30-day Visa on Arrival (VoA) upon landing at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR). There is no advance visa application required and the visa stamp itself is free ($0 USD).
Yes, signing the Palau Pledge is a mandatory statutory requirement for all entering visitors. An environmental oath to the children of Palau is stamped into your passport, which you must sign at immigration, promising to respect nature, not take coral souvenirs, and protect marine life.
The Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee is $100 USD. It is legally mandated for all incoming international passengers and is automatically included in the price of your international flight ticket to Palau.
No. Palau strictly bans sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and other reef-toxic chemicals. You may only bring certified 100% mineral sunscreens using non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Prohibited sunscreens will be confiscated by customs upon arrival.
Connect through Manila (Philippines) or Taipei (Taiwan). United Airlines flies direct from Manila to Palau, and China Airlines flies direct from Taipei to Palau. Both avoid US transit territory completely.
The Koror State Jellyfish Lake Permit costs $100 USD per person and is valid for 10 days. It includes general Rock Islands access and can be purchased through any registered tour operator in Koror.
Yes. You can apply for up to two 30-day extensions (granting up to 90 days total stay) at the Bureau of Immigration in Koror. A fee of $50 USD per extension applies.
Yes. Palau is exceptionally safe, with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The Palauan community is respectful, warm, and highly professional, especially across the marine tourism sector.
Explore Other Oceania & Coral Reef Destinations
Discover neighboring South Pacific and Indian Ocean archipelagos.