Palau is a pristine Pacific paradise featuring the legendary Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 200 limestone and coral islands covered in lush greenery. This small nation offers world-class diving, the famous Jellyfish Lake where you can swim among millions of harmless jellyfish, and some of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth.
Palau is one of the safest countries in the Pacific with extremely low violent crime rates and a genuinely welcoming local population. The primary safety risks are environmental: strong ocean currents at dive sites, unexploded WWII ordnance on Peleliu and Angaur, and typhoons during the wet season.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal precautions. Palau is generally very safe for tourists. Specific risks include strong marine currents at dive sites, WWII unexploded ordnance on Peleliu and Angaur, and typhoons June-November. Medical facilities are limited - comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautions in Palau. Crime targeting tourists is rare.
Standard travel advisory
Check current advice before travel; typhoon season June-November requires monitoring.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Be aware of unexploded WWII ordnance in Peleliu and Angaur - stay on marked paths
Cyclone season runs November to April - monitor weather forecasts
Medical facilities are limited - consider travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage
Tap water is not potable in many areas - drink bottled water
E-cigarettes are illegal with $1,000 fine - do not bring them
Watch for dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases - use insect repellent
$100 environmental fee is included in airline tickets to Palau
Register with your country's embassy before arriving — the US Embassy is in Koror (+680 587-2920); nearest embassies for many nationalities are in Manila or Tokyo
Jellyfish Lake and Rock Islands require a $100 permit — purchase only through licensed tour operators; unofficial permit sellers operate near the docks
Strong currents at dive sites like Blue Corner can be deadly — always dive with a certified local guide and use a reef hook in surge conditions
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unofficial Rock Islands Permit Sellers
Unauthorized sellers operating near Koror docks claim to sell Rock Islands permits at reduced prices. These are invalid and will result in denial of entry to protected areas.
How to avoid: Purchase Rock Islands permits only through licensed tour operators or the Koror State Government office
Taxi Overcharging
Some unlicensed taxi drivers target tourists with inflated rates, especially near the airport and after dark when options are limited.
How to avoid: Agree on the price before entering any taxi; ask your hotel to arrange reputable drivers; typical Koror city trip is $10-20
Tour Package Misrepresentation
Occasional online booking platforms advertise Palau tours that include Jellyfish Lake or Rock Islands in the price, but these turn out to require an additional $100 permit not mentioned upfront.
How to avoid: Confirm exactly what the Rock Islands permit situation is before booking and verify the full cost in writing
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations recommended (MMR, DPT, etc.). Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended for most travelers. Hepatitis B for those with specific exposure risks. Consult travel doctor 4-6 weeks before trip.
- Water
- Tap water not potable in many areas. Drink bottled or filtered water. Hotels and restaurants typically provide safe drinking water. Avoid ice unless confirmed safe source.
- Food
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Palau is excellent for solo travelers with extremely low crime rates and a welcoming diving community. Dive with at least one buddy as per dive safety standards. Inform your hotel of day trip plans especially to outer islands. Carry your hotel address as some taxi drivers have limited English.
Female travellers
Palau is safe for solo female travelers. Violent crime is very rare and locals are respectful. Take standard precautions at night; use hotel-arranged taxis after dark rather than flagging down unknown vehicles. The international diving community is inclusive and welcoming.
Families
Palau is very family-friendly with low crime, calm lagoon waters suitable for children, and family-oriented resorts. Children 6+ can enjoy Jellyfish Lake, boat tours, and kayaking. Bring comprehensive first aid and any medications as medical facilities are limited. Children's Rock Islands permits are $50 vs $100 for adults.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relations are legal in Palau and discrimination based on sexual orientation is uncommon. Public displays of affection (same-sex or otherwise) are generally kept modest in line with Pacific cultural norms. The diving and tourism community is internationally diverse and welcoming. No known issues for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 911
- Medical
- 488-1411
- Embassy
- Tourist Police