🇵🇼 Palau visa for EU citizen citizens
EU citizen passport holders can enter Palau visa-free for up to 90 days. No application, no fee, just a passport valid for at least six months.
The verdict
For EU citizen passport holders specifically
EU passport holders get 90 days visa-free on arrival in Palau. No application needed beforehand. Just present your passport at immigration.
Don't expect to pay a fee for this entry. The only charge you might encounter is the Palau Entry Fee, currently $100 USD, payable on departure. Processing time is immediate. The biggest hurdle for many is forgetting the onward or return ticket requirement. Immigration officers will ask for proof you plan to leave the islands. Have this ready.
Palau visa, the full picture
US, EU, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens don't need a visa for Palau, getting 30 days on arrival. Most other nationalities get 30 days too, often extendable. But don't assume; check your specific passport.
Who Gets In Visa-Free (and Who Doesn't)
If you hold a passport from the United States, European Union countries, the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia, you're walking into Palau visa-free for up to 30 days. This is automatic on arrival. For many other countries, you'll also get 30 days on arrival, but it’s wise to confirm your specific nationality. Some nationalities do require a visa in advance, though this is less common for tourist arrivals. Always double-check the official Palau immigration website or your local embassy if you're unsure.
How Long Can You Actually Stay?
Most visitors get an initial 30-day stay permit upon arrival. This is often extendable. The catch? You need proof of onward travel, meaning a confirmed flight out of Palau. Without it, you might not get your initial entry or extension. Overstaying is where things get expensive. While exact penalties can fluctuate, expect fines of $50 per day and potential deportation. You also need an exit stamp, so ensure your passport is properly stamped before you leave. There isn't a formal "double-entry" rule; if you leave and re-enter, you'll be assessed as a new arrival, potentially getting another 30 days.
Working Remotely on a Tourist Stamp
Palau doesn't have a dedicated digital nomad visa. This means working remotely on a standard tourist entry is technically a grey area. The Palau National Government doesn't actively police tourists working on laptops. Most remote workers report no issues, using their tourist stamp to stay for extended periods, often with extensions. Enforcement seems focused on those attempting to work locally or conduct business operations, not simply checking emails and attending Zoom calls. The risk is low, but it's not officially sanctioned. If you plan to stay longer than a tourist visa typically allows, extending your stay is the more common approach rather than worrying about the 'work' aspect.
What's New on the Immigration Front?
Palau has been streamlining its entry process. In recent years, they've introduced an eVisa system for certain nationalities, although many key passport blocs (like the US and EU) still benefit from visa-free entry on arrival. There have also been minor adjustments to arrival fees and processing for extensions. Keep an eye on the Palau Immigration website for the most current information, especially regarding any temporary changes due to global events or new tourism initiatives. While there haven't been drastic policy shifts in the last 12-18 months for visa-free travellers, official channels are always the best source for up-to-the-minute details.
How other passports enter Palau
The rule changes entirely with the document. Open the row that matches yours.