Last updated: 23 Oct 2025
Palau
About
| Palau has some of the world’s most spectacular snorkelling and diving locations and a well-developed diving infrastructure, with numerous operators offering a wide choice of facilities, including live-aboard dive tours to more remote sites. Palau’s coral reefs are home to more than 1,500 species of fish and 700 species of coral and sea anemones. Explore the capital, Koror, the busiest centre in the islands with many gift shops, restaurants and other resort facilities. While there, visit the Palau National Museum, where more than 1,000 relics of Palau's past are housed including shell money and traditional weapons. Go snorkelling, sea kayaking, sailing and fishing around the beautiful Rock Islands |
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| Capital: | Ngerulmud, Melekeok (ROR) |
| Native Name of Palau: | Belau |
| Currency: | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language: | English and Palauan |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 7680 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +9 hours (7 Hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Best Time to go: | September – July |
| Best For: | Diving with jellyfish |
| Plugs: | 110-120 volts AC, 60 Hz. American-style flat two-pin plugs (with or without grounding pin) are used. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated |
| Health: | Doctors may require cash payment regardless of whether you have health insurance. Medical facilities are well-equipped, but scarce. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. Note that there are only a few decompression chambers amoung the islands. |
| Customs: | Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. The head is considered a sacred part of the body, and should not be touched. Swimwear should be reserved for the beach. |
| Duty Free: | 1 Bottle Liquor 1 pack of cigarettes containing 20 cigarettes 1 Cigar or 3 ounces of pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco or loose smoking tobacco For more details: www.visit-palau.com/aboutpalau/index.cfm |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Mar 14-15; May 5; Jun 1-2; Jul 9; Sep 1; Oct 1, 24; Nov 27-28; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Mar 15-16; May 5; Jun 1; Jul 9; Sep 7; Oct 1, 23-24; Nov 26-27; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
South African passport holders are issued a visa on arrival, valid for 30 days.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond departure date
- Proof of onward / return travel
- Proof of sufficient funds
NOTE: your airline ticket will include the Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee (PPEF) of USD 100.
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Manila, Philippines
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A&B, Tetanus, Polio |
