Palau Travel Safety
Travel Safety in Palau
General travel safety in Palau on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Palau
Updates
Updated: 24 Sep 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024
Status
LEVEL 1 - Exercise normal safety precautions
Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour. Monitor the media and other sources for changes to local travelling conditions, safety and security concerns. Laws and social customs could differ significantly. You could face terrorist attacks, civil unrest, violent crime, or unique health threats - but overall, the risks are not great.
Safety and Security Tips
Road safety
Roads in Koror are in good condition. Bus and taxi services are available in Koror.
Water sports
Follow local safety advice when engaging in adventure sports, including scuba diving. Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.
Unexploded ordnance
There is still unexploded ordnance in Palau from World War II, particularly in Angaur and Peleliu. Be careful when diving or exploring caves and heed all warnings on areas that might be affected.
Women's safety
Based on the crime situation of the Palau, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.
Crime
Petty crime is prevalent. Ensure that your personal belongings, your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police911
- Fire911
- Ambulance911
Embassy of us
American Embassy in Koror
AddressOmsangel/Beklelachieb
Local Law and Culture
Culture
Dress conservatively, and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.
LGBT
Although the laws of Palau do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, open displays of affection between same-sex partners may offend the local population.
Illegal or restricted activities
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Alcohol consumption in public places is prohibited. The legal drinking age is 21 years old. It is illegal to drink alcohol in public, except on licensed premises.
Driving
You can drive for 30 days with an international driver's permit. After 30 days, foreign drivers must obtain a Palauan driver's licence.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Palau.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.
The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
