Published: March 5, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Palau Travel Advisory and Palau Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy in Koror, Palau
In Airai State, in an area known as Omsangel (no street address), P.O. Box 6028, Koror, Palau 96940
Tel: +680-587-2920/2990
Emergency tel: +680-775-8751.
OSAC Country Chapters
There is no OSAC Country Chapter in Palau.
Contact OSAC’s Asia team with any questions.
Palau Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Palau.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Koror as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Palau.
The crime emergency line in Palau is 911.
Although the crime rate in Palau is relatively low, you might be the target of petty and sometimes violent crime as well as other random acts against individuals and property. The most common type of crime in Palau is burglary and petty theft. Although foreigners do not appear disproportionately affected by crime, they tend to attract more attention than local citizens do. Criminals may perceive them as wealthier, making them more attractive targets of opportunity.
Koror State, where most tourist facilities are located, may enforce a curfew between 2:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday, and between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., Friday to Sunday, and on national holidays.
Most occurrences of theft involve unattended items at hotels and at the Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) in Airai.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Palau.
There are very limited cases of kidnapping in Palau; these are usually family-related.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Koror as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Palau.
The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any specific or credible terrorist threats specifically involving Palau. However, considering worldwide security concerns, always remain vigilant while traveling overseas.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Koror as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Palau. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Palau is a constitutional republic with a national government consisting of three branches independent of each other. Voters elect the president, vice president, and members of the legislature for four-year terms. In 2020, voters elected a president in a generally free and fair election. Palau held a general election in November 2024.
Protests & Demonstrations
Although protests are not common, avoid demonstrations and large crowds, as even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent unexpectedly.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There are no concerns with regards to Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment.
Law Enforcement
The Bureau of Public Safety supervises the Division of Maritime Security and is responsible for law enforcement and maintenance of order; the bureau reports to the Justice Ministry. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. Members of the security forces generally do not commit abuses.
Police Response
The ability of local police to respond to traffic accidents and to assist victims of crime is limited due to a lack of staffing, response vehicles, radios, and other essential equipment.
U.S. citizens detained by the police should request to speak to a U.S. Embassy Duty Officer/Consular Officer. Police generally treat arrested or otherwise detained foreigners well. Note that the assistance the Embassy can provide is limited to making sure U.S. citizens are not treated differently from local detainees and providing them with a list of local attorneys. Victims of crime can expect fair treatment, although the relative inefficiency and overly bureaucratic judicial process may frustrate victims.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Palau, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Palau.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government generally implemented the law effectively. There have been numerous reports of government corruption. The Office of the Special Prosecutor, an independent entity, was authorized to prosecute all acts of corruption in the government.
Cybersecurity
Palau continues to face issues associated with ATM/credit card scams. In 2016, Palauan authorities, in conjunction with the FBI, identified skimming devices and related equipment commonly used in ATM and credit card-related fraud. Most of the skimmers are easily identifiable, but many victims still fail to recognize the devices. Some banks have added increased security measures to ATMs – including anti-tampering measures and PIN concealment covers – but scammers continue to target small, regional banks due to the absence of such security features. In 2023, the Bureau of Public Safety was victim of a cyber attack as well.
Import/Export Restrictions
Firearms of any kind are strictly prohibited in Palau. The penalty for possession of a firearm or ammunition is up to 15 years imprisonment.
Palau customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Palau of certain other items. You should contact the Embassy of Palau in Washington, D.C., for specific information regarding customs requirements.
There are no restrictions on the import of satellite phones.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
