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Travel Insurance Palau

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Palau Country Guide

  1. CountryFacts
  2. Health
  3. Media
  1. Intro
  2. Geography
  3. People
  4. Travel
  5. Embassies & Visas
  6. Finance
  7. Cities/Regions

Quick Facts

Region: Asia & Oceania
Full Name: Republic of Palau
Capital City: Melekeok
Language Spoken: Palauan 64.7% official in all islands except Sonsoral (Sonsoralese and English are official), Tobi (Tobi and English are official), and Angaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official), Filipino 13.5%, English 9.4%, Chinese 5.7%, Carolinian 1.5%, Japanese 1.5%, other Asian 2.3%, other languages 1.5% (2000 census)

Palau Travel Insurance

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flag-palau

Geographic data

7 30 N, 134 30 E

Elevation Extremes

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m

Land boundaries

0 km

Natural hazards

typhoons (June to December)

Natural resources

forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabed minerals

Land use

arable land: 8.7% permanent crops: 4.35% other: 86.95% (2005)

Environmental current issues

inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal fishing practices, and overfishing

Climate

Palau enjoys a pleasantly warm climate all year round with an annual average temperature of 27°C (82°F). The heaviest rainfall takes place between July and October but typhoons are rare. Required clothing Lightweight cottons and linens, with light rainwear advisable all year round.

Time difference

time difference: UTC+9

Population

20,579 (July 2006 est.)

Age structure

0-14 years: 26.3% (male 2,789/female 2,622) 15-64 years: 69.1% (male 7,664/female 6,549) 65 years and over: 4.6% (male 453/female 502) (2006 est.)

Median age

total: 31.7 years male: 32.7 years female: 30.7 years (2006 est.)

Population growth rate

1.31% (2006 est.)

Birth rate

18.03 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Death rate

6.8 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Net migration rate

1.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.17 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female total population: 1.13 male(s)/female (2006 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 70.42 years male: 67.26 years female: 73.77 years (2006 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.46 children born/woman (2006 est.)

Business Practices

While business meetings are generally informal, many of Palau's business leaders are trained abroad, particularly in the United States and have adopted many western business practices. English is the principal business language.

Crime

The crime rate within the local community in the Republic of Palau is moderate and perhaps disproportionate to its small population. Tourists are not usually not affected but foreign residents can be the target of petty and sometimes violent crimes, as well as other random acts against person and property. Credible complaints by foreign residents persist that crimes against non-Palauans are not pursued or prosecuted by authorities with the same vigor as crimes against Palauan nationals. Crime and violence in Palau are often related to drug and alcohol abuse so bars and nightspots are best visited with caution. A common motive for theft is drug money. Within the past three years there has been one brutal murder, several sexual and physical assaults all involving expatriates. Visitors are advised to avoid local bars and to avoid any confrontation with a person who appears to be intoxicated. Expatriates should make sure their homes are well lit and windows and doors are securely locked. All valuables should be properly secured in a safe. Firearms of any kind are strictly prohibited in Palau; the penalty for possession of a firearm or ammunition is up to fifteen years imprisonment

Hotels

There are a wide variety of accommodations on Palau and the outlying islands ranging from first-class luxury resorts with most services, to the mid-price range bungalows and motels. While most resorts are located in Koror, there is quieter and more secluded accommodation available on the southern islands

Communications

Telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 680 and the outgoing international code is 011. Some hotels have fax facilities. Telex and telegram services are available in Koror. The post office located in Koror. Opening hours are 0730-1600.

Electricity

is a 110/120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are the American flat 2-pin type. Electricity 115/230 volts AC, ord=adDateTimeStamp;url=adCountryStamp;document.write(''); 60 Hz.

Plug Types

A,B

Food And Dining

Many restaurants offer an eclectic mix of cuisine. Fresh local seafood is the highlight of many menus and there are many exotic local dishes in addition to the ubiquitous pizza or traditional American, Chinese or Japanese fare.
Tipping:
Optional.
Nightlife
There are several open-air cocktail lounges, some offering live entertainment or karaoke.

Entry departure requirements

* Please see passport section below # Please see visa section below

Visa immigration information

Passports

1. Passports valid for at least 30 days beyond intended period of stay required by all except US nationals holding proof of citizenship accompanied by any other photo ID document.

Visas

Required by all except:
(a) 2. nationals of Marshall Islands, Micronesia and the USA for up to one year;
(b)3. all other nationals for stays of up to 30 days; Entry Permits are issued on arrival. For longer stays, permission must be granted from the Chief of Immigration.

Types of visa and cost

Entry Permit: US$50. Extension is possible for two times 30 days if application is made no less than seven days beyond expiration of visa. Extension: US$100.

Validity

Various.

Application to

Chief of Immigration, Bureau of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Justice, PO Box 100, Koror 96940.

Note

All nationals staying longer than six months must register with the Chief of Immigration within 30 days after arrival.

Application Requirements

(a) Valid passport. (b) Vaccination certificates from those arriving from infected areas; see the Health section for details. (c) Proof of adequate funds (US$200 per week). (d) Return or onward tickets. A bond signed by the chief of Immigration prior to arrival can be accepted instead of return/onward tickets. (e) All visitors must sign a declaration stating that they are HIV-negative. (f) Fee.

Note

These application requirements do not apply to government officials, students and nationals of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and the USA.

Working days required

Postal applications are dealt with on receipt but visas are usually issued on arrival to those who are eligible.

Temporary residence

Apply to Division of Immigration (address above).

HIV entry requirements

Test required for anyone staying longer than 6 months

Departure tax

US$20.

Embassies

UK Honorary Consulate

Bankfoot Square, Bankfoot Street, Batley, WF17 5LH
Website: https://palauconsulate.org.uk/

Palau Visitors Authority

PO Box 256, Koror, Palau 96940, Palau
Tel: 488 2793/1930.
Website: www.visit-palau.com

Embassy of the Republic of Palau in the USA

1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 400, NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA
Tel: (202) 452 6814.
Most visits to Palau are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/palau

US Department of State

Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Palau.html
Vaccination certificates for yellow fever, cholera and smallpox are required from all travelers arriving from infected areas. Hepatitis B is endemic. Hepatitis A, typhoid fever and dengue fever can occur.

Currency

The US Dollar is in use.

Currency restrictions

There are no limits on the import and export of local or foreign currency, but amounts of more than US$5000 must be declared.

Banking hours

Mon-Thur 1000-1500; Fri 1000-1800; Sat 0900-1200.

Currency exchange

Credit cards

Most major credit cards are accepted at major visitor-orientated businesses.

Travellers cheques

Exchanged at the larger hotels and businesses.

City/RegionCity/Area codeFollowed by
Aimeliik544+ 4 digits
Airai587+ 4 digits
Angaur277+ 4 digits
Kayangel876+ 4 digits
Koror488+ 4 digits
Melekeok654+ 4 digits
Ngaraard824+ 4 digits
Ngarchelong855+ 4 digits
Ngardmau747+ 4 digits
Ngatpang535+ 4 digits
Ngchesar622+ 4 digits
Ngeremlengui733+ 4 digits
Ngiwal679+ 4 digits
Peleliu345+ 4 digits
Sonsorol255+ 4 digits
  1. Health Information
  2. Recent Disease Outbreak
  3. Hospital Database

Dental care

There is little dental care available in Palau

Medication Availability

Generally the quality of medication cannot be guaranteed in Palau, as heat damaged and out of date supplies may be stocked

Blood supplies

Blood supplies should be considered as unsafe

Medical facilities

General caution

Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or ocean water known to be free from pollution. Wear clothing which reduces exposed skin and apply repellents containing DEET to remaining areas. Sleep in well-screened accommodations. Carry anti-diarrheal medication. Reduce problems related to sun exposure by using sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotions and lip protection.

Specific concerns

Hazards to bathers include corals and jellyfish, poisonous fish, and sea snakes.

Immunization

Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population). Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type. Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.

Disease risk summary

Insect-borne illness: Dengue fever - occurs Dengue hemorrhagic fever - occurs Filariasis - prevalent Food-borne and water-borne illness: diseases such as the diarrheal diseases, the typhoid fevers and helminthic infections are common. Hepatitis occurs. Biointoxication may occur from raw or cooked fish and shellfish. Other hazards: High levels of immunization coverage have reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles and diphtheria. Influenza risk extends throughout the year.

Entry requirements

Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas. A certificate is also required from travelers arriving from countries in the endemic zones.

Recent disease outbreaks

No recent disease outbreaks

N/A

Media

Press: The main newspaper is Pacific Daily News (Guam). The local newspaper, which appears fortnightly, is Tia Belau; Palau Horizon appears weekly.