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Palau Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa Free

US citizens can live and travel in Palau without a visa for up to 360 days under the US-Palau Compact of Free Association, which also permits work and extended stays without separate authorization.

Guide last updated October 2, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for the duration of your stay
  • No visa or application form required thanks to the US-Palau Compact of Free Association (COFA)
  • Return or onward ticket (sometimes requested, though COFA status reduces strict enforcement)
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of sufficient funds (rarely checked for US citizens given COFA status)
  • Biometrics: none required for entry
  • Travel health insurance: recommended given limited specialized medical facilities on the islands

Visa types

  • Not applicable in the traditional sense - under the Compact of Free Association, US citizens may enter, reside, and work in Palau without a visa
  • The standard entry permit allows a stay of up to 360 days, which can generally be renewed by brief departure and re-entry or through local immigration procedures
  • No separate business or work visa category exists for US citizens due to COFA rights, unlike most other nationalities who need specific visas for employment

Entry conditions

  • US citizens may stay in Palau for up to 360 days per entry under COFA, one of the most generous arrangements Palau offers any nationality
  • Working is permitted for US citizens under COFA, unlike the general tourist visa-free allowances of most other countries
  • On arrival, present your passport; entry is typically straightforward given the longstanding US-Palau relationship
  • Extensions beyond 360 days can generally be arranged through Palau's Bureau of Immigration, though many travelers simply depart and re-enter to reset the count
  • An environmental/departure "Palau Pledge" stamp and a Green Fee (environmental tax, paid on departure) apply to all visitors regardless of nationality

Fees & processing time

  • No visa fee for US citizens given COFA status
  • A Palau Green Fee (environmental departure tax) of approximately USD 100 applies to all departing visitors, collected at the airport
  • Total cost estimate: USD 100 (Green Fee) plus any standard airport taxes
  • No processing time required since no visa application is involved
  • No express/priority option needed given the visa-free, long-stay arrangement

Tips for United States travelers

  • Keep proof of US citizenship (passport) readily available, as COFA benefits are specific to US nationals compared to the shorter visa-free periods given to most other countries
  • Common issues are minimal given COFA status, but ensure your passport has reasonable remaining validity to avoid airline boarding issues
  • Budget for the Green Fee, payable on departure, which funds Palau's marine conservation efforts
  • If planning to work or stay long-term, register with Palau's Bureau of Immigration to formalize your extended presence
  • Respect Palau's strict marine conservation rules, including the Palau Pledge stamped into every visitor's passport, given the country's reliance on its reef ecosystem

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.