Palau FAQs
Pre-Arrival Boat: There is an “Application to Enter” for Customs and Immigration, plus notifications to the Bureau of Marine Transportation (i.e. the Port Captain) by e-mail, that must be sent in advance of arrival. See Clearance for more details.
Pre-Arrival Crew: Each crew member must submit an online entry form for travelers within 72 hours of ETA. See Immigration for details.
Where can I enter? The only port of entry is Malakal Harbour, Koror.
Are fees high to enter by yacht? Fees are very high to enter Palau. Approx. entry fee for 40-90ft with 2 crew, 30 days is US$750. See Fees for more details.
What security concerns should I know about? Palau is very safe and the crime rate is low. See Security for more info.
Palau Facts for Sailors
- The Republic of Palau, now known as Belau, is part of the Micronesia region in the western Pacific Ocean. Closely grouped together inside a barrier reef are the high islands of Babeldaob, the main island of Koror, Peleliu, and the many Rock Islands. Just outside the reef are Anguaur and the atoll Kayangel, while to the south are a group of five small volcanic islands, stretching down towards Indonesia.
- The population of Palau is about 22,000 with 70% of the population living in Koror. Palaun and English are the official languages.
- The currency is the US dollar.
- The time zone in Palau is UTC +9.
- Palau lies on the edge of the typhoon belt and is rarely affected by tropical storms. See weather.
- Conveniently situated on the route from the South Pacific to the Philippines, Palau lagoon and its many picturesque islands provide one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the Pacific in one small area. This is slightly marred by the strict entry regulations, but this can be overcome by sorting out the necessary paperwork before arrival and, once there, by observing the rules. The effort is entirely justified as the scenery is rarely matched elsewhere in the Pacific. The richest flora and fauna in Micronesia are found here, both on land and underwater.
- In January 2020, Palau closed 80 percent of its ocean waters to fishing to create the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, one of the largest marine protected areas in the world.
- Coral reefs and swift currents make all navigation dangerous, especially for newcomers to Palau and particularly after dark. Be careful and watch for reefs. Koror State Rangers assess steep fines for vessels grounding on coral reefs – $100 to $500 and up.
- The most fascinating place to visit are the Rock Islands, which are over two hundred limestone islets covered in jungle growth. Three major ocean currents meet in this area bringing food to nourish the rich marine life. The sea is teeming with turtles, manta rays, moray eels, fish of all descriptions, giant clams and even dugong. Occasionally one is brought back to earth by the sight of a wrecked ship from the bloody battles which were fought in and over these waters during the Second World War.
- Strict rules apply to visits to the outer islands and because of many abuses by cruising boats in the past, the authorities treat all visitors with suspicion, and, occasionally, with a certain degree of hostility. It is even rumoured that the authorities are considering closing the Rock Islands to cruising boats altogether.
- Another fascinating place to visit is Helen Reef which is a National Park.
- Due to the country's close association with the USA and the presence of the US military, many more American goods can be purchased here than can normally be found in most Pacific Islands. See details at Yachting Essentials and Koror.
