Local Laws

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

In Palau, certain sites require prior permission and/or payment of a fee prior to visiting or taking photographs.  Signs are posted at the relevant sites, and an attendant may be present to collect the fee.  Driving under the influence of alcohol could land you immediately in jail. 

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Unexploded ordnance:  Unexploded ordnance from World War II (UXO) remains a problem in Palau.  Although the majority of the land-based UXO is found on the island of Peleliu, UXO can be found almost on any island in Palau. Underwater UXO may also present a threat. Tourists are advised to heed all warnings on areas that might be affected.

Currency:  The official currency of Palau is the U.S. dollar.  Major credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, are accepted in most locations catering to tourists.  American Express is not widely accepted.  There are several ATMs in Koror at the branches of local U.S. banks.

Curfew:  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.

Firearms:  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.

Natural Disaster Preparedness:  Palau is vulnerable to tropical cyclones and floods.  You can obtain general information about natural disaster preparedness from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and from the Naval Oceanography portal.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report.

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Palau.  As of 2014, Palau’s Penal Code no longer criminalizes private, consensual sexual activity of an “unnatural manner” between adults.  There are no legal or governmental impediments to the organization of LGBT events. Palau’s constitution defines marriage as between a man and a woman.  For more detailed information about LGBT rights in Palau, you may review the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.  See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.

Persons with Mobility Issues.  Palau’s overall accessibility for the disabled is very limited.  While many buildings have ramps to facilitate persons with disabilities, others do not.  There is no public transportation equipped to transport persons on wheelchairs and sidewalks around Palau are limited.    

There is no legislation in place that mandates access to transportation, communication, and public building for persons with disabilities.  The only existing legislation is access to government buildings, which requires that there be at least one designated parking space close to the main entrance of each national government building open to the public.  These parking spaces shall be clearly designated through use of words or symbols, as being available for use only by persons with disabilities. 

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for Women Travelers.