Fly into Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, ROR, then travel by road to your Koror or Malakal accommodation. The airport's reviewed airline directory lists United services via Guam, Manila and Tokyo Narita, China Airlines via Taipei, Qantas via Brisbane and Philippine Airlines via Manila. These are route listings checked 2026-10-28, not verified seats, frequencies or a guarantee that every route operates on your date. Check the airline's bookable itinerary and all transit-entry requirements before matching flights to a cruise. Allow recovery time and missed-connection flexibility before a fixed sailing. Palau International Airport: Airlines

Palau's international arrival gateway in Ngerusar, Airai. It serves this guide as a gateway, not as a separate activity area. Airport identifiers are confirmed by the FAA listing. Sources checked 2026-10-28: FAA IFP gateway: Palau International Airport; Palau International Airport: Access.

Arrange dive-center or hotel pickups around Koror and Malakal, confirm the precise dock, and agree taxi charges before setting out. A rental car is an option for local errands but does not replace a boat excursion. PVA links a bus trip planner; current routes, times and luggage arrangements were not independently verified, so do not rely on an unconfirmed service for a fixed boat departure. For museums, arrange your own transport if needed: Belau National Museum's current notice does not offer free pickup. Sources checked 2026-10-28: Palau Visitors Authority: Getting Around; Belau National Museum: General Information.

Passport and Admission

BCBP currently lists six months of passport validity at entry, sufficient support and return/onward arrangements subject to exemptions. Ordinary tourist admission is generally 30 days, with nationality-based waivers and other rules. Do not assume every passport uses the same process. Palau Bureau of Customs and Border Protection: Immigration was reviewed 2026-10-28.

Pre-clearance Changed in 2026

BCBP cites Executive Order 499, dated 2026-02-11, requiring written pre-clearance for travelers from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cameroon, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sri Lanka and Vanuatu. It says submit at least five days before travel and receive approval before boarding. The older two-country summary on tourism pages is not an exhaustive rule. Palau Bureau of Customs and Border Protection: Immigration

Arrival Form and Unresolved Timing

The live Palau Entry Form and BCBP say to submit within 72 hours before departure and show the QR at check-in and arrival. The airport entry page instead says before arrival. Pre-clearance also requests a QR earlier than the form window permits; the sequencing solution was not established. Follow the live form and obtain clarification from Immigration and the airline when affected. Both instructions were checked 2026-10-28.

Environmental Requirements

Sign the Palau Pledge on arrival and follow customs restrictions. The USD 100 Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee is normally collected in inbound airfare, separately from Koror activity permits. The airport warns against bringing vaping/e-cigarette products and reef-toxic sunscreen. Sources checked 2026-10-28: Palau Bureau of Customs and Border Protection: Immigration; Palau International Airport: Entry Requirements.

Bring certification records and tell the operator your recent experience, suit size, fin size and any equipment configuration needs. Confirm tank size, valve compatibility, nitrox arrangements, rental availability, camera storage and equipment rinsing before arrival. A published gear-rental offer does not establish stock in your size. Check each operating airline's current dive-equipment allowance and lithium-battery rules. For long freediving fins, ask both airline and boat operator about practical storage. Keep essential personal items and prescription medicines in your hand baggage where permitted. Sources checked 2026-10-28: Fish 'n Fins: Scuba Diving Palau; Palau Infinity Dive: PADI Freediver; Splash Dive Center: Important Notice.

USD is the local currency. PVA lists major-card acceptance at many visitor facilities, but carry smaller notes for purchases and any charges the operator requires in cash. The premium budget classification reflects the cost of guided boat days, permits and equipment, not a claim that every accommodation is luxurious. Obtain a dated total with taxes and inclusions. Sources checked 2026-10-28: Palau Visitors Authority: Travelers Tips; Fish 'n Fins: Scuba Diving Palau; Splash Dive Center: Price List.

Bank of Hawaii lists a Koror branch with ATM services. Bring backup USD and confirm card compatibility, withdrawal limits, fees and cash availability before relying on a particular machine. Current Bank of Guam machine-specific arrangements were not independently verified. Bank of Hawaii: Koror branch, checked 2026-10-28.

The ITU/Palau Bureau of Communications June 2025 practical-information document specifies US-style Type A/B sockets and 110/120V, 60Hz supply. Check charger labels and bring the required adapter; a plug adapter does not convert voltage. ITU and Palau Bureau of Communications: June 2025 workshop practical information reviewed 2026-10-28.

Communications

PNCC advertises visitor eSIMs, physical SIMs and Koror retail support. Confirm device compatibility, plan duration, voice calling and roaming before purchase. Coverage advertised for Koror and Airai does not establish signal at every reef or island stop. Download your QR, operator contacts, insurance details and essential directions for offline use. A personal phone is not a substitute for the boat's communication plan. Country calling code: +680. Current plan prices and offshore coverage were not verified. Sources checked 2026-10-28: PNCC: Visitor Services; Palau Visitors Authority: Travelers Tips.

Language

Palauan and English are official languages; English is widely used in visitor services. Ask about the actual guide or instructor's teaching language when booking. A friendly Alii is a useful greeting, but do not assume access to private land, cultural sites or photographs without permission. ITU and Palau Bureau of Communications: June 2025 workshop practical information; Palau Visitors Authority: Travelers Tips

Insurance

Choose cover that expressly includes the activities and depths you intend, diving medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Check whether freediving, training, liveaboards or any specialty activity are excluded, and how the insurer authorizes evacuation or guarantees payment. Carry the assistance number and policy details offline. A local chamber listing does not remove the possibility of transfer for specialist care; the availability and cost of an evacuation cannot be promised in advance. Palau Government 55th Pacific Islands Forum: Health and Medical Information; Divers Alert Network: Emergency Assistance

Packing list

Bring certification records, essential medicines, a reliable mask, your familiar safety equipment, a dry bag, reusable water container, sun-protective clothing, grippy shoes and a light rain layer. Confirm rental fit and any long-fin baggage requirements in advance. Check the full sunscreen ingredient rules; do not rely on a vague reef-safe label. The airport's published entry guidance prohibits vaping and e-cigarette products. Pack a cash backup and keep documents available offline. Sources checked 2026-10-28: ; ; ; .

Koror and the Rock Islands

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Airports

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Airports

Getting Around

Entry Requirements

Passport and Admission

Pre-clearance Changed in 2026

Arrival Form and Unresolved Timing

Environmental Requirements

Gear Logistics Checklist

Practicalities

Currency

Electricity

Stay Aboard. Dive Further.