Palau

Recommended Vaccinations For Palau

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Palau

There are no recommendations for Palau at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Palau

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Palau.

Chikungunya Fever

Outbreaks of chikungunya fever may occur.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Palau through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

For Some Travellers

Zika Fever

Zika fever may occur in Palau.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Palau, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Palau. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.

Rabies

The risk of acquiring Rabies is low. However, it may be present in bats, but has not been reported in domestic animals in this country. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) may be at risk.

Safety & Security in Palau

Personal Safety

Palau consistently ranks as one of the safest destinations in Oceania with very low crime rates. The U.S. Department of State rates it at Level 1, their lowest travel advisory level. Violent crime against tourists is exceptionally rare. The close-knit nature of Palauan society, with a population of only around 18,000, means serious criminal activity is difficult to conceal and remains socially unacceptable. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs but remains uncommon. Drug use has increased in recent years, and petty crime related to drug use is rising. A nighttime curfew operates in Koror and Airai states between midnight and 5am on weekdays, and between 4am and 6am on weekends. Taxi drivers occasionally overcharge tourists, so establish fares before getting in. Credit card and ATM fraud happens, so use machines in well-lit areas and monitor your transactions. Drink spiking can occur, so never leave drinks unattended and stick to reputable venues.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime in Palau is exceptionally rare. There are no recent reports of terrorism, though attacks cannot be ruled out anywhere. Political violence occurred in the 1980s when the first president was assassinated in 1985, but such incidents have not recurred in recent decades. The close-knit community structure and small population make serious violent crime socially unacceptable and difficult to conceal. You’re far more likely to experience theft of unattended items than any confrontational crime. Both residents and visitors report feeling completely safe during the day, with 81 out of 100 people saying they feel entirely secure. Even at night, 74 out of 100 people report feeling fully safe. Physical attacks, hate crimes, and verbal harassment are absolutely rare regardless of your background. Crime levels remain low, though you should still take sensible precautions.

Political Unrest

Palau maintains a stable democratic government with regular free and fair elections. The presidential republic operates through independent executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Power transfers peacefully between rival politicians. No political parties exist, though lawmakers organize into informal progovernment and opposition camps. The judiciary and media function independently, and civil liberties are generally upheld. There are no recent reports of political prisoners or detainees. Traditional chiefs play an advisory role through the Council of Chiefs but don’t control voter choices. The government has worked to combat official corruption in recent years, though high-ranking officials have faced corruption charges and several have been convicted. Palau has a Compact of Free Association with the United States, which provides financial assistance but doesn’t result in improper influence over internal politics. The country maintains diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, which has led to Chinese political warfare and influence operations, but these activities don’t create safety concerns for visitors. There are no reports of civil unrest, demonstrations, or protests that would affect travelers.

Areas To Avoid

Palau has no specific dangerous neighborhoods or areas you should avoid from a crime perspective. The islands of Peleliu and Angaur present specific hazards due to unexploded ordnance from World War II battles. These remnants are scattered across both islands, particularly in caves and off main routes. Don’t touch anything that appears to be made of metal, and report any suspicious items to authorities. Saltwater crocodiles inhabit parts of Palau, particularly in mangrove areas, with no warning signs indicating their presence. Check with local authorities before engaging in water activities near mangroves. The diving areas feature more than 60 vertical drop-offs, some only suitable for experienced divers. Powerful currents and riptides are common in coastal lagoons surrounding the islands, and beaches typically lack lifeguard supervision. Several drownings occur each year. Remote areas become isolated quickly, and rescue services may not meet international standards. Tourist facilities are available in Koror but limited elsewhere.