Travel Vaccines and Advice for Palau
Made up of over 300 islands, Palau is a country located in the western Pacific. It is covered in tropical rainforests and is home to dozens of waterfalls and natural sites.
Palau is best known for its many breathtaking scuba diving sites. But, is well known for its historical sites as well. Not only are there ruins of societies over 3,000 years old, but old tanks and other remnants of World War II are scattered across the islands. These many draws are what make Palau such a popular destination to visit.
Do I Need Vaccines for Palau?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Palau. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Palau: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Palau |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Palau |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Dengue and chikungunya are present in Palau. Make sure to bring and use mosquito repellent and netting.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Palau
“Passport health was the only place I had to visit to medically prepare for my journey to Palau. I was able to get vaccines, information about how to keep safe while there, and what to do to stay healthy even upon returning to the US. Plus, the staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and personable.”
“My visit with the passport health nurse was very informative. I feel much more confidant about my trip to Palau. I also appreciate the binder with the information I can access when on my trip as questions and concerns come up!”
Do I Need a Visa for Palau?
No, there is no visa required for travelers visiting Palau for less than one year. All you will need is a passport with six month’s validity at the time of entry and one blank page for the entry stamp.
Palau Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Palau? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Palau and U.S. State Department
Palau also has exit fees, which currently total $50 and must be paid upon your departure. Be sure to ask your airline if the fees are included in the ticket price.
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What is the Climate Like in Palau?
Because of its proximity to the equator, Palau enjoys a warm and steady climate year-round. During every month, the average high in the 80’s, while the lows is in the 70’s.
While the official rainy season is from July to October. Rain and humidity are common all year long. Typhoons and other major storms are rare, but can occur.
How Safe is Palau?
The crime rate in Palau is fairly low, making it a safe place to vacation. You should still be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
Some areas of Palau also have a risk of unexploded ordnance. There are some bombs and other exploding weapons left over from World War II. Most of these are found on the island of Peleliu. But, it is possible to encounter them in other places.
Visiting Rock Islands
One of Palau’s top spots to visit is the Rock Islands. This is a collection of over 300 small islands created from volcanic activity. They lie between the major islands of Koror and Peleliu, and they are one of the most-visited areas in Palau.
The Rock Islands is one of the few areas declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for natural and cultural reasons. Not only are the islands filled with wildlife, but there are also stone ruins of ancient civilizations.
The islands are also home to the famous Jellyfish Lake. Here jellyfish have evolved to have no sting and tourists can swim alongside them. Dolphin Bay is also located among the islands. This resort educates tourists about dolphins with the bay’s resident pod of spinner dolphins.
What Should I Pack for Palau?
Bringing the right supplies is essential for the perfect trip.
- Light Clothing – The temperature in Palau is almost always hot. Lightweight clothes are a must. Some light layers can be helpful for the nighttime or chilly temperatures.
- Rain Gear – Rain is always a risk in Palau. Bring a good waterproof jacket, at the very least, and an umbrella.
- Bug Spray – Mosquitos are prevalent in Palau, and can carry some unwanted viruses. Bring plenty of mosquito repellent with at least 20% DEET to ward off bugs.
- Swimsuit – Palau has amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities. Be sure to bring a bathing suit and don’t forget your scuba certification if you’re planning on diving.
U.S. Embassy in Palau
The U.S. Embassy in Palau is located in Koror, which is the largest city in Palau as well as the former capital.
U.S. Embassy Koror
Omsangel/Beklelachieb
Airai, Palau 96940
Tel: (680) 587-2920
Before your trip, sign up with the Smart Traveler Enrolment Program. This will notify local embassies of your trip and to stay up-to-date on travel notices for Palau.
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Palau?
Do I Need a Visa for Palau?
What is the Climate Like in Palau?
How Safe is Palau?
Visiting Rock Islands
What Should I Pack for Palau?
U.S. Embassy in Palau
