Palau visa options for India passport holders

Visa types & longer-stay routes for Palau

Rules are written for ordinary foreign (non-Palauan) nationals; note that US, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Marshall Islands (RMI) citizens are exempt from visa and work-permit requirements under the Compact of Free Association.

• Most nomadsTourist

  Visitor Entry Permit (visa-free, visa on arrival)

  30 days on arrival; extendable in two further 30-day blocks up to roughly 90 days total (approx).

  Insurance

  RecommendedNot required by entry rules, but strongly recommended - Palau has limited medical facilities and visitors pay full cost of any care.

  Good for

  Tourists and short-stay visitors from most countries, who receive a free entry permit at the port of entry.

  Requirement

  Passport valid 6+ months, onward/return ticket, proof of sufficient funds, Palau Entry Form QR code (submitted within ~72 hours of departure) and signing the Palau Pledge on arrival. Extensions cost approx US$50.

• Business

  Business Visitor Permit

  30 days, extendable for two additional 30-day periods (approx 90 days total).

  Insurance

  RecommendedNot required by the Bureau; recommended given high out-of-pocket medical costs and limited local facilities.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals visiting for short-term business purposes such as meetings or negotiations.

  Requirement

  Passport valid 6+ months, documentation of the business purpose, onward ticket and proof of funds; renewal/extension fee approx US$50. Verify current terms with the Bureau.

• Work

  Work Permit / Non-Resident Worker Visa

  Provisional/non-resident work visa typically valid one year, renewable, tied to the labor permit; short-term temporary permits up to ~90 days also exist (varies).

  Insurance

  RequiredNot stated as a visa condition; medical exam is required. Insurance recommended as workers are liable for their own care.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals taking up employment with a Palau employer who has secured a labor clearance.

  Requirement

  Employer sponsorship and proof the role cannot be filled locally, valid passport, police/criminal clearance, and a passed medical examination; worker generally must be aged 21-60 (verify). Report to the Bureau of Labor within ~10 days of entry.

• Study

  Student Visa

  Up to one year (renewable while enrolled).

  Insurance

  RecommendedNot stated as a visa requirement; recommended due to limited local healthcare and self-pay costs.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals enrolled full-time at a recognised institution in Palau.

  Requirement

  Proof of full-time enrollment and admission, school-maintained housing, and remaining in good academic standing. No fee per the Bureau.

• Residence

  Resident Visa (long-stay)

  Up to two years (renewable).

  Insurance

  RequiredNot specified as a requirement by the Bureau; recommended - a medical exam is required and care is self-funded.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals seeking longer-term residence with legitimate income who are not investing or buying property.

  Requirement

  Physical exam report, police clearance, notarized sworn statement of no felony convictions, proof of legitimate income, a lease agreement and an income/expenditure form; fee approx US$200.

• Residence

  Investor Visa

  Up to five years, not exceeding the term of the Foreign Investment Approval Certificate.

  Insurance

  RecommendedNo insurance requirement stated by the Bureau; recommended given self-pay medical costs.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals holding a Foreign Investment Approval Certificate with a qualifying equity stake in a Palau business.

  Requirement

  Foreign Investment Approval Certificate, at least 25% equity interest, physical exam, police clearance, notarized affidavit of support and no felony convictions; fee approx US$50.

• Residence

  Elite Resident Visa (real-estate residency)

  10 years, renewable in 10-year terms, with unlimited multiple entries.

  Insurance

  Requiredthe Bureau mandates 'major medical health insurance' covering the holder and any dependents living in Palau, so that no medical costs fall on the Republic.

  Good for

  Affluent foreign nationals who purchase or lease a qualifying dwelling and want long-term, multi-entry residency (capped at 1,000 holders).

  Requirement

  Contract to purchase/lease a dwelling of US$250,000+ (paid in full before issuance), no felony or moral-turpitude convictions, and proof of adequate annual financial means; initial fee approx US$20,000 (non-refundable), renewal approx US$10,000.

• Transit

  Transit Passenger

  Maximum 24 hours.

  Insurance

  OptionalNot required for transit; travel/medical cover still advisable.

  Good for

  Travellers passing through Palau en route to another destination.

  Requirement

  Passport valid 6+ months and a confirmed onward airline ticket departing within 24 hours; may leave the airport but must depart on time. No fee.

Figures from Palau's Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; confirm details with the Bureau before travel as fees and rules can change. Last checked: 2026-06.

Last verified June 2026

India → Palau: frequently asked

Do India passport holders need a visa to visit Palau?

Visa on arrival. Get the visa at the border on entry. Always confirm with the official source before booking.

Can a India passport holder live or work long-term in Palau?

Yes, via a long-stay visa. Palau has 8 documented visa types covering work, study, residence and — where it exists — digital-nomad routes.

Do I need travel insurance for Palau?

Entry to Palau never includes health cover, so travel medical insurance is strongly recommended. Several Palau visas also require proof of insurance before they're granted.