Arai International Airport (ROR)
Palau airport is basic with few facilities. Check-in can be lengthy and your bags are likely to be searched due to the lack of x-ray scanners. There are big fines for anyone found removing any artifacts from the wrecks.
Visas and travel
Passport holders of most Western countries are granted a 30-day tourist visa on arrival in Koror at no extra charge.
United States citizens are granted a 1-year visa upon arrival.
All visitors are required to present a valid passport and a return/onwards airline ticket to travel to Palau. Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Palau.
Even though Palau seems pretty remote, there are multiple international flight routes.
United Airlines operates direct flights from Guam to Koror 6 times a week. Non-US citizens flying via Guam are required to obtain a ‘transit visa’ from US immigration prior to boarding.
United Airlines also serves Palau from Manila twice a week. Air China operates direct flights from Taipei, and Korean Airlines have scheduled flights from Incheon, South Korea.
Ideally, you will arrive in Palau one day before your liveaboard departure so that you can start your diving holiday well-rested. If you will not be staying for any additional nights after your liveaboard holiday, please allow plenty of time for transfer to the airport and check-in.
All guests are required to carry full travel and cancellation insurance, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions. We cannot be held liable for delays occurring during the cruise, nor any delays or cancellations of flights, accommodations or tours, and transfers that we organize on your behalf.
Tranist Via GUam
As Guam is a U.S. Island Territory all passengers, including transit passengers, are subject to US immigration checks. If you are a non-US citizen you will need to apply for an ESTA under the US Visa Waiver Program, or acquire a US visa in order to transit via Guam.
Citizens of 37 countries, including the UK, most European nations, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are eligible for an ESTA under the visa waiver program and should apply online at least 72 hours prior to travel. Please refer to the US Department of Homeland Security's ESTA information page for further details and application: esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
United Airlines Perks
United Airlines — www.united.com
United flies their famous island hopper from Guam Palau. Even though you are only transiting in Guam or Hawaii, you need permission to enter the US in the form of a visa or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
The Award Miles needed to travel to Palau Lagoon from United from the US usually sit around 70.000 return.
The offers from United Credit Cards are up to 70.000 miles. By paying your for trip with their card, you can effectively get a US$1500-$2500 return flight as low as US$22 in taxes.
Baggage Allowance
United allows up to three 32 kg bags when traveling to Truk Lagoon, depending on your status within Star Alliance and your departure city. If you are not a member of Star Alliance, look at your reservation for terms and conditions regarding your luggage.
Personal safety and health
Health care facilities are readily available in Palau but are not free. The Belau National Hospital is a professionally staffed hospital with an experienced barotrauma team. It is located in the capital city of Koror, along with several other private health clinics.
The recompression chamber located in Koror is able to provide emergency treatment for decompression illness in the unlikely event of an accident. We strongly encourage all guests to dive well within their recognized limits, carefully follow expedition leader guidelines, and of course, purchase specific dive insurance before their trips.
As per our Terms & Conditions dive insurance and travel/cancellation insurance are mandatory.
When on land, we recommend guests take normal precautions with food and be sure to drink bottled water only in order to prevent any stomach upsets. Please make sure you use insect repellent and cover exposed skin to prevent any insect-borne diseases.
Visitors arriving from countries affected by cholera or yellow fever are required to show proof of immunization upon arrival. We recommend you consult your doctor, health care professional, or travel clinic for up-to-date medical travel/ vaccination information at least 4 weeks before departure.
There are a number of hotels that can provide accommodation both pre-and post-cruise, and we will be offering a land-based diving package to you before the trip starts.
The official currency of Palau is the US Dollar. The majority of established hotels, shops and restaurants accept major credit cards or traveler’s cheques.
Occasionally, smaller family-run businesses will only accept cash. There are several US-operated banks and plenty of ATMs in Palau, making cash readily accessible.
However, the exchange rate used in banks and ATMs is not very favorable, so guests are advised to change money prior to arrival in Palau.