- By Theme
-
Destinations
-
Indian Destinations
-
International Destinations
-
- Best Places to Visit
- Packages
- Search Agents
In a landmark announcement in June 2025, the Republic of Palau officially introduced Palau visa for Indian citizens, allowing visa-free entry for up to 30 days. This is a significant shift from the earlier visa-on-arrival policy, and falls under the broader Palau visa policy aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening diplomatic ties with India.
Breaking from its previous requirement for visa-on-arrival, Palau now permits Indian passport holders to stay visa-free for 30 days. Key entry conditions include:
A valid Indian passport with at least six months' validity,
Proof of confirmed return or onward airfare,
Evidence of sufficient funds,
Accommodation bookings,
And completion of the mandatory travel declaration or the Palau Pledge at the border
This change simplifies travel planning, eliminating both visa fees and arrival delays.
The Palau visa policy has now evolved to reflect this change. As of June 6, 2025, Indian visitors no longer need to undergo the visa-on-arrival process—they simply travel and enter upon arrival listed under the Palau visa free countries. Previously, Indian passport holders needed to present documentation and pay on arrival, but that process now stands replaced entirely.
Palau has long allowed visa-free entry to several countries—some on a mutual basis—and those stamp-free stays vary by nationality:
Up to 90 days for EU/Schengen nationals, Israel, Taiwan, Seychelles, Russia;
Up to 30 days for countries like India (as of 2025), and some others;
For all other nations (except Bangladesh and Myanmar), a 30day visa-on-arrival option remains under the broader Palau visa policy.
So, among the Palau visa free countries, India is now a prominent addition.
Before this change, Indians entering Palau needed to undergo visa-on-arrival:
They needed to fill out forms at the airport,
Present travel documents,
And pay visa fees upon entry.
The updated Palau visa policy now grants Indian passport holders direct entry without such formalities—no visa-on-arrival needed at all. This aligns India with other Palau visa free countries and simplifies entry for tourists and business travelers alike
Officials in Palau cite several strategic reasons:
1. Tourism Growth: By joining nations like the Philippines and Thailand in easing entry, Palau hopes to attract more Indian tourists
2. Diplomatic Strengthening: The move reinforces bilateral relations between India and Palau—diplomatic ties established back in 1995—with historic cooperation in diverse areas.
3. Sustainable Tourism: Palau, led by President Surangel S. Whipps Jr, emphasizes environmental stewardship and responsible travel. Simplifying entry is part of its eco-tourism strategy.
a) Easier Travel Planning
With Palau visa for Indians now visa-free, no need to schedule consular visits or pay at immigration counters—just book flights and accommodations.
b) Cost Savings
Eliminating arrival visa fees directly cuts travel costs—no payment required at the airport.
c) Boost for Tour Operators
Travel agents can promote Palau alongside other visa-free paradises like the Philippines, making itineraries more compelling.
Although there is no visa-on-arrival, Palau visa policy still mandates standard immigration protocols:
Funds: estimated at least USD 200 per week or proof of sufficient financial resources
A return or onward ticket,
Hotel or accommodation confirmation,
Compliance with health forms and policies.
Tips:
Carry travel insurance (recommended),
Ensure peaceful travel history,
Be prepared to sign the Palau Pledge—an environmental promise at immigration
Although 30 days is standard, the Palau visa policy allows for extensions at immigration offices, typically requiring additional fees and justification for longer stays—ideal for longer holiday stays or research visits .
Flight Routes
No direct flights from India to Palau yet. Common connection hubs:
Manila (Philippines),
Taipei (Taiwan),
Seoul (South Korea).
Future direct flights from Air India to Manila (beginning October 2025) are expected to make Palau access smoother.
Palau enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round. Peak tourist season runs from November to May—plan accordingly.
Choose eco-friendly resorts and tours—Palau has strong green tourism credentials.
India's outbound tourism is surging—Palau joins other nations in making travel seamless. With Palau visa for Indians now visa-free, the island opens its underwater ecosystems and WWII heritage to more Indian tourists.
Now part of the Palau visa free countries list, India joins a select group enjoying visa-free access:
EU/Schengen: 90 days,
Israel, Russia, Seychelles, Taiwan: 30 to 90 days,
Palau visa-free countries now include India, broadening travel horizons.
Before June 2025: Indian travelers could only get visa-on-arrival.
June 5–6, 2025: Official announcement of Palau visa for Indian passport holders offering visa-free entry, aligning with similar moves in the Philippines.
The Palau visa for Indian citizens now offers a free 30-day stay. As part of a broad Palau visa policy, this aligns with global trends toward visa-free access and signals Palau’s growing interest in capturing Indian travel interest.
Palau, already ranked among the Palau visa free countries, now opens a treasure trove of marine biodiversity, historical sites, and sustainable tourism opportunities. With simplified access and improving air connections, India can soon set its sights on this Pacific paradise.
Palau visa for Indian passports now visa-free for up to 30 days.
Entry still requires a valid passport, flight tickets, funds, accommodations, and the Palau Pledge.
India joins a growing list of Palau visa free countries.
Reflects Palau’s evolving Palau visa policy and destination branding.
No more arrival visa process nor fees at immigration.
Strengthens tourism, diplomacy, and eco-conscious travel in 2025 and beyond.
