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Palau

A diving sanctuary: Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake, Blue Corner.

Capital
Ngerulmud (seat of government); Koror, the main town
Currency
US dollar (USD)
Flight from Douala
~38-48h from Douala (2-3 layovers)
Time difference
UTC+9 (approx. +8h vs Cameroon)

A small Micronesian archipelago, Palau is a diver's dream: the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands, the famous lake of golden jellyfish and the wall of Blue Corner, among the best dive sites in the world. The trip from Cameroon is extreme (via Dubai/Doha then Manila before Koror). Note: since 30 March 2026, Cameroon is among the countries excluded from visa on arrival; you now need prior authorisation (pre-clearance) or a visa obtained before departure.

Formalities

The visa, step by step

On arrival
Allowed stay
30 days
Cost
Free (authorisation); ~50 USD state fee on arrival
Processing
Acknowledgement within 24h, decision within 3 to 5 business days

How to apply

Since 30 March 2026 (Executive Order 499), Cameroon is an 'excluded country': visa on arrival is no longer automatic. Obtain written pre-clearance from the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) or a visa BEFORE travel, otherwise boarding is refused. File the application at least 5 days before departure.

Required documents

  • Passport valid 6 months
  • BCBP pre-clearance or visa issued before departure
  • Confirmed return ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of funds

Good to know

  • •Actual 2026 regime: prior authorisation mandatory for Cameroonians, this is no longer a simple visa on arrival.
  • •Mandatory signing of the 'Palau Pledge' on entry.
  • •Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee eco-tax (~100 USD) included in the airfare.
How much it costs

A one-week budget

Backpacker
540 000 FCFA
/ week, excl. flight
Comfort
1 320 000 FCFA
/ week, excl. flight

Round-trip flight from Douala / Yaoundé

1 440 000 FCFA–2 160 000 FCFA

No direct flight. ~38-48h via Dubai/Doha then Manila (United/Philippine Airlines Manila–Koror flights), sometimes via Brisbane/Taipei.

Indicative round-trip price: it varies widely by season, layover and how early you book.

Where the money goes (backpacker estimate)

🏨270 000 FCFA
🍽️120 000 FCFA
🚕60 000 FCFA
🎟️270 000 FCFA
Hostel
18 000 FCFA–36 000 FCFA
Mid-range
42 000 FCFA–96 000 FCFA
Nice hotel
120 000 FCFA–270 000 FCFA
Tailored

Budget simulator

Comfort level
Estimated total budget
1 980 000 FCFA
Must-sees

What to do there

1

Jellyfish Lake

Swim among millions of harmless golden jellyfish (permit ~100 USD).

2

UNESCO Rock Islands

450 emerald limestone islets and turquoise lagoons inscribed on the World Heritage list.

3

Blue Corner

A legendary dive wall: sharks, rays and schools of fish in the current.

4

World-class diving

German Channel (manta rays), Blue Holes and World War II wrecks.

5

Milky Way

A milky lagoon of white clay famed for its benefits for the skin.

6

Kayaking and snorkelling in the lagoons

Explore caves, hidden beaches and coral gardens of the Rock Islands.

Itinerary

One week, day by day

  1. D1

    Arrival in Koror, check in, sign the Palau Pledge.

  2. D2

    Rock Islands tour and first lagoon snorkelling.

  3. D3

    Jellyfish Lake and the Milky Way.

  4. D4

    Diving at Blue Corner and German Channel.

  5. D5

    Diving the Blue Holes / WWII wrecks or a relaxing day.

  6. D6

    Kayaking in the Rock Islands, hidden beaches.

  7. D7

    Belau National Museum, souvenirs, return flight.

✓

Travel checklist

A printable list (or save as PDF) so you forget nothing.

Travel checklist — Palaos

Before you leave

What to pack

Visa sources: islandtimes.org · en.wikipedia.org

Indicative data (June 2026), reliability haute. Visa rules, prices and timelines change: always confirm with official sources before booking.

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