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Palau
Risk:
Low
Health Overview
Palau is Level 1 and Featured — COFA partner nation using US dollars. World-class diving (Blue Corner; Jellyfish Lake; WWII wrecks). Belau National Hospital better than most Pacific neighbors. No malaria. Dengue present but low burden. MMR confirmation (Measles THN). Hyperbaric chamber status needs verification for DCS planning. Peleliu WWII battlefield (most intact in Pacific).
Key Health Risks
Low-Moderate
Dengue Fever
Aedes present; periodic outbreaks. Not currently on March 2026 Global Dengue THN named list. DEET 30%+ during outdoor and marine activities.
Moderate
Marine Hazards and Dive Safety
~70-80% of visitors come to dive. DCS risk from repeated deep dives. Hyperbaric chamber: VERIFY current status [chamber operational reliability mixed per reports]. Serious DCS may require evacuation to Guam USMH (1 hour) or Manila. Marine life: stonefish; crown-of-thorns; fire coral; cone shells. Jellyfish Lake
Low-Moderate
Measles
Palau on Global Measles THN. Vaccination rates generally good. Full 2-dose MMR confirmed.
Health Risk Callout
Dive medical assessment is specific to Palau given concentration of dive travelers. Zika requires discussion for pregnant travelers. No malaria makes consultation unusually clean and focused.
Other Health Risks
Ciguatera (avoid barracuda/large reef fish); Leptospirosis (freshwater/soil; kayaking/jungle); Zika (pregnancy consideration)
Regional Information
Regional Risk Callout
Koror (all services; Belau National Hospital; dive operators; airport nearby). Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (UNESCO; Blue Corner; Jellyfish Lake). Peleliu (WWII battlefield; basic accommodation; limited medical). Babeldaob (largest island; jungle; Ngerulmud capital).
Regional Healthcare Callout
Outside Koror: very limited. Peleliu: no hospital. DCS requiring recompression: may need Guam or Manila.
Vaccine and Malaria Prevention
💉 Entry Vaccine Required
None required from US. No YF. Palau Entry Form required within 72 hours of departure. $100 environmental fee in airfare.
🛡️ Recommended Vaccines
CDC recommends Routine (MMR — Measles THN; Palau named); Hep A (recommended); Hep B; Typhoid (considered for local dining)
🦟 Malaria Information
No malaria risk.
Moderate
Moderate
Physician Note
Dr. Robert
Emergency Medicine · 25+ Years · 40+ Countries
Palau: joyful consultation. 'No malaria — full stop. Dengue present; DEET during outdoor/marine activities.
Confirm MMR.' Dive section: pre-dive fitness; hyperbaric chamber status needs verification. DAN insurance worth having. Jellyfish Lake: golden jellyfish lost their sting through evolution — swimming through millions is one of the most surreal experiences on Earth.
Pre-Departure Checklist
8+ Weeks
- Be sure to consult your Dr. prior to travel to discuss
- CDC recommends MMR (Measles THN)
- Hep A
- Dive medical if scuba planned
- Verify hyperbaric chamber [VERIFY].
2-4 Weeks
- DEET
- Hep B if unvaccinated
- Palau Entry Form (72 hours)
- Embassy +680-775-8721
- DAN insurance if diving.
Day Of
- DEET
- Entry Form completed
- $100 fee verified
- Embassy phone saved.
Trip Type Guidance
Adventure
- World-class diving — Blue Corner (top global drift dive)
- Jellyfish Lake (swimming with millions of stingless jellyfish)
- WWII wrecks
- German Channel mantas. Peleliu WWII battlefield (most intact in Pacific).
Family
- USD
- English
- Safe
- Jellyfish Lake accessible all ages.
Beach
- Rock Islands white sand
- Often entirely private.
Notes
Special Evacuation Notes
Medevac from ROR airport to Guam USMH (1 hour; best for DCS) or Manila (1.5 hours; excellent private hospitals). United Airlines connections. DAN Hotline: +1-919-684-9111 (24/7 dive emergency coordination).
Safety Notes
PALAU ENTRY FORM: required within 72 hours (QR code). $100 environmental fee in airfare. MMR: confirm (Measles THN). DENGUE: DEET 30%+ daytime. DIVE MEDICAL: pre-dive fitness assessment recommended. HYPERBARIC CHAMBER: verify status — DCS may require Guam/Manila evacuation. ZIKA: relevant for pregnant travelers. JELLYFISH LAKE: golden jellyfish cannot sting — safe and extraordinary. USD: no currency exchange needed.
partner recommendation
Medical Evacuation & Assistance
A medical crisis far from home can cost $50,000+ to evacuate. Global Rescue — the partner we personally trust — provides worldwide evacuation and round-the-clock medical assistance.
Good For
Adventure
Family
Beach