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Avoid demonstrations (violent history). No photography of govt/military. Same-sex illegal (5 years). CBD/cannabis illegal even with prescription. Inter-island boats: avoid overcrowded/no life jackets. Ambulance availability is limited — know your own transport plan.

PALAU ENTRY FORM: required within 72 hours (QR code). $100 environmental fee included in airfare. MMR: confirm (Measles THN). DENGUE: DEET 30%+ during daytime outdoor and marine activity. DIVE MEDICAL: pre-dive fitness assessment recommended. HYPERBARIC CHAMBER: operates at Belau National Hospital in Koror — confirm current staffing through your dive operator, as island chambers are call-in rather than 24/7 standby; severe DCS may still require evacuation to Guam or Manila. Do not fly within 24 hours of the final dive. ZIKA: relevant for pregnant travelers. JELLYFISH LAKE: golden jellyfish cannot sting — safe and extraordinary. USD: no currency exchange needed.

MALARIA: Chemoprophylaxis REQUIRED — Level 1 does NOT mean low malaria risk. DEET 30%+ at all times. Permethrin net for non-AC rooms. P. VIVAX: discuss primaquine terminal prophylaxis (G6PD test). MMR: confirm (Measles THN). EARTHQUAKE: check Port Vila road/building conditions. VOLCANOES: Mount Yasur — follow guide instructions; check VMGD activity level. SAME-SEX: criminalized. NO US EMBASSY: Port Moresby handles.

DENGUE: DEET 30%+ at all times including daytime. MMR: confirm 2-dose series. CYCLONE: Nov-April; know evacuation routes. TSUNAMI: know high ground at coastal accommodation. WATER: bottled only.

Praia: avoid hillside stairways. Sal/Boa Vista: standard beach precautions. Fogo: monitor volcanic activity. Swimming: flagged zones only. Divers: NO hyperbaric chambers — conservative planning only.

Respect curfew AT ALL TIMES — arrest risk from military patrols. Avoid demonstrations. Verify US visa before booking (suspended Jan 2026). Keep YF card accessible. Secure accommodation; avoid walking alone at night. Port-Gentil: oil company security. Forest interior: comprehensive kit; medevac plan.

DENGUE: DEET 30%+ daily. MMR confirmed. KING TIDES: Jan-Feb can close airport; know accommodation plan. BIKINI: no local food; brief visits safe. WATER: bottled throughout.

DENGUE: the DENV-1 outbreak ended — Te Marae Ora declared the Cook Islands dengue-free on May 25 2026. Aedes vectors remain established and bite through the day, so DEET 30%+ during outdoor activity is still sensible; check current status before departure. MMR confirmed (Measles THN). ZIKA: pregnant travelers consult a physician. REEF PASSAGES: lagoon swimming only — Avana, Avaavaroa, Papua, and Rutaki are hazardous with documented drownings. WATER: bottled or hotel-filtered. CYCLONE: Nov-Apr; know the plan. NO US EMBASSY: US Embassy Wellington, New Zealand.