Palau

General Information
	Area: 508 sq km (196 sq miles), including Babeldaob Island, whose area is 409 sq km (158 sq miles). Population: 18,146 (1997). Population Density: 35.7 per sq km. Capital: Koror. Population: 11,560 (1995). Geography: Palau, the westernmost cluster of the six major island groups that make up the Caroline Islands, lies 1000km (600 miles) east of the Philippines. The archipelago stretches over 650km (400 miles) from the atoll of Kayangel to the islet of Tobi. The Palau islands include more than 200 islands, of which only eight are inhabited. With three exceptions, all of the islands are located within a single barrier reef and represent two geological formations. The largest are volcanic and rugged with interior jungle and large areas of grassed terraces. The Rock Islands, now known as the Floating Garden Islands, are of limestone formation, while Kayangel, at the northernmost tip, is a classic coral atoll. Government: Republic since 1947. Gained self-governing status (in free association with the USA) in 1994. Head of State and Government: President Tommy Remengesau since 2000. Language: English and Palauan. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Time: GMT + 9. Electricity: 115/230 volts AC, 60 Hz. Communications: Telephone: Country code: 680. Outgoing international code: 011. Phonecards are available and calls can be made from most hotels in Koror. Fax: Some hotels have facilities. Internet/E-mail: Main ISP is Paulau Net (website: www.palaunet.com). Access and reliability is limited. Telegram: Services are available in Koror. Postal: Post office located in Koror. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600 and Sat 0900 to 1000. Press: The main newspaper is Pacific Daily News (Guam). The local newspaper is Tia Belau.
Travel
	AIR: Continental Micronesia operates from Guam. There are twice weekly flights to Manila, from where connections to other destinations can be made. Japan Airlines flies from Nagoya, Japan, and Far Eastern Airlines flies directly from Taipei. International airport: Koror Babeldaob (ROR), on Babeldaob Island which is near Koror Island, is situated 12 miles (19km) northeast of Airai. Buses and taxis are available to Airai and Koror. Journey time to Koror - 30 minutes. Departure tax: US$20. SEA: International cruise lines seldom call at Palau ports. Visitors who sail privately to Palau will find Naval Oceanographic charts to be most useful. US Naval Chart HO 5500 covers the entire region of Micronesia. Unscheduled inter-island boat services are available to Babeldaob and Kayangel. Peleliu and Anguar have scheduled boat services. ROAD: The road network is extended beyond Koror to Babeldaob Island with many coral and dirt roads connecting to other states. A 4-wheel-drive car is recommended if you wish to see Babeldaob. Cars can be hired from the airport. Driving is on the right and the speed limit is 40kph (25mph). Taxi: There are many taxis in Koror offering comfortable travel. They are not metered and fares are fixed.
Entry
	Passport Visa Return Ticket Required Australian  Yes  2  Yes British  Yes  2  Yes Canadian  Yes  2  Yes Japanese  Yes  2  Yes Other EU  Yes  2  Yes USA  1  2  Yes
	PASSPORTS: 1. Valid passports are required by all except nationals of the USA with proof of citizenship in the form of a photo identity document. VISAS: 2. Not required for visits of less than 30 days; Entry Permits are issued on arrival. For longer stays, permission must be granted from the Chief of Immigration. Types of visa and cost: Entry Permit: US$50. Validity: Various. Application to: Chief of Immigration, Bureau of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Justice, PO Box 100, Koror 96940 (tel: 488 2498; fax: 488 2497). Note: (a) All visitors require proof of adequate funds (US$200 per week) and return or onward tickets. (b) All visitors must sign a declaration stating that they are HIV-negative. Vaccination Requirements: Those arriving from infected areas require vaccination certificates; see the Health section for details.
Scuba Diving
	Water Temp All of the islands experience warm water temperatures throughout the year. Expect temps in the 80 F to 82 F range. Visibility Visibility averages 100' or better most of the year, but during the rainy season clarity can be affected somewhat. Diving Palau - While Palau has diving to suit every taste, most divers come for the walls located just beyond the 125 mile long barrier reef. In some areas the wall actually begins in just 6' - 20' of water and drops vertically to 1000'. Drift diving is the norm in Palau as the currents can be swift through the channels and along the walls. Due to these currents, marine life can be profuse and pelagics are often sighted riding these currents as well. You will have a great opportunity to dive with gray reef sharks, mantas and occasionally, whale sharks. In addition to the natural wonders of Palau, there are also a number of WWII Japanese ships to be explored in the island's lagoon.
Misc. Info.
	MEDICAL FACILITIES: Health facilities in the Republic of Palau are adequate for routine medical care, but limited in availability and quality. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance which specifically covers overseas treatment and medical evacuation has proven useful. The U.S. Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide payment of medical services outside the United States. INFORMATION ON CRIME: The crime rate within the local community in the Republic of Palau is moderate, with tourists usually not affected. Foreign residents can be the target of petty and sometimes violent crimes, as well as other random acts against person and property. Credible complaints by foreign residents persist that crimes against non-Palauans are not pursued or prosecuted by authorities with the same vigor as crimes against Palauan nationals. CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign county, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and do not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. CUSTOMS INFORMATION: Firearms of any kind are strictly prohibited in Palau. The penalty for possession of a firearm or ammunition is up to fifteen years imprisonment. ROAD SAFETY: Palau accepts a driver's license issued by a U.S. state or military authority. Side roads in Koror and on the island of Babelthuap are in poor condition. The maximum speed limit is 25 miles per hour, but slower in congested areas. Passing of slow-moving vehicles is prohibited

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