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Last Updated:
June 19, 2007 11:03
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Still Valid: November 15, 2007 23:26 EST |
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1. INTRODUCTION AND GEOGRAPHY A minor editorial change has been made in Section 7 of this Travel Report. The Republic of Palau (capital: Koror) is a group of islands located in the North Pacific Ocean, approximately 800 km southeast of the Philippines. The official languages are English and Palauan. Tourist facilities are available in Koror but limited elsewhere. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS There is no Official Warning for this country. OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Most Canadian visitors to Palau do not experience problems. However, petty crime is prevalent. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times. Follow local safety advice when engaging in adventure sports, including scuba diving. There are saltwater crocodiles in parts of Palau but no warning signs to indicate their presence. Follow the advice of local communities when considering water activities near mangroves. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of the Republic of Palau and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on January 15, 2007. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. For further information, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Palau, 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C., 20006, U.S.A. (tel.: 202-452-6814/ fax: 202-452-6281/ e-mail: info@palauembassy.com/ Web site: www.palauembassy.com). A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Palau. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of an onward or return ticket. Visas are issued upon arrival at the airport. Stays beyond 30 days must be approved by Palau's Chief of Immigration, for a fee of US $100. Proof of yellow fever and cholera immunization are required for those arriving from infected areas. Tourist Visa: Required Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required A fee of US$20 is required upon departure. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders. Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada. BACK TO TOP 5. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD There is no resident Canadian government office in Palau. Canadians in Palau can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the Australian Embassy in Pohnpei, Micronesia (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement), at the following address: Micronesia (FSM) - POHNPEI, Australian Embassy Address: H & E Enterprises Building, Kolonia, Pohnpei Postal Address: P.O. Box S, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Micronesia (FSM) Tel.: 691 320-5448 Fax: 691 320-5449 The High Commission of Canada in Canberra, Australia, has consular responsibility for Palau. The address is as follows: Australia - CANBERRA, High Commission of Canada Address: Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra ACT 2600 Tel.: 61 (2) 6270-4000 Toll Free: 0011-800-2326-6831 Fax: 61 (2) 6270-4081 E-Mail: cnbra@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/australia For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Canberra, Australia, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines. Homosexuality is illegal. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY Roads in Koror are in good condition. Taxies are the only means of public transportation available. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. The currency is the U.S. dollar (USD). Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels and tourist facilities. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency. BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE Heavy rains occur between July and October. Typhoons are rare. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. BACK TO TOP 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Medical facilities are very limited throughout the country. The local hospital located in Koror provides standard medical care (including surgery) and it contains a modern hyperbaric chamber with a certified operator. However, access to it may be limited and is likely expensive. Serious medical conditions may require evacuation, which is generally prompt and efficient. Patients are often evacuated to a medical facility in Manila, Philippines. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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