Be
prepared for multiple Government officials to participate in Vessel Entry
Clearance. Officials are generally very courteous and polite and include but
are not limited to: Customs, Immigration, Sanitation, Quarantine,
Transportation, Health Department and Public Safety (Police). It is highly
recommended to make multiple copies of crew lists, ship’s papers, inventory for
any weapons and/or ammunition and other commonly requested papers in advance.
Being prepared and organized will smooth Clearing In.
Crew
Visas: All individuals receive a free 30 day Tourist Visa upon entry.
NOTE:
Visitors or Crew arriving in Palau by AIR are required to have a return ticket
out of the country (U.S. citizens are exempt from this requirement). If
crew will arrive in Palau by air on a one-way ticket and depart by sea,
Immigration must be notified in advance so they in turn can advise the
airline(s) to permit the passenger(s) to board, otherwise the passenger(s) may
be denied boarding on their flight in to Palau. A minimum of 48 hours notice is
required and must be done during government business hours.
Customs:
A Customs Officer will request the Skipper to fill out a declaration form
listing items carried such as alcohol, tobacco, cash, firearms, drugs, etc.,
and he or she may inspect your vessel.
Firearms:
Firearms of any sort are NOT PERMITTED in Palau. Firearms and ammunition
on board must be inventoried and turned over to the Bureau of Public Safety
(Police) for storage while in Palau. You will find police officers to be
courteous and helpful and there is no charge for their services. Prior to
departure, call Police to have weapons promptly returned. Make a few copies of
the weapons and/or ammunition inventory list to speed up the process.
Drugs:
Drugs other than common non-prescription medicines MUST be accompanied by a
prescription. Some non-prescription medications may be restricted in Palau.
Illegal
Drugs: STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Rules,
fines and seizure laws are very strong. Palau Customs has a Canine Unit, which
is used randomly to search and inspect arriving vessels and shipments.
Quarantine:
Prepare an itemized inventory of ships stores for review by Quarantine. Dispose
of any organic trash properly before arriving in Palau. Quarantine may
confiscate for incineration any organic trash, fresh foodstuffs and any meats
of concern to them. An incineration charge of $35.00 applies per bag of any confiscated
goods.
Trash:
Separate any organic trash (foodstuffs, plants, vegetables, fruits, etc.) from
other items such as paper/cardboard/aluminum. All trash should be properly
bagged in plastic. An incineration charge of $35.00 per bag applies to any confiscated
trash. No trash may be off-loaded without approval from the Quarantine
Officer.
Crew
Lists: Make several copies (including passport details) before arrival,
as most officials will request one or more.
Ship’s
Papers: Make several copies before arrival.
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