Pet import requirements for Palau
What Palau asks for before a dog or cat can enter — the microchip, the rabies work, the permit and the paperwork — and how far ahead you need to start. We handle all of it on a move we arrange.
Import rules change, and they change without notice. Last verified 2024-12-12 by the country-profile service Furry Freight uses; profile last updated 2026-02-05. Confirm every requirement with the authority named below, or with us on (424) 421-1650, before you book a flight or start any vet work. This profile has not been re-verified recently, so treat it as a starting point for the consultation rather than a checklist.
Palau at a glance
| Requirement | For Palau |
|---|---|
| Microchip Required | Required |
| Rabies | Palau is considered to be rabies free by the Palau Bureau of Agriculture (BOA), and no known cases have ever been documented in Palau of dog rabies |
| Rabies antibody test Required | FAVN Rabies Antibody Test is required |
| Import permit Required | Yes required |
| Quarantine | From countries with rabies - As soon as the animals arrive in the Republic of Palau they shall immediately be taken under the control of an Inspector to the quarantine premises… |
| Minimum age to travel | A puppy or kitten will be about 10 months of age by the time the preparations and requirements are completed for entry |
| Customs clearance | Strongly advised |
| Agent at destination | This would need to be arranged in advance with a customs broker if the owner is not present |
Where this fits in the timeline. The order matters more than the effort: a rabies vaccination given before the microchip was implanted does not count in most regimes, and a titer test drawn too early restarts a waiting period. On a move we handle, we check your pet's existing dates against these rules on the free consultation before anything is booked.
The detail
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, also known as Palau International Airport is the main airport of Palau. *Palau*, of ficially the Republic of *Palau*, is an island country in the Micronesia sub-region of Oceania in the western Pacific. A puppy or kitten will be about 10 months of age by the time the preparations and requirements are completed for entry.
Import requirements
A puppy or kitten will be about 10 months of age by the time the preparations and requirements are completed for entry.
Requirements for Dogs and Cats
Official in formation document - https://pafpnet.spc.int/attachments/article/771/Palau-Plant-Animal-Quarantine-1999.pdf
Palau regulations state that dogs and cats originating from a non-rabies free country, in cluding the US mainland, must meet the entry requirements of the [State of Hawaii](http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/animal-quarantine-in formation-page/) or the equivalent as approved by BOA. Countries recognized as rabies-free by Palau in clude, but are not limited to, State of Hawaii, Territory of Guam, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan & UK. Although Palau considers itself rabies free, it is not recognized as rabies free by other countries. This is important to consider when importing your pet if you intend to take it back to your country of origin.
As soon as the animals arrive in the Republic of Palau they shall immediately be taken under the control of an Inspector to the quarantine premises previously approved by the Chief of Agriculture, whereat the animals shall remain until they are released by an Inspector
In general, at least 6 months preparation is necessary before a dog or cat can be imported into Palau from a non-rabies free country, following the State of Hawaii requirements.
An original health certificate in English, done within 14 days of arrival in Palau in cluding rabies vaccination name, lot or serial number, booster in terval, vaccination date and expiration date is required.
If you do not send the original health certificate to the Animal Quarantine Station in advance of your pet’s arrival with your other documents, you must provide the health certificate upon arrival to the Inspector. Failure to bring the original health certificate (photocopy not acceptable) will prevent your pet from being released.
A veterinarian must treat the pet for ticks with a product containing a long-acting product labeled to kill ticks (Revolution® is not acceptable) within 14 days of arrival and the product name and date of treatment must be recorded on the pet’s health certificate.
Importation of Dogs: For the importation of dogs, the presentation of an in ternational animal health certificate is required, attesting that the animals: (i) were examined within 48 hours of shipment, found to be in good health and showed no sign of any in fectious disease; (ii) have been effectively vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis and canine parvovirus at least one month and not more than three months before shipment; (iii) have been effectively treated against echinococcosis-hydatidosis, round, hook and whip worms within 14 days or three days (from Australia) of shipment; (iv) have been effectively treated against, and found on examination to be visibly free of, all ectoparasites within three days of shipment; (v) showed no clinical sign of rabies on the day of shipment, and were kept from birth or for six months prior to shipment in the exporting country, or a part of the territory of the exporting country where no case of rabies was of ficially reported during the two years immediately preceding the importation of the animals concerned; and (vi) have been vaccinated with an in activated rabies virus more that thirty days prior to entry into the Republic of Palau.
Animals originating from a country or a part of a country where rabies occurs or is reported to occur or where rabies vaccination is routinely practiced, either must undergo a period of not less that 120 days in an approved quarantine facility in a territory or part of a territory recognized by the Republic of Palau as a rabies free area prior to entry to the Republic of Palau; or must meet the entry requirements of the State of Hawaii.
As soon as the animals arrive in the Republic of Palau they shall immediately be taken under the control of an Inspector to the quarantine premises previously approved by the Chief of Agriculture, where the animals shall remain until they are released by
FOR CATS:
Importation of Cats: For the importation of cats, the presentation of an in ternational animal health certificate is required attesting that the animals: (i)were examined within 48 hours of shipment, found to be in good health and showed no sign of any in fectious disease; (ii) have been effectively vaccinated against Feline Panleucopaenia at least one month and not more than twelve months before shipment, and Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis/Calici virus at least one month and not more than six months before shipment; (iii) have been effectively treated against echinococcosis-hydatidosis, round, hook and whip worms within three days shipment; (iv)have been effectively treated against, and found on examination to be visibly free of, all ectoparasites within 14 days or three days (Australia) of shipment; (v) showed no clinical sign of rabies on the day of shipment, and were kept from birth or for six months prior to shipment in the exporting country, or a part of the territory of the exporting country where no case of rabies was of ficially reported during the two years immediately preceding the importation of the animals concerned; and (vi) have been vaccinated with an in activated rabies virus more than thirty days prior to entry into the Republic of Palau.
Cats originating from a country or a part of a country where rabies occurs or is reported to occur or where rabies vaccination is routinely practiced, either (i) must undergo a period of not less that 120 days in an approved quarantine facility in a territory or part of a territory recognized by the Republic of Palau as a rabies free area prior to entry to the Republic of Palau; or (ii) must meet the entry requirements of the State of Hawaii. (c) As soon as the animals arrive in the Republic of Palau they shall immediately be taken under the control of an Inspector to the quarantine premises previously approved by the Chief of Agriculture, whereat the animals shall remain until released by an Inspector.
Must meet all requirements. If any questions or concerns contact the government authority directly.
In general, at least 6 months preparation is necessary before a dog or cat can be imported into Palau from a non-rabies free country, following the State of Hawaii requirements.
The animals originated in an area where no case of rabies was of ficially reported during the last two (2) years immediately preceding shipment and that the animals were kept from birth or for six (6) months in the rabies free area prior to shipment.
It is advised to check on the status of in ternal and external parasite treatment depending on your country and confirm the time frame for administration prior to export / import.
You must notify the Animal Quarantine Station prior to arrival
Condition of Application: Applications must be filled completely and signed by importer- No permits will be issued if shipment(s) has arrived in the Republic of Palau-Single. Entry Permit is valid for 30, 60, 90 days and multiple for 6 months( 6 months is for business )
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:
- Shipment must be accompanied by an International Animal Health Certificate.
- Shipment must be accompanied by a copy of the import permit and presented to quarantine of ficials upon arrival
- Shipment may be refused entry if the requirements of the health certificate are not complied with.
Identification and microchip
Required. Your dog or cat must have an electronic microchip implanted before the FAVN rabies antibody blood test is performed. Have your veterinarian scan the microchip to verify that it is still working and see that the microchip number is correct. Any pet that cannot be identified by scanning the microchip will be assigned to 120 days quarantine.
Rabies and vaccinations
Palau is considered to be rabies free by the Palau Bureau of Agriculture (BOA), and no known cases have ever been documented in Palau of dog rabies. Two rabies vaccinations are required. The pet’s most recent rabies vaccination must not be expired when your pet arrives. If arrival occurs before 30 days has elapsed from the most recent rabies vaccination, the animal is subject to quarantine until the 30 days are completed.
Your veterinarian will give you rabies vaccination certificates for every rabies vaccination. The date and type of vaccine must be in dicated on these vaccination certificates. Original certificates for 2 rabies vaccinations (must be signed in ink by a licensed veterinarian.)The 2 rabies vaccination certificates must have the vaccine name, lot or serial number, booster in terval, vaccination date and vaccine lot expiration date listed.
The animals originated in an area where no case of rabies was of ficially reported during the last two (2) years immediately preceding shipment and that the animals were kept from birth or for six (6) months in the rabies free area prior to shipment.
Core vaccinations for dogs and cats. The animals have been effectively vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, and canine parvovirus at least one (1) month and not more than three (3) months prior to shipment and the animals have been vaccinated with an in activated rabies virus more than thirty days prior to shipment.
Tests and treatments
FAVN Rabies Antibody Test is required. Have the test done at an approved lab. The day after the lab received your pet’s blood sample must not be more than 36 months and not less than 30 days before the date of arrival in Palau.
The result of the dog’s or cat’s blood test must be greater than or equal to 0.5 IU/ml. Obtain a copy of this successful blood test result from your veterinarian showing the pet’s microchip number for your records.
A veterinarian must treat the pet for ticks with a product containing a long-acting product labeled to kill ticks (Revolution® is not acceptable) within 14 days of arrival and the product name and date of treatment must be recorded on the pet’s health certificate.
If from Australia - The animals have been effectively treated against in ternal and external parasites and were found to be free of external parasites three (3) days prior to shipment.
Health certificate and permits
An original health certificate in English, done within 14 days of arrival in Palau in cluding rabies vaccine name, lot or serial number, booster in terval, vaccination date and expiration date is required.
Yes required. Single Entry Permit is valid for 30, 60, 90 days and multiple for 6 months (6 months is for business) Please click here for permit - http://palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Permit-Application-Cats-Dogs-Only1.pdf
Import Permits can take up to 2 weeks to be issued.
Quarantine
From countries with rabies - As soon as the animals arrive in the Republic of Palau they shall immediately be taken under the control of an Inspector to the quarantine premises previously approved by the Chief of Agriculture, whereat the animals shall remain until released by an Inspector.
It is advised to contact them directly for more in formation and to see if your shipment will need to quarantine. Quarantine office can be contacted at palauquarantine11@gmail.com. You must notify the Animal Quarantine Station prior to arrival.
Exemption to quarantine confinement for:·Guide dogs for the blind and certified service dogs for the disabled. Guide and service dogs must complete per-shipment requirements in cluding having a current rabies vaccination, passing an OIE-FAVN rabies blood test prior to arrival in Hawaii with > 0.5 IU/ml and certification.
Restrictions and banned breeds
Pets must have a passing FAVN rabies antibody test result and also complete a 30-day waiting period from the day the laboratory received the blood sample for testing. If arrival occurs before 30 days has elapsed, the animal is subject to quarantine until the waiting period has been completed. Your pet must complete the 30-day waiting period before arriving in Palau or your pet will not qualify.
The waiting period begins the day after the approved lab received the blood sample for the OIE-FAVN test. The test must also have a result > 0.5 IU/ml.
Breed Restriction: Non-domestic dogs and cats and hybrids such as wolf, wolf cross, Dingo, Bengal, Savannah
Customs, agents, and airports
Highly recommended but not legally mandated. However, the importer needs to be versed in protocol and more complicated with pet travel. This company may be able to better advise - https://jvkpacific.com/country/palau.
If traveling by sea you need an entry form - http://www.palautravel.pw/. Palau Entry Form submissions must be within 72 hours or less prior to your arrival time in the Republic of Palau.
By sea - ALL vessels (in cluding sailing vessels) must complete an Application for Non-Scheduled Vessel to Enter the Republic of Palau, and submit it no less than 48 hours before the estimated time of arrival (ETA). No vessel can enter the Republic of Palau without having been issued an appropriate entry permit.
This would need to be arranged in advance with a customs broker if the owner is not present. This company may be able to better advise - https://jvkpacific.com/country/palau.
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, also known as Palau International Airport is the main airport of Palau. It is located near the former capital Koror, just north of Ngetkib, Airai on Babeldaob island. The airport is 4 miles from Koror and 15 miles from Ngerulmud. This is the of ficial airport website and more in formation - https://www.palau-airport.com.
Private yachts may also land by sea with a vessel entry permit. The only port of entry in Palau is Malakal Harbour, Koror.
Customs Broker/Agent Required: Highly RecommendedBest Airport:
Palau International Airport
Palau International Airport (also known as Roman Tmetuchl International Airport) Ngerusar, Airai, Republic of Palau
Flights to Palau land at Airai, or Palau International Airport, which serves direct flights from Babeldaob to Guam, Seoul, Taipei and Manila. Air Niugini’s new one-stop service from Brisbane to Palau operates one day a week. Chartered flights are available through various operators. Water entry to Palau would call at Malakal Harbour on the island of Malakal.
Getting Here: Check with each airline directly for the most up to date schedules. (most airlines have certain days of the week they fly)
Air Niugini
Jeju Air
Alii Palau
China Airlines of fers four flights a week from Taipei, Taiwan.
United Airlines (Star Alliance) of fers a daily flight from Guam and a weekly flight from Manila and The Philippines.
Korean Airlines of fers two flights a week from Incheon, South Korea.
Lanmei Airlines low-cost airlines from Macau,
Asiana Airlines of fers two flights each week from Incheon, South Korea.
Airport code is ROR.
It is recommended that you contact a customs broker. All documents must be in the Palauan or English language. Where documents are in any another language, a translated copy shall be provided for in spection by Customs Officers prior to release.
JVK Pacific Ltd.
c/o All Movers
Happy Fish Building
P.O. Box 6084, Koror
Palau
ANIMALS AND PETS
Pets may be imported but a valid Import Permit is required to be issued prior to the arrival of the pet. Pets must be forwarded as manifested cargo under an Airway Bill (not hand carried). To apply for an Import Permit we require the general details of the pet (name, sex, breed, age, color). Import Permits can take up to 2 weeks to issue and shipments MUST NOT be forwarded without an Import Permit. When the pet is forwarded, it is essential that the rabies vaccination and general vaccination certificates are attached to the Airway Bill. Contact JVK for more details.
CONSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Please contact the JVK office for consignment in structions. https://jvkpacific.com/contact-us/
Export notes
You will need to fulfill your country of import’s regulations.
Although Palau considers itself rabies free, it is not recognized as rabies free by other countries. Dogs and cats going to the US mainland do not have to go through quarantine, as regulated by the US Dept. of Agriculture, APHIS. Generally, a rabies vaccination 30 days prior to travel and a health certificate within 10 days of travel are required.
The State of Hawaii, however, does require dogs and cats entering from Palau to complete its full quarantine requirements, regardless if the animal completed them upon entry into Palau.
The Territory of Guam requires dogs and cats entering from Palau to complete its full quarantine requirements, regardless if the animal completed them upon entry into Palau.
Australia has a 10 day mandatory quarantine for entry of a dog or cat into the country.
Japan has import requirements by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Contact PAWS – Palau Animal Welfare Society for island assistance. https://pawspalau.org/
Other pets / CITES / extra rules
Yes, a member under Ocean region. Visit CITES for specific in formation.
The US Dollar is used as the of ficial currency.
There’s also no public transportation and no taxis at the airport upon arrival.
20-30 minutes by car from the airport to Koror downtown.
No taxis waiting at the airport. Please be sure to arrange transportation before arrival.
Retain copies of necessary qualification documents for your files and to accompany your pet as a backup.
Where the animal or plant disease or pest status of the exporting country has changed or has been reported to have changed since the issue of a Plant and Animal Quarantine Entry Permit or if any other condition prevails whereby the entry of the plants, plant material, animal, animal products or other15 regulated goods would constitute a quarantine risk, such permits may be cancelled at any time without notice, whether or not the importer has a pre-existing contractual obligation to import.
You will need to fulfill your country of import’s regulations.
Although Palau considers itself rabies free, it is not recognized as rabies free by other countries. Dogs and cats going to the US mainland do not have to go through quarantine, as regulated by the US Dept. of Agriculture, APHIS. Generally, a rabies vaccination 30 days prior to travel and a health certificate within 10 days of travel are required.
The State of Hawaii, however, does require dogs and cats entering from Palau to complete its full quarantine requirements, regardless if the animal completed them upon entry into Palau.
The Territory of Guam requires dogs and cats entering from Palau to complete its full quarantine requirements, regardless if the animal completed them upon entry into Palau.
Australia has a 10 day mandatory quarantine for entry of a dog or cat into the country.
Japan has import requirements by the Ministry of Agriculture. English: Free Guide & Other Information | Japanese
Contact PAWS – Palau Animal Welfare Society - https://pawspalau.org/
Official contacts
Quarantine office can be contacted at palauquarantine11@gmail.com
Bureau of Agriculture
Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism
Republic of Palau
PO BOX 460, Koro, Republic of Palau 96940
Tel – 680-587-2504
Fax – 680 – 587-1518
Email: palauquarantine11@gmail.com / ffms@palaunet.comWebsiteDivision of Biosecurity of Palau
2nd Floor, Executive Building
Ngerulmud, Palau 96940
P.O. Box 460, Koror,
Republic of Palau 96940
Tel.: +680 587-2504 / Fax: +680 587-1518
Tel: +680 767-5435 / Fax: +680 767-3380
Email: boagri@palaunet.com / palauquarantine13@gmail.com / [ffms@palaunet.com
Website](https://www.palaugov.pw/executive-branch/ministries/natural-resources/bureau-of-agriculture/)
Current as of December 2024
Disclaimer
Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2024-12-12.
Next: measure your dog, find the kennel size, then get a free travel quote. Moving on military orders? PCS moves. Going to Hawaiʻi instead? Hawaiʻi has its own regime.
Other destinations: American Samoa · Australia · Cook Islands · all destinations
Official sources for Palau
- State of Hawaii hdoa.hawaii.gov
Questions about moving a pet to Palau
Does my dog or cat need a microchip for Palau?
Required
From the country profile, last verified 2024-12-12.
What rabies vaccination does Palau require?
Palau is considered to be rabies free by the Palau Bureau of Agriculture (BOA), and no known cases have ever been documented in Palau of dog rabies
Is a rabies antibody (titer) test needed for Palau?
FAVN Rabies Antibody Test is required
A titer test is the single most common reason a move takes months rather than weeks, because the waiting period runs from the blood draw.
Do I need an import permit to bring a pet into Palau?
Yes required
Will my pet be quarantined on arrival in Palau?
From countries with rabies - As soon as the animals arrive in the Republic of Palau they shall immediately be taken under the control of an Inspector to the quarantine premises…