New Zealand eTA for Palauan Citizens
Palau — the pristine North Pacific archipelago of over 340 islands in the Western Carolines, renowned globally as one of the world's premier marine conservation destinations — shares with New Zealand a foundational commitment to ocean protection and biodiversity preservation that makes the two nations natural allies in the global conservation conversation. Palau's Jellyfish Lake, the Blue Corner dive site, and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary — protecting 80% of Palau's waters from commercial fishing — represent marine conservation achievements of extraordinary ambition that parallel New Zealand's own marine reserve network and predator-free island programme. The Palauan government made global conservation history in 2009 by declaring the world's first shark sanctuary, banning all commercial shark fishing in its waters — a bold act of ecological stewardship that New Zealand's own marine conservation community deeply respects. Palau's Compact of Free Association with the United States shapes its international travel patterns, with New Zealand serving as a transit and Pacific family connection point. Palau is a Pacific Islands Forum member and active participant in regional climate and ocean governance alongside New Zealand.
Palau and NZ are both world-leading marine conservation nations — Palau's National Marine Sanctuary and NZ's marine reserve network share exceptional ambition
Palauan travellers connect to Auckland via United Airlines through Guam or Manila, then Pacific connections to Auckland
Palau declared the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009 — a marine conservation achievement deeply respected by New Zealand's own conservation community
12-72 hrs
Processing
90 days
Stay
2 Years
Validity
Multiple
Entries
How Palauan Citizens Apply
Complete Online Form
Enter your Palau passport number and personal details online.
Pay and Choose Speed
Select Regular ($125), Emergency ($145), or Express ($165) and pay by card.
Receive NZeTA by Email
Your approved NZeTA arrives by email in 12-72 hours.
Requirements
Flights from Palau to New Zealand
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) in Palau connects to Auckland via United Airlines to Guam (GUM) then onward connections, or via Manila (MNL) on Philippines Airlines then Singapore Airlines or Qantas to Auckland. Total Palau–Auckland journey time is approximately 12–18 hours depending on routing. United Airlines' Guam hub and the Manila routing are the two most practical options. Book well in advance as Pacific island connections are limited.
Palau Community in New Zealand
Palau's community in New Zealand is extremely small — reflecting the archipelago's population of just 18,000 — but Palau and New Zealand share active engagement in Pacific Islands Forum governance, ocean conservation diplomacy, and climate change advocacy. Palauan marine conservation expertise is internationally recognised, and exchanges between Palauan and New Zealand marine scientists and conservation practitioners occur through Pacific regional programmes. New Zealand's Pacific Island community in Auckland provides a familiar cultural environment for Palauan visitors.
Best Time to Visit New Zealand from Palau
December to February (NZ summer) is peak season. June to August (NZ winter) provides dramatic alpine contrast to Palau's tropical Pacific climate. Spring and autumn are excellent with mild conditions across both islands.
Tips
Apply for relevant New Zealand travel authorisation well before departure from Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Koror/Babeldaob
Connect via Guam (United Airlines) or Manila (Philippines Airlines) then onward to Auckland
Palau's Palauan Pledge — requiring every visitor to sign a conservation commitment in their passport — reflects the same values New Zealand's biosecurity rules embody
NZeTA Fees
FAQs - Palauan Citizens
Do Palauan citizens need authorisation for New Zealand?
Palauan citizens should check current New Zealand immigration requirements with Immigration New Zealand. Transit and visitor authorisations should be confirmed before each trip.
How do Palauan citizens travel to New Zealand?
Via United Airlines through Guam then onward connections, or via Manila (Philippines Airlines) then Singapore/Sydney to Auckland. Total journey is approximately 12–18 hours.
What is the Palau National Marine Sanctuary?
The Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS), established in 2015, protects 80% of Palau's exclusive economic zone — approximately 500,000 sq km — from all commercial fishing. It is one of the world's largest and most ambitious marine protected areas.
What is the Palauan Pledge?
The Palauan Pledge is a conservation commitment that all visitors to Palau must sign in their passport upon entry, promising to protect and preserve the natural environment. It is the world's first passport conservation pledge — an innovative approach to sustainable tourism.
Is Palau's marine conservation comparable to New Zealand's?
Both nations are world-class marine conservation leaders. Palau's shark sanctuary, marine sanctuary, and passport pledge are globally recognised. New Zealand's Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary proposal, marine reserve network, and predator-free islands reflect equivalent ambition. Conservation practitioners from both nations actively share knowledge.
What is Palau's relationship with New Zealand?
Both are Pacific Islands Forum members actively engaged in ocean governance, climate change action, and Pacific regional security discussions. New Zealand provides Pacific development assistance through regional channels that include Palau.
Is diving in Palau comparable to New Zealand for conservation-minded visitors?
Palau's diving — the Blue Corner, German Channel, Jellyfish Lake — is considered among the world's best for marine diversity. New Zealand offers exceptional diving at Poor Knights Islands and other reserves. Both prioritise conservation. They attract different diving profiles but equally serious ocean enthusiasts.
What does the NZeTA or transit authorisation cost for Palauan citizens?
Check current Immigration New Zealand requirements for Palauan citizens before travel. For standard NZeTA-eligible countries, fees range from USD $125 to $85 depending on processing speed.
NZeTA for Other Nationalities
Apply for NZeTA - Palauan Citizens
Fully online - Approved in 12-72 hours - No embassy visit
Start Application