Palua

Palua

History of Relations

Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Palau were established on 24 August 2004. Palau attained independence in free association with the United States on 1 October 1994. Besides Palau's direct relationship with the United States through the Compact of Free Association, Palau also enjoys close relations with Japan. It is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, the South Pacific Forum and the South Pacific Commission, the Forum Fisheries Agency as well as the United Nations.

The Palau islands include more than 200 islands of which only eight are inhabited with a land area of approximately 508 sq kms and an estimated population of 17 285.

For further information on Palau, go to http://www.palaugov.net

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Palua

H E Mr M C J Van Schalkwyk
High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Accredited from Canberra, Australia
Non-resident South African High Commissioner

South African High Commission

Palua Representation in South Africa

No Representation

Travel Info

Visa Requirements for South Africans

Refer to the South African High Commission in Canberra, Australia.

Health Requirements

The preventative measures you need to take while travelling in the South Pacific region depend on the areas you visit and the length of time you stay. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers to Palau over one year of age arriving from infected areas, or from countries in any part of which yellow fever is endemic. For detailed information see Yellow Fever Comprehensive Vaccination Requirements.

A cholera vaccination certificate is required from all travellers arriving from infected areas.
Typhoid, para-typhoid and tetanus vaccinations are strongly recommended.
A smallpox vaccination certificate is required from all travellers arriving from infected areas.
Hepatitis A and B may occur on some islands and precautions should be taken.
No malaria present. Mains water is normally chlorinated and whilst relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay.
Poisonous sea snakes and fish can present hazards to bathers in some areas. Palau has two private medical clinics and a public hospital. As health care is not free, health insurance is recommended.

See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect.
For more health information for travellers to the South Pacific, go to http://www.cdc.gov/travel/austspac.htm.

Climate Info

Palau enjoys a pleasantly warm climate all year round with an annual average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius. The heaviest rainfall takes place between July and October, but typhoons are rare.

For up-to-date weather information, go to www.cnn.com/WEATHER/ or www.wunderground.com.

Currency Info

US Dollars are used throughout Palau. Mastercard, American Express and Visa are accepted in most hotels and tourist-orientated facilities. US dollar travellers cheques are advised. There is no limit on the amount of foreign or local currency to be imported or exported and any amount can be reconverted. On some islands large amounts must be declared.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No Information

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.

Trade Info

Trade is negligible.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Palua, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

No Information