Palau Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Palau
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated August 6, 2024
Palau recorded 11.2 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2018, a rate that is high by global standards. That places Palau #38 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Oceania average of 5.9 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 33% over the past decade (from 16.9 in 2015). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Palau at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
11.2 /100k
Safety Rank
#158 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2018
Homicide Rate Trend (2015-2018)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 33% over the past decade (from 16.9 in 2015). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Palau Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Palau:
Reissued after periodic review without changes Exercise normal precautions in Palau. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Palau. If you decide to travel to Palau: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter . Follow the Embassy on Facebook . Review the Country Security Report for Palau. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Palau
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 15, 2026).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack American citizens outside of the United States. They are using simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets. High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) For more information, see our Terrorism page .
Crime
Although the crime rate in Palau is relatively low, you might be the target of petty and sometimes violent crime as well as other random acts against individuals and property. Please stay alert for your personal safety and protect your valuables.
Unexploded ordnance
Unexploded ordnance from World War II (UXO) remains a problem in Palau. Although the majority of the land-based UXO is found on the island of Peleliu, UXO can be found almost on any island in Palau. Underwater UXO may also present a threat. Heed all warnings on areas that might be affected. Use extreme caution when hiking or scuba diving.
Cyclone Season
The official cyclone season is November through April. However, severe storms, including tropical depressions, are possible outside the official season. The Palau National Weather Service , in partnership with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), tracks weather systems for Palau and other islands in the Pacific. Palau’s weather statements and public advisories are posted on Palau’s National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) website. The Fiji Meteorological Service maintains a Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (TCWC) in Nadi serving the Southwest Pacific Region. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available at the State Department’s website , as well as from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime
You may report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +680-775-6150. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victims’ compensation programs in the U.S. Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home Replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated. Rules with regards to general practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. Trained staff are usually there to help with organized activities. In the event of an injury, medical treatment is available at the Belau National Hospital in Meyuns, Koror. Outside of the central tourism areas, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Palau Population & Demographics
Population of 17,695, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palau safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Palau at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 11.2 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Palau?
Palau has an intentional homicide rate of 11.2 per 100,000 people (2018, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #38 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Palau?
Palau is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Palau compare to other countries?
Palau's homicide rate of 11.2 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Oceania average of 5.9.