Narita to Babelthuap Island (NRT–ROR) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Japanese passport holders enter Palau visa-free for up to 30 days. No fee, no advance application. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry with one blank page. A return or onward ticket is required. At immigration in Koror (ROR), you receive a 30-day stamp. Extensions up to 90 days total are available at the Bureau of Immigration in Koror for $100.

Palau charges a Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee (PPEF) of $100 per visitor, included in the departure tax collected through the airline ticket. A separate Rock Islands Southern Lagoon permit costs $50 (Jellyfish Lake included) or $25 (without Jellyfish Lake), paid at tour operators or the Koror State office. These are one-time fees valid for 10 days.

Direct flights from Tokyo Narita to Koror run about 4 hours 30 minutes. United Airlines and Skymark Airlines operate the route with several weekly frequencies. Palau uses the US dollar as its currency. ATMs exist in Koror but are limited, and many dive shops and smaller restaurants are cash-only. Bring enough USD cash for activities outside the main hotels. No mandatory vaccinations. Palau's diving and snorkeling are the main draw, with water temperatures at 28 to 30 degrees Celsius year-round.

The Narita Express (N'EX) runs from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport in 60 minutes, with stops at Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Yokohama (¥3,070 one-way from Tokyo; discounted round-trip tickets available). Keisei Skyliner from Ueno takes 41 minutes to Terminal 1 (¥2,570); the faster option from east-side Tokyo. Keisei Limited Express is slower (80 min) but cheaper at ¥1,290.Limousine buses depart from major Tokyo hotels and stations for ¥3,200 and take 75–105 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are extremely expensive (¥20,000–30,000+); avoid unless cost is no concern. The airport is 60 km from central Tokyo.