Palau Embassy Washington D.C.

03/05/2026

PRESIDENT WHIPPS TO SPEAK AT THE 13TH WORLD OCEAN SUMMIT

Koror, Palau (March 3, 2026) — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. will discuss how science and technology can help Palau, and small island nations, better steward the oceans and safeguard the security of vast EEZs at the 13th World Ocean Summit.

Under the theme “Innovate, Protect, Prosper: Securing Our Ocean Future,” the Summit brings together global leaders, experts, and innovators to shape the future of ocean governance and the blue economy. The Economist is hosting the forum, which will be held from March 4–5, 2026, in Montreal, Canada.

President Whipps will share Palau’s vision for an ocean future built on innovation, sustainable management, and international collaboration. He will emphasize the need for inclusive access to marine technology, stronger science-based protection for deep-sea ecosystems, and a blue economy that prioritizes both conservation and community prosperity.

“As small island nations, we are custodians of vast ocean areas that sustain the planet,” President Whipps said. “Palau is showing that innovation and stewardship can go hand in hand to secure a future where people and nature thrive together.”

Ahead of Palau’s hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum and ongoing preparations for COP31, President Whipps will also call for stronger partnerships with governments, the private sector, and philanthropic institutions to enhance the Pacific’s leadership on ocean and climate action.

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02/28/2026

February 27, 2026

Ambassador Hersey Kyota had the distinct honor of joining our fellow Palauans and the wider Micronesian community at the Utah State Capitol for COFA Day 2026.

In coordination with the CANN National Alliance and the CANN Utah Chapter, this event served as a powerful reminder of the deep-rooted bonds between the Republic of Palau and the United States under the Compact of Free Association.

Ambassador Kyota shared his gratitude for the warm welcome from the Utah Palauan community and emphasized the importance of our diaspora in strengthening the bilateral relationship.

A heartfelt thank you to the organizers and the Utah state officials for recognizing the contributions of COFA citizens. We are stronger together!

02/16/2026

Alii, Palauans in Utah! 🇵🇼

Get ready for a historic day at the Capitol! We are gathering for COFA on the Hill, a significant event where our community will be officially recognized by the State of Utah. This is a powerful moment to represent Palau alongside our brothers and sisters from the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands.

Let’s show up in full force to witness this milestone and celebrate our vibrant culture!

🏛️ Event Details
* When: Friday, February 27, 2026
* Where: Utah State Capitol Building, 350 N State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84114
* Key Requirement: Please ensure you are seated in the House observation area by 9:30 AM.
📑 Day’s Agenda

Experience a full day of legislative recognition and cultural celebration:

* 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM: Bus Transportation (Stay tuned for updates!)
* 10:00 AM – 10:20 AM: House Citation Reading
* 10:30 AM – 10:50 AM: Senate Citation Reading
* 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM: Lunch @ the Capitol (North & South Conf Centers)
* 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Cultural Programs
* Remarks from FAS Ambassadors and Consul Generals
* CANN Remarks
* Music, Dance, and Crafts Displays

"A historic day for all our COFA communities in Utah."

Don’t miss this chance to see our heritage honored in the halls of government. Wear your island attire, bring your family, and let’s make our voices heard!

10/17/2025

Public Notice

The Embassy of the Republic of Palau wishes to inform the public that our official website is currently experiencing technical difficulties and is temporarily unavailable. We are working closely with our web hosting provider to restore full functionality as soon as possible.

During this period, the Embassy remains fully operational. For any inquiries, assistance, or document printing needs, please contact us via email or telephone, or access the Palau Government website ( Palaugov.pw) for relevant documents and information.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to resolve this matter promptly.

— Embassy of the Republic of Palau 🇵🇼

Rechad er Belau, or Palauans, are the indigenous people of the traditional name by which we call our nation, which is now known as the Republic of Palau. We are a sovereign people who gained independence in 1994. Our island nation is an archipelago made up of about 340 islands, islets, and atolls. E...

10/02/2025

Surangel S. Whipps, President of the Republic of Palau, addresses the General Debate of the 80th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 23 - 29 September 2025).

World leaders will gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, "Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights".

The General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly is the opportunity for Heads of State and Government to come together at the UN Headquarters and discuss world issues. Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

Surangel S. Whipps, President of the Republic of Palau, addresses the General Debate of the 80th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New Y...

07/07/2025

Reminder to Keep Valid Passport and I-94 Documentation Readily Accessible.

In light of recent reports of increased activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across several states, I write to strongly encourage all Palauan citizens residing in the United States to ensure you have copies of your valid Palauan passport and most recent I-94 arrival/departure record readily available—either as physical copies or stored securely on your phone or other electronic device.

As citizens of the Republic of Palau, you are eligible to reside, work and attend schools in the United States under the Compact of Free Association (COFA). However, during interactions with immigration officials, it is important that you are able to quickly verify your legal presence and COFA status. Having proper documentation on hand will help avoid unnecessary complications or delays.

What You Should Have Accessible:

A valid Palauan passport (original and/or digital copy)
A copy of your most recent I-94 record (downloadable from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov)

If your documents are expired or misplaced, we urge you to take immediate steps to renew or retrieve them. For assistance, you may contact the Palau Embassy in Washington, D.C. at (202) 349-8598 or by email at [email protected].

Please share this message with your family members and fellow citizens, especially those who may be unaware of the current enforcement environment. Your preparedness ensures that your rights as Palauan citizens under COFA are protected at all times.

03/20/2025

The Texas Senate has unanimously adopted Senate Resolution 268, expressing support for the citizens of the Compact of Free Association (COFA) nations residing in Texas and reaffirming their rights under the COFA agreements. The resolution also designates March 18, 2025, as COFA Day in Texas.

02/05/2025

Memo for Palauans Residing in the U.S

01/13/2025

Due to New US Administration Plans for Mass Deportations of Undocumented Immigrants, Embassy Wishes to Inform Palauans in the US to Ensure Your Immigration Documents are in Order to Avoid Potential Complications.

Click on the Bulletin Link below for Details and to also check the Embassy Website for Additional Immigration Informations.

01/06/2025

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
2023 COMPACT OF FREE ASSOCIATION AMENDMENT ACT.

09/23/2024

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( Food Stamps) for COFA Citizens Eligibility – Provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2024.

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09/23/2024

: In-State Tuition and Title IV Eligibility for Citizens of the Freely Associated States.

Posted Date April 29, 2024 Author Office of Postsecondary Education Electronic Announcement ID GENERAL-24-50 Subject In-State Tuition and Title IV Eligibility for Citizens of the Freely Associated States This Electronic Announcement describes the provisions of a new law enacted in March 2024 that pr...