Overview:
Palau has taken a major step toward modernizing its travel documents with the signing of a new agreement to launch the transition to secure electronic passports. The International Organization for Migration and Luxembourg-based INCERT GIE will lead the development of an ICAO-compliant e-passport system aimed at strengthening document security and improving services for Palauan citizens.
November 2025 | Koror, Palau – “This agreement lays the foundation for Palau’s full transition to secure, electronic passports,” said Yohan Senarath, head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Sub Office in Palau, as IOM and INCERT GIE signed a landmark agreement on Oct. 15 to begin Palau’s transition to an electronic passport (e-passport) system that meets global travel security standards.
The Japan-funded e-passport project, valued at about $4.5 million, is being implemented by IOM in close collaboration with Palau’s Ministry of State and Ministry of Finance. The initiative aims to modernize the nation’s passport issuance system in line with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Once in place, the new system will strengthen the security of Palauan travel documents, improve government service delivery, and make international travel smoother for Palauan citizens.
As part of the agreement, INCERT GIE — a public entity based in Luxembourg that manages the country’s e-passport and digital identity systems — will conduct a comprehensive technical assessment of Palau’s current passport operations. The assessment will evaluate existing issuance and verification processes, review legacy systems, policies, and institutional frameworks, and recommend business and technical solutions for developing a secure, efficient, and sustainable e-passport system tailored to Palau’s needs.
The collaboration will also help Palau build the legal, cybersecurity, human resource, and financial structures necessary to support long-term management of its digital passport system.
Benoît Poletti, chief executive officer of INCERT GIE, said the partnership highlights the organization’s commitment to advancing digital security and supporting national transformation efforts. “By working closely with IOM and the Government of Palau, we aim to support the establishment of a robust, sustainable, and future-ready e-passport system that enhances the integrity of Palauan travel documents while facilitating seamless international travel for its citizens,” he said.
The signing of the contract marks the formal start of Palau’s journey toward adopting secure electronic passports, positioning the country to meet international standards for identity protection and travel facilitation. (Source -PR)