Introduction
Palau is a small island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean. It has a population of around 18,000 people. The country has a unique passport program that allows it to issue passports to foreigners. This program has been controversial, but it has also been a major source of revenue for the country.
How many Palau IDs are issued annually?
The number of Palau IDs issued annually has varied over the years. In 2016, the country issued around 236,000 IDs. This number has decreased in recent years, but it is still significant.
Who is eligible for a Palau ID?
Any foreigner can apply for a Palau ID. There are no residency requirements, and there is no need to visit Palau. The only requirement is that the applicant must be at least 18 years old.
What are the benefits of a Palau ID?
There are a number of benefits to having a Palau ID. These benefits include:
- Visa-free travel to over 100 countries
- The ability to open a bank account in Palau
- The ability to purchase property in Palau
- The ability to apply for a driver’s license in Palau
How to apply for a Palau ID
The process of applying for a Palau ID is relatively simple. The applicant must complete an online application and submit it along with a passport-style photograph. The application fee is $195.
Conclusion
The Palau ID program is a unique and controversial program. It has been a major source of revenue for the country, but it has also raised concerns about security and identity theft. The number of Palau IDs issued annually has varied over the years, but it is still significant.
Additional Information
Here are some additional facts about the Palau ID program:
- The program was launched in 1994.
- The program has generated over $1 billion in revenue for Palau.
- The program has been criticized by some countries, including the United States.
- The United States has placed Palau on a watch list for countries that are at risk of becoming a haven for financial crime.
Table 1: Number of Palau IDs issued annually
| Year | Number of IDs issued |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 236,000 |
| 2017 | 215,000 |
| 2018 | 190,000 |
| 2019 | 165,000 |
Table 2: Top 10 countries of origin for Palau ID holders
| Country | Number of ID holders |
|---|---|
| China | 85,000 |
| Russia | 35,000 |
| Ukraine | 25,000 |
| Kazakhstan | 20,000 |
| Belarus | 15,000 |
| Armenia | 10,000 |
| Kyrgyzstan | 10,000 |
| Uzbekistan | 10,000 |
| Moldova | 5,000 |
Table 3: Benefits of a Palau ID
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Visa-free travel to over 100 countries | Palau has visa-free agreements with over 100 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. |
| Ability to open a bank account in Palau | Palau has a number of banks that offer a variety of banking services to ID holders. |
| Ability to purchase property in Palau | ID holders can purchase property in Palau without any restrictions. |
| Ability to apply for a driver’s license in Palau | ID holders can apply for a driver’s license in Palau after passing a driving test. |
Table 4: How to apply for a Palau ID
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Complete an online application |
| 2 | Submit a passport-style photograph |
| 3 | Pay the application fee |
| 4 | Wait for your ID to be processed |
