United States Visa RequirementsFor Guam passport holders
Guam is an organized unincorporated US territory. US citizens traveling between Guam and the US mainland do not need a passport or visa. Foreign nationals must meet standard US entry requirements, though Guam also operates a special Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program for certain nationalities not covered by the standard US VWP.
Great news! Guam passport holders can enter United States without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
US citizens and permanent residents need no application for travel to Guam. For foreign nationals from GVW-eligible countries: present your passport at the Guam port of entry; no advance application is required. For standard VWP countries: use ESTA (esta.cbp.dhs.gov, $21). For all others: apply for a B1/B2 visa at your nearest US Embassy.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Guam to United States: What You Need to Know
Guam is an unincorporated organized territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean, acquired from Spain in 1898. It is home to significant US military installations and a large tourism industry, particularly from Japan, South Korea, and other Asian nations.
For US citizens: travel to Guam from the continental United States is domestic travel. No passport or visa is needed; a government-issued ID suffices. However, a passport is recommended as flights to Guam often transit through foreign countries.
For foreign nationals: Guam operates the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program (GVW), which allows citizens of certain countries (including Japan, South Korea, Russia, and others) to visit Guam and the CNMI without a US visa for up to 45 days, even if those countries are not in the standard US Visa Waiver Program. Citizens of standard VWP countries use their ESTA as normal. Citizens of non-VWP, non-GVW countries require a standard US B1/B2 visa.
Guam is in the Chamorro Standard Time zone (UTC+10) and is geographically closer to Tokyo than to Honolulu.
How to Get There
Guam is served by Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM). From the US mainland, connections are typically through Honolulu (HNL) or on direct flights from West Coast cities. United Airlines operates the most frequent flights from the US mainland. Flight time from Los Angeles with a Honolulu connection is approximately 12 to 13 hours. Guam is also a major transit hub for Japan and Korea.
Money & Banking
The US dollar (USD) is the currency of Guam. US bank cards and credit cards work normally throughout the island. No currency conversion is needed for US travelers. The cost of living is generally higher than the continental US due to imported goods. Tipping follows US norms. Emergency: 911.
Practical Tips
Guam operates on the right side of the road. The island is a duty-free shopping destination. Most hotels and restaurants cater to Japanese and Korean tourists as well as US military families and mainland US visitors. Emergency: 911. English and Chamorro are the official languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a passport to travel to Guam?
No. Guam is a US territory and travel there is domestic for US citizens. A government-issued ID is sufficient for domestic airline check-in. However, a passport is strongly recommended because most flights from the US mainland to Guam transit through foreign countries, and some airlines require a passport for itineraries that include international connections.
What is the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program?
The Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program (GVW) allows citizens of certain countries not covered by the standard US Visa Waiver Program to visit Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) for up to 45 days without a US visa. Eligible nationalities include Japan, South Korea, Russia, Malaysia, Nauru, and others. The GVW does not allow travel to the US mainland.
Can I travel from Guam to Hawaii or the mainland US without additional documentation?
US citizens can travel freely from Guam to Hawaii and the mainland. Foreign nationals who entered Guam under the GVW cannot proceed to the US mainland; the GVW is only valid for Guam and CNMI. If you wish to travel onward to the continental US, you must hold a valid ESTA or US visa.
How far is Guam from the US mainland?
Guam is located in the western Pacific Ocean, approximately 3,800 miles (6,100 km) west of Hawaii. It is geographically much closer to Japan (about 1,500 miles) and the Philippines (about 1,600 miles) than to the US West Coast. Flight time from Los Angeles to Guam with a Honolulu connection is approximately 12 to 13 hours.
What time zone is Guam in?
Guam operates on Chamorro Standard Time (ChST), which is UTC+10. There is no daylight saving time. Guam is 15 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (EST) and 18 hours ahead of US Pacific Time (PST).
Is Guam good for tourists from the US mainland?
Guam is a popular destination for Asian tourists, particularly Japanese and Korean travelers, but also attracts US mainland visitors. It offers tropical beaches, World War II historical sites, duty-free shopping, and a mix of Chamorro culture and American conveniences. The US dollar is used, English is an official language, and emergency services operate under US standards (911).