Do You Need A Passport To Go To Guam? (By Air or Sea?)

Guam might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of popular vacation destinations. However, over one million people travel there every year thanks to its breathtaking beaches and beauty.  Guam is one of the U.S. territories, but do you need a passport to go to Guam?

A U.S. citizen traveling to Guam needs a passport, but authorities may accept proof of citizenship and a photo ID. It’s a U.S. territory, so a driver’s license and your birth certificate could work in place of your passport.  International travelers and US citizens traveling to Guam from another country will need a passport.

Whether snorkeling, sunning or exploring caves, Guam offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. But if you don’t know the proper travel documents to bring, you won’t get very far.

Is Guam Considered International Travel for US Citizens?

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Once upon a time, Guam was technically an international flight for U.S. citizens because it was outside the customs territory. However, even then, some U.S. citizens might not need a passport, although it made things go more smoothly.

Today, things are a bit different. For example, as recently as December 6, 2021, the CDC declared Guam domestic travel. Therefore, you won’t need to go through immigration or customs.

US citizens can pass through Guam and stay as long as they want since it is a U.S. territory. You would treat it the way you would when traveling to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or any other U.S. territory. Guam falls under the same regulations as the rest of the United States.

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What Documents Do I Need To Fly To Guam?

If you’re a US citizen traveling from anywhere in the country, entry requirements for Guam are similar to other US locations.

According to Guam’s entry and exit formalities, “Entry requirements for Guam are the same as for any U.S. destination. Although U.S. citizens are required to possess a U.S. passport, on a case-by-case basis, photo I.D. and proof of citizenship may be accepted.” So, if you don’t have your passport, the recommendation is to have your driver’s license and birth certificate.

Other forms of identification might include a border crossing card, or DHS trusted traveler cards. You can check the TSA’s website for a complete list of acceptable identification.

However, you will need your passport if you travel to Guam from another country, even if you’re a U.S. citizen. Think of it in terms of where you are flying from instead of where you are from. Also, keep in mind if you need a passport, plan appropriately.

It could take up to three months to receive your passport. However, you might be eligible for an expedited passport under certain circumstances. If so, you could have your passport in 5 to 7 weeks.

Do Non-U.S. Citizens Need A Passport To Go To Guam?

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If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport to go to Guam. For non-U.S. citizens, Guam is international travel, and the same rules apply as with other international destinations.

Do I Have To Complete A Guam Electronic Declaration Form and Health Form?

In addition to your identification or passport, all passengers must complete a Guam Electronic Declaration Form (GEDF). You can access the form by visiting Guam’s Customs and Quarantine Agency online up to 72 hours before your flight. This form is mandatory for anyone visiting the island.

Visitors also must fill out a Guam Health Declaration Form for themselves and all members of their families. You can also access and complete this form online.

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Do You Need A REAL ID To Go To Guam?

If you’re traveling within the U.S. in 2022, you don’t need a REAL ID -- yet. However, by May 3, 2023, all domestic flights will require passengers to have a REAL ID.

The process to receive a REAL ID involves showing your birth certificate. Therefore, this could eliminate the need to show your birth certificate if traveling to Guam and not using a passport.

The REAL ID requirement applies to anyone 18 and older that uses their driver’s license as their photo ID. If you plan to fly after May 3, 2023, make sure to leave enough time to update your license. Contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for more information about obtaining your REAL ID.

Do You Need A Visa To Go To Guam?

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U.S. citizens traveling to Guam do not need a visa since Guam is a U.S. territory. However, international visitors to Guam must follow the same visa requirements as they would for visiting the mainland.

However, in some cases, international visitors may not need a visa if they qualify under the US Visa Waiver Program. This program applies to citizens or nationals of specific countries (currently, there are 39 countries on the list). You can see if you’re eligible and apply by visiting the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Additionally, Guam has its own visa waiver program, the Guam-Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Visa Waiver Program (Guam-CNMI VWP). It applies to travelers from participating countries that visit Guam for no more than 45 days.

Currently, the participating countries are:

• Australia
• Brunei
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Nauru
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom

In addition, visitors must meet specific other requirements, including a non-transferable round-trip ticket. They must also complete a separate form if they plan to travel visa-free.

If Traveling Visa-Free, You Need to Complete Form I-736

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Visitors traveling without a visa used to have to complete form I-94, but this form is no longer acceptable. Now, if you usually require a visa but travel to Guam under a visa waiver program, you must fill out form I-736.

The exceptions to this are:

• You have a valid visa for traveling in the United States.
• Citizens of Brunei, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, United Kingdom, Singapore, and Taiwan with a current ESTA enrollment.
• You’re a traveler from the People’s Republic of China and have a valid visa for U.S. travel and valid EVUS enrollment.

Travel Restrictions for Guam

Effective June 12, 2022, foreign travelers to the United States no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. The CDC has already applied the same rule to domestic travel and named Guam a domestic flight in the United States. Domestic and international visitors are no longer required to quarantine.

Do You Need To Get a Vaccine To Go To Guam?

U.S. citizens do not need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter Guam. According to the CDC’s website, non-U.S. citizens who are nonimmigrants will require proof of full immunization.

If you fall under this category, make sure to receive the necessary vaccinations at least one month before you travel. Fully vaccinated typically means at least two weeks after a single-dose shot or after the second dose of a double-dose vaccination.

There are certain categories of noncitizens that are exempt from the vaccination requirement. These exceptions include not being an appropriate age for the vaccine or traveling for legal purposes.

However, you would need to undergo several other requirements before flying to the United States. You can find more information about these exceptions in section three of the President’s proclamation.

Does A Child Need a Passport To Go To Guam?

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Typically, children under 18 do not need a passport for domestic flights. However, this is as long as they travel with an adult with proper identification.

If your child is young enough to sit in your lap, you might need to show their birth certificate. However, this is more to show proof of their age since you’re not purchasing a full-price ticket.

Children traveling internationally will need a passport, regardless of age. If your child is flying alone, a legal guardian or representative must meet any child under 18 at the Guam airport. The guardian must show a proper photo identification and possibly the child’s birth certificate to receive the child.

Can You Go To Guam On A Cruise Without A Passport?

On a closed-loop cruise, you can likely cruise to Guam in the Pacific Ocean without a passport. A closed-loop cruise means it departs and returns to the same port. But, if the cruise will return to a different port from where it started, you need a passport.

This rule applies even if it’s returning to another port in the United States. Likewise, if the cruise ship makes international stops, you’ll need your passport for specific locations if you want to disembark.

The rules for traveling via cruise can get tricky when it comes to passports. Therefore, make sure to carefully examine the itinerary for your specific cruise so you can plan accordingly.

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Final Look At Needing A Passport To Go To Guam

If you’re planning a trip to Guam and are a U.S. citizen, you should still show a passport. But, as a U.S. territory, a driver’s license and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, will also work. If you’re an international visitor, you have to have your passport.

International visitors will also need a visa to visit Guam unless they qualify under a visa waiver program. Children under 18 who are U.S. citizens won’t need a passport as long as they travel with an adult with a proper ID. But all international visitors, regardless of age, will need a passport.

If you’re planning to go to Guam on a cruise, you won’t need a passport on a closed-loop cruise. However, if you plan to return to a different port from where you started, bring your passport. Since rules can change and vary from place to place, take your time to plan ahead.