Is a Visa Needed to Travel to Guam?
Contents
To stay in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands for more than 45 days but not more than 90 days, you must obtain an ESTA.
Japanese nationals traveling to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands for less than 45 days are exempt from obtaining ESTA under the Guam-Northern Mariana Islands Federal Visa Waiver Program (Guam-CNMI VWP). If you are approved for ESTA, you will also be exempt from filling out an immigration document (I-736), regardless of the length of the stay. This immigration document is typically distributed on the aircraft on your way to Guam and is required to be submitted.
ESTA for travel to Guam
Travelers who have obtained ESTA authorization are excused from filling out the above forms (I-736 and I-94). This results in simplified immigration screening. Since there is no need to fill out the immigration card, there are no worries about filling it out incorrectly. In addition, special immigration lanes have been established since April 2016, which are exclusively for travelers obtaining ESTA authorization. While ESTA authorization is not absolutely required for travel to Guam, and as such related prior preparations are not necessary, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends ESTA for travelers to Guam to facilitate smooth immigration procedures.In addition, travelers who obtain ESTA are eligible for staying in Guam for up to 90 days instead of the usual 45 days.
For more information on ESTA, please click here.
Guam-CNMI VWP participating countries
- Australia
- Malaysia
- South Korea
- Brunei
- Nauru
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- New Zealand
- Taiwan
- Japan
- Papua New Guinea
- United Kingdom
*Taiwanese passport holders are only eligible to travel to Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands on a direct flight from Taiwan to Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands. They must carry a national ID card and a Taiwanese passport and the flight should not have any stops, except for potential stops within Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, which are U.S. territories.
Guam-CNMI VWP Terms and Conditions
- Stay in Guam and/or the CNMI must be for 45 days or less
- You must have a non-transferable round-trip ticket with a departure date that is not more than 45 days from the date of entry into Guam or the CNMI.
- You must complete and sign the Form I-736 in your own handwriting.
- You must possess a valid passport (with an IC chip) that complies with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards and has a valid expiration date.
- You must comply with the regulations set forth by the Guam-Northern Mariana Islands federal government and have no violation history from previous entries.
* “Previous entries” include all immigrant and nonimmigrant visa entries, entry by the Guam-Northern Mariana Islands Visa Waiver Program, and entry by the Guam Visa Waiver Program under the old system.
What you need when entering Guam
- Valid passport
- Round-trip or Guam to third country air ticket or boarding ticket
- Immigration documents *Same for connecting flights to a third country
| Individuals without ESTA | Immigration Form (I-736), Customs and Quarantine Declaration |
| Individuals with ESTA approval | Customs and Quarantine Declaration * You do not need to submit a printed copy of ESTA approval. |
| Individuals with a visa | Customs and Quarantine Declaration |
* Entry cards and customs and quarantine declarations are distributed on the aircraft. Use a blue or black ballpoint pen to fill in Roman letters.
Documents required when a minor travels
The Guam Electronic Customs Declaration Form (GUAM ELECTRONIC DECLARATION FORM) was developed in collaboration with the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB), Guam Customs and Quarantine Authority (CQA), and Guam International Airport Authority (GIAA). It was launched in June 2021. Travelers can submit the application up to 72 hours before their travel date. Once submitted, a Guam Customs officer will scan the QR code issued by the application using a special machine. The application can be submitted through a PC or smartphone on the Guam Customs and Quarantine Bureau’s official website.
Required Documents for Minors Traveling to the U.S.
A travel consent form written in English from both parents or the other parent is required when an individual under the age of 18 is traveling alone or accompanied by one parent, per the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This is to prevent international child abductions by one parent during custody proceedings or otherwise. It is not necessary to present this travel consent form during immigration inspection; it should only be presented when questioned by the immigration officer. There have been no reported cases of minors being denied entry.
When a child is required to bring a written consent form from parents or guardians (grandfather or grandmother)
- a child under the age of 18 traveling alone
- a child traveling with certain adults not accompanied by parents
- a child traveling with grandparents/uncles/aunts/friends but not accompanied by parents
- a child attending educational travel such as school trips, study tours, etc.
* There is no official travel consent form.An example of a consent form can be found on the Guam Visitors Bureau website.
When a child is required to bring an official document (such as a copy of the family register) in addition to a consent form
- Married couples with different surnames
- International marriage where parents have different surnames
- Situations where one of the parents is deceased.
- Parents who are divorced and traveling with their mother or father.
* The official document must be translated into English. You may attach or add your own English translation alongside a copy of the original document.
U.S. CBP recommends applying for ESTA when entering Guam
Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are part of the Visa Waiver Program (Guam-CNMI VWP), which means that visitors can stay for up to 45 days for tourism or short-term business travel without a visa. Travelers do not need to apply for ESTA, but they must fill out and submit an immigration document (Form I-736). This form will be given to travelers before their trip or during their flight. The Form I-736 must be submitted by one of the following methods:
- Print out the form online (Japanese version) before traveling, complete the information, sign it, and submit it to the crew.
Immigration Document (Form I-736)
* Please note that Form I-736, printed more than 7 days before departure, will not be valid. It is recommended to print on both sides in A4 size. - Fill out Form I-736, distributed on the outbound flight, and submit it to the immigration officer.
Benefits of ESTA when entering Guam
Not required to complete an immigration document (Form I-736)
If you have already obtained an ESTA for travel to Guam, you do not need to complete an immigration document (Form I-736) distributed during the flight. We recommend applying for an ESTA before your trip for a smoother travel experience.
Maximum stay in Guam extended to 90 days
Japanese nationals can enter Guam without a visa, but the maximum stay is usually limited to 45 days. However, by applying for ESTA, they will be allowed to stay in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) for up to 90 days. The U.S. considers those who apply for ESTA to be cooperative travelers during immigration screening, making it easier for travel and business to enter Guam.
Guam Customs upon entering the country
The government of Guam has implemented restrictions on checked and carry-on luggage for foreign visitors entering the country. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a safe and pleasant visit.
The following items are duty-free for adults entering Guam.
- Alcoholic beverages: up to approximately 3700ml
- Cigars and cigarettes: up to 5 cartons or 1000 cigarettes
Cash and traveler’s checks over $10,000 must be declared upon entering the country. Prohibited items may not be brought into the country.
Bringing Medications
If you are bringing prescription medication for a chronic illness or disease to Guam, you will need to provide proof that you are carrying the medication for the intended medical purpose. We suggest preparing a Medicine Certificate in English.
When entering the country, you can generally bring medications for personal use during your stay. However, it’s important to know that the screening process for bringing medications into Guam is becoming stricter due to anti-terrorism measures and other reasons. Please be aware that your medications may be confiscated during baggage checks at the Guam airport and if this happens, it could take a long time to resolve the issue. It is important to be aware that airport officials may not be able to identify drugs based on appearance alone. To avoid any issues, it is recommended that you bring documentation with you to prove that the drugs are not narcotics or dangerous substances. For additional information, please get in touch with Guam Customs.
Prohibited items (partial list)
The following are some examples of items that are not allowed to be brought into Guam.
- Vegetables, fruits and plants with mud, roots or leaves attached
- Poultry, pork, beef, and other processed meat products
- Eggs and all dairy products (except unsealed and unopened powdered milk.)
Access from Guam International Airport
As of January 2024, no public buses are leaving Guam International Airport, so travelers must travel from the airport by rental car or taxi.
Both Tumon and Hagatna area are about a 15-minute drive away from the airport.
Introduction of the Simplified Arrival System at Guam International Airport
The APC kiosks at Guam International Airport were discontinued in 2022, and a biometric authentication system called the “Simplified Arrival” was introduced. This system verifies a traveler’s identity by matching the photo taken at immigration with the photo in the passport and by taking fingerprints. The previous manual document screening process is now automated, allowing travelers to go through the process without touching anything. Additionally, introducing this highly accurate authentication function is expected to eliminate the need for fingerprint collection for those who have traveled to the U.S., including Guam.
Simplified Arrival System
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented a system called Simplified Arrival, which utilizes facial biometrics to enhance security and improve the efficiency of international travel. This system is now in operation at Guam International Airport, replacing the Automated Passenger Control (APC) terminal kiosks that were eliminated in 2022. The goal of this system is to provide more accurate identification of travelers and to streamline immigration procedures. Passengers using this system will not need to have their photo taken, fingerprints collected, or undergo any other touchless procedures, making it a safe and secure option for immigration processing.
UPDATE : 2024/10/04
