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Aggregating global travel advisories

Travel Advisory for Guam

This page provides a comprehensive comparison of official government travel advisories for Guam from multiple trusted international sources including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Spain, Ireland, and Japan. Each government assesses travel risks independently based on their own intelligence, diplomatic relationships, and risk assessment criteria. By comparing these different perspectives, travelers can make more informed decisions about their safety and security when visiting Guam.

The information below is aggregated from official government sources and analyzed to provide you with a unified view of the current travel situation. Last updated: 2026-07-10

AdvisoryAtlas.com Risk Level

Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions

AdvisoryAtlas.com Safety Index

85
Safety Index Score

Overview

Guam is a safe destination where travelers should exercise normal security precautions, though vigilance is required regarding petty theft, water safety, and seasonal typhoons.

Detailed Advisory Summary

Guam, an unincorporated territory of the United States in Micronesia, is generally a low-risk destination where travelers should exercise normal safety precautions. While violent crime is relatively rare, petty crimes like pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and vehicle break-ins frequently target tourists, particularly around beaches, hotel districts, and popular scenic lookouts. Because Guam is a US territory, federal laws apply; notably, while cannabis is legal locally for personal use under Guam law, it remains strictly illegal under US federal law, meaning transporting any amount across borders or onto military installations is a serious federal offense. Travelers must also remain highly vigilant regarding natural hazards, as the island is situated in an active seismic zone prone to earthquakes and tsunamis, and experiences a typhoon season running from June to December that can cause severe infrastructure damage and utility disruptions. Marine safety is another critical concern, with powerful rip currents and tidal changes posing hazards even near resort beaches, and unexploded World War II ordnance occasionally remaining a danger in remote diving spots, beaches, and fields. Visitors must comply with US entry regulations, including obtaining an ESTA or utilizing the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, and must complete the mandatory Guam Electronic Declaration Form within 72 hours of arrival. Healthcare facilities are highly developed and meet US standards, but medical costs are exceptionally high, making comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage absolutely essential.

Risk Level Summary by Government Source

Source Risk Level Updated Official Link
Global Affairs Canada Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions 2026-07-09 View Source →
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions 2026-07-07 View Source →
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions 2026-07-08 View Source →
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions 2026-07-07 View Source →
Viaggiare Sicuri (Italy) Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions 2026-03-03 View Source →

Safety and Security Analysis

Vaccination Information

Recommended for Most Travelers

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Measles
  • Mumps
  • Rubella (MMR)
  • Tetanus
  • Diphtheria
  • Pertussis
  • Polio
  • Influenza

Recommended for Some Travelers

  • Typhoid
  • Rabies
Ensure all routine immunizations are up to date before travel. Dengue fever is a sporadic risk, so strict mosquito avoidance is advised.

Visa Information

Visa Types

Type Requirement Stay Limit Cost Conditions Details
Tourist / Business (ESTA) e-Visa / ESTA 90 days USD 21 Valid passport, electronic application
  • Application Window: Must apply at least 72 hours before departure.
  • Entry Method: Allows entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
Tourist (Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver) Free G-CNMI ETA 45 days Free Direct travel to Guam or CNMI only
  • Eligibility: Restricted to citizens of participating countries traveling directly to Guam or CNMI.
  • Limitations: No extension of stay or transit to other US states is permitted.
  • Application: Recommended to apply at least 7 days prior to boarding.
Regular US Visa Embassy Visa Varies Check Embassy Required for stays over 90 days
  • Application: Must be obtained from a US Embassy or Consulate prior to travel.

Entry & Legal Compliance

  • Passport Validity Needed: Duration of stay
  • Blank Pages Required: 1
  • Dual Citizenship Policy: Recognized
  • Proof Of Onward Travel: Required
  • Currency Limit Declaration: USD 10,000
  • Drone Usage Law: Registration required under FAA regulations

Emergency Contacts

  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Medical): 911 (Toll-free emergency line)
  • Guam Police Department: +1-671-649-6330 (Non-emergency line)
  • Tumon Precinct Command: +1-671-649-6330 (Tourist district police)
  • Australian Consulate-General in Honolulu: +1-808-529-8100 (Provides consular assistance to Australians and Canadians under sharing agreement)
  • Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco: +1-844-880-6519 (Jurisdiction over Guam)
  • Consulate General of Japan in Hagatna: +1-671-646-1290 (Japanese diplomatic representation)

Common Scams & Tourist Traps

  • Taxi Overcharging: Some taxi drivers may avoid using the meter or quote inflated flat rates to tourists.
  • Drink Spiking: Incidents of spiked beverages have been reported in crowded nightlife venues around Tumon.
  • Counterfeit Goods: Vendors in informal markets may sell pirated or fake designer goods, which are illegal to purchase or import.

Cultural Etiquette in Guam

Do

  • Tipping: Follow standard US tipping customs by leaving 15% to 20% at restaurants and bars.
  • Cover Up: Wear modest clothing when walking through towns, shopping centers, or residential areas outside the beach.
  • Greet Respectfully: Show polite deference to local Chamorro elders and community leaders.

Don't

  • Do Not Touch Wildlife: Avoid touching marine life, coral reefs, or stray animals, as this can cause ecological damage or injury.
  • Do Not Collect Coral: Taking sand, shells, or coral from the beaches is strictly prohibited by local environmental laws.
  • Avoid Historical Insensitivity: Do not make light of or speak insensitively about the World War II occupation of the island.

Advisory Comparison by Government Source

Global Affairs Canada

Updated: 2026-07-09
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
The Canadian advisory highlights the need to take normal security precautions in Guam. It specifically warns travelers about the presence of unexploded World War II ordnance in areas like beaches, farms, and diving spots, advising visitors not to touch any war remnants.

It also notes that while cannabis is legal locally up to one ounce, it remains strictly illegal under US federal law, warning against attempting to transport it. The advisory points out that road conditions vary greatly and warns of seasonal flooding in southern Guam.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
The Australian government advises exercising normal safety precautions but notes the severe infrastructure damage caused by Super Typhoon Bavi, which struck as a category 5 storm. It warns of disruptions to essential services like water, electricity, and transport.

The advisory emphasizes the extremely high cost of medical care in Guam, noting there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia. It also outlines the strict entry requirements, including the G-CNMI Visa Waiver Program and the mandatory electronic declaration form.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
The Japanese safety data provides detailed statistics on local crime, noting that property crime makes up about 40 percent of offenses. It highlights specific safety incidents, including a fatal shooting of a tourist near Gun Beach in early 2024, urging vigilance in tourist zones.

Unique to this advisory is a warning regarding historical sensitivities, reminding travelers of the Japanese occupation of Guam during World War II and advising respectful conduct. It also notes strict penalties for collecting coral and child neglect laws regarding unattended minors in cars.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
The New Zealand advisory recommends exercising normal safety and security precautions. It echoes warnings regarding World War II unexploded ordnances and petty crime, advising travelers to keep a close eye on personal belongings.

It emphasizes the risks of insect-borne diseases like Dengue and Zika in the Pacific region, urging travelers to use insect repellent and ensure their accommodation is fully insect-proof.

Viaggiare Sicuri (Italy)

Updated: 2026-03-03
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
The Italian ministry notes that Guam is subject to frequent seismic activity and potential tsunamis, advising travelers to verify the safety of tourist structures. It also highlights water safety, warning of dangerous ocean currents even near hotel beaches.

The advisory lists specific health concerns, including the presence of heartworm (cardiopulmonary filariasis), Chlamydia, and waterborne diseases like Hepatitis A, recommending a comprehensive international medical insurance policy.

Important: This is an aggregated summary from multiple government sources. Always consult official government travel advisory websites before making travel decisions.

About Travel Advisories for Guam

This comprehensive travel advisory page for Guam aggregates official government warnings and recommendations from eight major international sources. Each country's foreign affairs department maintains its own travel advisory system based on unique assessment criteria, intelligence gathering, and diplomatic considerations.

The United States Department of State, Global Affairs Canada, UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Australia's Smartraveller, France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs each provide independent assessments of travel risks to Guam.

By comparing these multiple perspectives, travelers can gain a more complete understanding of the current situation in Guam and make better-informed decisions about their travel plans. Remember to always check the official government websites directly before finalizing any travel arrangements.

Last updated: 2026-07-10